Storage Command Context Saving for Low-Throughput Power Modes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data storage devices struggle to enter a low-power mode when there are pending host commands, leading to inefficient power consumption in variable host throughput environments.
Innovation Solution
The data storage device detects a low host data consumption rate and enters a power-saving mode by storing pending host command contexts in non-volatile memory, reducing power to components, and collaborating with the host to manage command queuing and latency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the data storage device enters a low-power mode when no host commands are pending, then power consumption is reduced, but the device cannot enter low-power mode when pending host commands exist, leading to inefficient power consumption in variable throughput environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic power management by allowing the data storage device to transition between active and low-power modes based on real-time host command consumption rates. The device dynamically adjusts its operational state rather than following a fixed power management policy, enabling it to enter low-power mode even when commands are pending in the queue if the host is not consuming data rapidly enough to warrant keeping the device fully active.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the device enters power-saving mode with pending commands by storing context in non-volatile memory, then power is reduced to components, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces non-volatile memory as an intermediary component to store the context of pending host commands when the device enters power-saving mode. This intermediary allows the device to maintain command state information without requiring the main processing components to remain fully powered, enabling power reduction while preserving the ability to resume command execution. The non-volatile memory acts as a buffer that bridges the gap between power state transitions and command processing requirements.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the device enters low-power mode with pending host commands, then power consumption is optimized, but latency increases due to context restoration required upon exit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by detecting low host data consumption rates before the device would normally be forced to remain in active mode. By identifying this condition in advance, the device can proactively transition to power-saving mode and store command contexts in non-volatile memory, preparing for the power state change before it occurs. This preliminary detection and preparation minimizes the impact on subsequent latency when the device needs to exit the low-power mode, as the context storage is already completed.
Data Source
AI summary
A data storage device and method for power saving in a variable host throughput environment are provided. In one embodiment, a data storage device is provided comprising a memory and one or more processors. The one or more processors, individually or in combination, are configured to: detect that a data consumption rate of a host is below a threshold; and in response to detecting that the data consumption rate of the host is below the threshold, enter a power-saving mode by: storing, in the non-volatile memory, a context of a pending host command in a command queue; and reducing power to at least one component of the data storage device. Other embodiments are disclosed.