Computational Storage NFC Power Control for Standby Accelerators
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Solution Overview
Problem
In computational storage systems, individual power management of the computing device is not possible separately from the storage device, leading to unnecessary power consumption when the computing device is in a standby state, which limits the overall system's energy efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A computational storage system with a non-volatile memory express flow controller (NFC) that includes a power management module to identify and execute power control commands for the accelerator based on target commands received from the host device, allowing separate power management of the computing device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the storage device and computing device are managed through one NVMe interface, then device management is simplified, but individual power management of the computing device cannot be performed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power management functionality by introducing a dedicated PM module within the NFC that can independently identify and execute power control commands for the accelerator, separating this function from the storage device power management while maintaining unified interface access
2Reliability
If the computing device remains active to maintain data processing capability, then system readiness is improved, but power consumption increases during standby states
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic power management by enabling the PM module to receive and execute power control commands that can change the accelerator's power state in real-time, allowing the system to adapt between active and low-power states based on operational needs
Solution Approach 2:
The PM module continuously monitors command traffic from the host device and provides feedback to determine when power control actions are needed, enabling the system to maintain readiness only when necessary while conserving power during standby periods
Data Source
AI summary
A computational storage system includes a storage device configured to store data and a computing device including a non-volatile memory express flow controller (NFC), an accelerator, and a memory, the computing device configured to perform data processing on input data provided from a host device outside the storage device or the computational storage system, the computing device, the NFC including a power management (PM) module, wherein the PM module is configured to identify whether or not a target command related to power control of the accelerator is received among a plurality of commands received from the host device and perform the power control of the accelerator based on the target command when the target command is received.