Magnetic Disk Power Control via Variable Wait Times
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power control methods for magnetic disk units do not efficiently reduce power consumption without compromising throughput, as they fail to account for varying transition times to low-power consumption modes.
Innovation Solution
A power control method that identifies the type of last instruction sent to the magnetic disk unit and sets a varying wait time, sending an idle instruction to transition the unit into a low-power state after processing completion, thereby reducing power consumption without lowering throughput.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a fixed wait time is set for transitioning to low-power consumption mode, then power consumption can be reduced, but throughput decreases when transition time varies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the wait time variable rather than fixed. The control unit dynamically adjusts the wait time based on the actual transition time measured from previous mode switches. This allows the system to adapt to varying transition times while maintaining optimal power consumption reduction, thereby resolving the contradiction between energy efficiency and throughput.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by measuring the actual transition time from operational mode to low-power consumption mode and using this information to adjust the wait time for subsequent transitions. The control unit continuously monitors and updates the wait time based on actual performance, ensuring that power consumption is reduced without compromising throughput due to improper timing.
2Reliability
If the wait time is extended to ensure proper mode transition, then reliable power saving is achieved, but processing delay increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the wait time based on actual transition performance rather than using a conservative fixed value. By measuring the real transition time and adapting the wait time accordingly, the system achieves reliable mode transitions without unnecessarily extending the wait period, thus minimizing processing delay while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit performs self-adjustment by automatically measuring its own transition times and using this information to optimize future wait times. This self-service mechanism ensures that the system learns from its own behavior and optimizes the balance between reliable transitions and minimal delay without external intervention.
Data Source
AI summary
A power control method for a magnetic disk unit is disclosed. The method includes identifying a type of a last instruction sent to a magnetic disk unit and, in response to identifying the type, setting a wait time that varies according to the type. In response to the wait time having elapsed after a completion of processing ordered by the last instruction, an idle instruction is sent to the magnetic disk unit for placing the magnetic disk unit in an idle state in which power consumption is reduced.