Adaptive Non-Volatile Memory Configuration for Mobile Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile computing devices face challenges with response times and usable life of non-volatile memory, particularly NOR flash memory, which have slower response times and limited read/write cycles, and the inflexible implementation of different types of non-volatile memory in either memory or storage modes leading to excessive space usage.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of phase change memory (PCM) or PCM with an Ovonic threshold switch (PCMS) that can be adaptively configured to operate at various frequencies and modes, utilizing a mode register and configuration manager to dynamically adjust I/O and command/address pins based on discovered capabilities and application requests.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If NOR flash memory is used for non-volatile storage, then power consumption is reduced, but response time deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The memory system dynamically configures the non-volatile memory between memory mode and storage mode based on operational requirements. The controller can switch the memory device between different operational states, allowing it to provide fast memory-like access when needed while maintaining power-efficient storage operation during normal conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters of the non-volatile memory device by adjusting voltage levels, clock frequencies, and memory timing parameters. By modifying these parameters, the memory device can operate in different modes (memory mode with faster access vs. storage mode with lower power consumption) to resolve the contradiction between speed and energy efficiency.
2Device complexity
If different types of non-volatile memory are implemented in fixed memory or storage modes, then device functionality is simplified, but space efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A single non-volatile memory device is designed to perform multiple functions by operating in different modes. The same physical memory array can be configured to provide either fast memory-like access or dense storage capacity, eliminating the need for separate memory and storage devices and thereby improving space efficiency without significantly increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The memory system dynamically reconfigures the non-volatile memory between memory mode and storage mode based on operational requirements. The controller can switch the memory device between different operational states, allowing it to provide fast memory-like access when needed while maintaining power-efficient storage operation during normal conditions.
3Quantity of substance
If non-volatile memory operates in storage mode with dense arrays, then storage capacity increases, but response time deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The memory system dynamically configures the non-volatile memory between memory mode and storage mode based on operational requirements. The controller can switch the memory device between different operational states, allowing it to provide fast memory-like access when needed while maintaining power-efficient storage operation during normal conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters of the non-volatile memory device by adjusting voltage levels, clock frequencies, and memory timing parameters. By modifying these parameters, the memory device can operate in different modes (memory mode with faster access vs. storage mode with lower power consumption) to resolve the contradiction between speed and energy efficiency.
4Speed
If DRAM is used for fast response times, then computational performance improves, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses non-volatile memory as a replacement for volatile DRAM in mobile devices. Non-volatile memory maintains data without power (eliminating the need for continuous refresh operations that consume power in DRAM) while providing sufficient performance for mobile computational workloads, effectively replacing the power-hungry DRAM with a more energy-efficient alternative.
Data Source
AI summary
Examples are disclosed for adaptive configuration of non-volatile memory. The examples include a mode register configured to include default and updated values to indicate one or more configurations of the non-volatile memory. The examples may also include discoverable capabilities maintained in a configuration table that may indicate memory address lengths and/or operating power states.