Adaptive Watchdog Timer for Memory Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional memory device watchdog timers operate with fixed intervals, which can lead to inefficient and unstable behavior in systems with varying storage needs and application-specific latency requirements, resulting in unnecessary resets and increased host burden.
Innovation Solution
An adaptive watchdog module dynamically adjusts its timer value based on monitored host timeout events and memory operation latencies, allowing for independent self-reset of memory devices before host intervention, thereby optimizing timeout settings for specific applications and reducing inefficiencies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed interval watchdog timer is used, then the memory device can reset after a preset time to avoid deadlock, but it causes unnecessary resets and increased host burden when the fixed interval does not match application-specific latency requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic watchdog timer that adapts its timeout interval based on monitored memory operation latencies. The system measures actual operation times and adjusts the watchdog interval accordingly, transforming the fixed timer into a dynamic one that matches real application needs, thereby eliminating unnecessary resets while maintaining deadlock protection
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the watchdog timer continuously monitors memory operation completion times and uses this information to adjust its timeout interval. This closed-loop feedback ensures the timer adapts to changing operational conditions, preventing both unnecessary resets and missed deadlock detection
2Device complexity
If a fixed interval watchdog timer is used, then the memory device can operate with simple timer logic, but it results in inefficient operation when the fixed interval does not align with varying storage needs and application latency requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from static to dynamic timer operation by implementing adaptive interval adjustment based on monitored performance metrics. This allows the system to optimize productivity through learned patterns while maintaining manageable complexity through automated adaptation rather than complex manual configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The watchdog timer system performs self-adjustment by automatically monitoring its own performance and adapting its timeout interval without external intervention. This self-service capability improves efficiency by eliminating the need for manual tuning while keeping the system relatively simple through autonomous optimization
3Stability of the object's composition
If the watchdog timer operates with fixed intervals, then it can provide consistent timeout behavior, but it causes host-detected watchdog events when the fixed timeout does not match actual memory operation completion times
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from actual memory operation completion times to adjust the watchdog timeout interval dynamically. This feedback loop maintains consistency in the sense that the timeout behavior consistently matches the actual operational needs, even though the interval value changes based on conditions, thereby preventing host-detected watchdog events
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the timeout parameter from a fixed value to a dynamically adjusted value based on monitored operational latency. This parameter adaptation allows the system to maintain reliable operation by aligning the timeout interval with actual memory operation characteristics, eliminating spurious watchdog events
Data Source
AI summary
Devices and techniques for an adjustable watchdog in a memory device are disclosed herein. A memory operation command is received at a first time with a memory device from a host. A reset signal is received, with the memory device from the host, at a second time following the first time. A time interval between the first time and the second time is measured. A delay interval for a timer in the memory device to reset the memory device independently of receiving a further reset signal from the host is established based on the measured time interval.