DDR Control System Dynamic Power and Clock Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

In DDR SDRAM systems where multiple functional systems share a power domain, the fixed power voltage and clock frequency settings lead to inefficiencies in power consumption, as they do not adapt to the varying requirements of individual systems.

Innovation Solution

A control system comprising a monitoring unit to determine target power and clock parameters based on the working status of each functional system, and a control unit to adjust the DDR system's power voltage and clock frequency accordingly, including a delay buffer unit for data storage during self-refresh states.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If fixed power voltage and clock frequency are set to meet requirements of all functional modules, then normal working of each functional system is ensured, but power consumption of the DDR system increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenormal working of functional systemsVSAvoidpower consumption of DDR system
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic adjustment of power voltage and clock frequency for the DDR system based on the actual working status of functional systems. The monitoring unit detects which functional systems are currently active, and the control unit dynamically adjusts DDR parameters accordingly, transitioning from fixed static settings to adaptive dynamic control. This resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to maintain reliability when needed while reducing power consumption during low-activity periods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical parameters (power voltage and clock frequency) of the DDR system based on detected working status. When functional systems are inactive, the control unit reduces power voltage and adjusts clock frequency to lower values. This direct parameter adjustment allows the system to meet the requirements of active functional systems while minimizing power consumption during idle periods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Use of energy by moving object

If power voltage and clock frequency are reduced to save power, then power consumption decreases, but the ability to meet requirements of all functional modules may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumption of DDR systemVSAvoidability to meet requirements of functional systems
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by adjusting DDR system parameters specifically according to the actual needs of functional systems. Instead of uniformly reducing power across all scenarios, the monitoring unit identifies which functional systems are active and the control unit adjusts parameters locally to meet their specific requirements. This ensures that power reduction does not compromise the operational requirements of active systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the monitoring unit continuously detects the working status of functional systems and provides this information to the control unit. The control unit uses this feedback to dynamically adjust power voltage and clock frequency, ensuring that parameter changes are responsive to actual system needs. This feedback loop prevents over-reduction of parameters that would compromise functional requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Use of energy by moving object

If dynamic adjustment of power and clock parameters is implemented, then power consumption is reduced, but system complexity increases due to monitoring and control units

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumption of DDR systemVSAvoidcomplexity of control system
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service by enabling the DDR system to automatically monitor its own working status and autonomously adjust its power and clock parameters. The monitoring unit detects functional system activity, and the control unit independently makes parameter adjustments without requiring external intervention. This automation reduces the need for complex manual control mechanisms while achieving power optimization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3413162B1Control system and control method for DDR system
Publication Date: 2022.05.04 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP3413162B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3413162B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3413162B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The present invention provides a control system and a control method for a DDR system, so as to reduce power consumption of the DDR system. The system includes: a monitoring unit, configured to monitor a working status of each functional system that shares a power domain with the DDR system, and determine a target power parameter value and a target clock parameter value of the DDR system according to the working status of each functional system; and a control unit, configured to control a power parameter and a clock parameter of the DDR system according to the target power parameter value and the target clock parameter value of the DDR system.