Controller Manages Data Loading Priority for Volatile Memory Power Reduction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile devices face power consumption issues due to system memory loss when power is interrupted, leading to data loss and increased battery depletion.
Innovation Solution
A data storage device configured to enter a low-power state by copying data from volatile memory to non-volatile memory, using a controller to manage the data save and restore operations, ensuring data retention and reducing power consumption by powering off volatile memory while maintaining controller functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the data storage device enters a low-power state by shutting off power to volatile memory, then power consumption is reduced, but data loss occurs when power is interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The controller performs preliminary actions by copying data from volatile memory to non-volatile memory before the device enters low-power state. This advance preparation ensures data is preserved in non-volatile storage, allowing the device to safely shut off volatile memory power without risking data loss during power interruption.
2Reliability
If all data is loaded from non-volatile memory to volatile memory upon power-up, then data availability is ensured, but power consumption increases and recovery time extends
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of loading all data from non-volatile memory to volatile memory upon power-up, the controller implements partial loading by prioritizing and loading only the most frequently accessed or critical data portions first. This selective approach ensures essential data is immediately available while reducing overall power consumption and accelerating system recovery time.
3Reliability
If all data is loaded from non-volatile memory to volatile memory upon power-up, then complete data availability is achieved, but system recovery time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller loads only the most critical or frequently accessed data portions from non-volatile memory to volatile memory during power-up, rather than waiting to load all data. This partial loading strategy achieves sufficient data availability for immediate system operation while significantly reducing the overall recovery time.
Solution Approach 2:
The data loading process is segmented into priority levels, with the controller dividing data into critical portions that must be loaded immediately and less critical portions that can be loaded subsequently. This segmentation enables the system to recover faster by handling essential data first while maintaining data availability for core functions.
Data Source
AI summary
A method may be performed in a data storage device that includes a controller, a non-volatile memory, and a volatile memory. The method includes loading a first portion of stored data from the non-volatile memory to the volatile memory according to one or more load priority indicators accessible to the controller. The method further includes, in response to completion of the loading of the first portion of the stored data to the volatile memory and prior to completion of loading a second portion of the stored data to the volatile memory, sending a signal to indicate to a host device operatively coupled to the data storage device that the volatile memory is ready for use by the host device.