Adaptive Memory Access Mode Switching for Power Optimization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional processor memory management systems waste power by keeping external memory and resources powered up when not in use, leading to inefficiencies and page faults when trying to access them without an explicit mode switch command.

Innovation Solution

An adaptive memory access mode processor that uses a rule-based switch module to dynamically switch between local and non-local memory access modes based on usage patterns, monitoring memory accesses and applying switching rules to optimize power usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If the processor switches to local memory access mode to reduce power consumption, then power usage decreases, but access speed to non-local memory decreases and page faults occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidmemory access speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches between local and non-local memory access modes based on runtime conditions and usage patterns, rather than being static. The rule-based switch module monitors memory access requirements and automatically transitions between modes to optimize both power consumption and access speed according to current operational needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-loading or caching data into local memory before it is needed, and by maintaining state information about memory access patterns. This allows the processor to switch to low-power mode proactively while ensuring that frequently accessed data is already available locally, avoiding page faults and maintaining access speed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Speed

If external memory remains powered up for quick access, then memory access speed improves, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvememory access speedVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies different quality states to different memory locations by maintaining frequently accessed data in local memory with high-speed access characteristics, while allowing less frequently accessed data to reside in external memory in a lower power state. The rule-based switch module determines which data should be kept in which memory type based on access patterns.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs periodic monitoring of memory access patterns and periodically updates the memory access mode or data placement decisions. The rule-based switch module continuously evaluates usage patterns and periodically triggers mode transitions or data migration between local and external memory to balance speed and power consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Ease of operation

If the system uses conventional mode switch commands, then power management control is simplified, but responsiveness to changing memory access needs decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol simplicityVSAvoidresponsiveness to memory access patterns
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-service by automatically managing its own memory access mode without requiring explicit mode switch commands from software. The rule-based switch module monitors memory access patterns and autonomously decides when to switch between local and non-local memory modes, making the system adaptive to changing needs while keeping the control interface simple.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring memory access patterns and using this information to dynamically adjust the memory access mode. The rule-based switch module receives feedback about actual memory usage and automatically transitions between modes to optimize performance, creating a closed-loop control system that is both simple to operate and highly adaptive.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3230875B1Adaptive memory access to local and non-local memories
Publication Date: 2021.03.31 QUALCOMM INC
  • EP3230875B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3230875B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3230875B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Processor access of memory is monitored. The monitoring includes identifying the accesses being to a local memory or a non-local memory. Based on the monitoring, the processor is switched from a non-local memory access mode to a local memory access mode.