DRAM Self-Refresh Transition Control for Networked Communication Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication apparatuses face power consumption issues due to the inability to transition the DRAM to a self-refresh state when network control is not required, leading to unnecessary power usage even when connected to a network.
Innovation Solution
A communication apparatus with a transition control unit that forces the storage unit to switch from a high-power state to a low-power self-refresh state when the CPUs are not accessing the storage unit, even if network connection is enabled, thereby reducing power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the DRAM is prevented from entering self-refresh state when network connection is enabled, then network control reliability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the DRAM refresh mode based on real-time access status and network connection state. The transition control unit monitors whether CPUs are accessing the DRAM and combines this with network connection status to dynamically switch between normal refresh and self-refresh modes, optimizing both reliability and power consumption adaptively
Solution Approach 2:
The DRAM performs self-refresh operation autonomously without CPU intervention when in self-refresh state. The transition control unit enables this self-service mode when appropriate, allowing the DRAM to maintain its own data without external access, thereby reducing power consumption while ensuring data integrity through the periodic self-refresh mechanism
2Use of energy by moving object
If the DRAM is forced into self-refresh state to reduce power consumption, then power consumption is reduced, but network control responsiveness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The transition control unit implements a feedback mechanism by continuously monitoring CPU access requests to the DRAM. When a CPU needs to access the DRAM during self-refresh state, the system detects this request and transitions the DRAM back to normal refresh state, ensuring responsive network control while maintaining power efficiency during idle periods
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between normal refresh and self-refresh modes based on real-time CPU access status. When CPUs are actively accessing the DRAM for network control, the system transitions from self-refresh to normal refresh state, ensuring fast response times while utilizing self-refresh only during idle periods when no access is needed
3Speed
If the DRAM operates in normal refresh state continuously, then data access speed is maintained, but power consumption increases unnecessarily
Solution Approach 1:
The DRAM in self-refresh state performs periodic refresh operations at extended intervals compared to normal refresh. The transition control unit exploits this periodic self-refresh mechanism during idle network periods, maintaining data integrity while significantly reducing power consumption by eliminating continuous CPU-controlled refresh cycles
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions the DRAM to self-service mode where the DRAM autonomously performs its own refresh operations without CPU intervention. This self-refresh capability maintains data integrity while reducing power consumption, and the transition control unit manages the state transitions based on actual access needs rather than continuous operation
Data Source
AI summary
A communication apparatus includes a connection unit, a storage unit, first and second processing units, and a control unit. The storage unit operates in one of a first state where a memory keeping process to keep information stored in the storage unit is executed in response to accepting an outside instruction, and a second state in which the memory keeping process is executed without accepting an outside instruction. The first processing unit performs a first process based on network received information and the stored information. The second processing unit performs a second process different from the first process and based on the stored information. The control unit forces the storage unit to transit from the first to the second state where the first and second processing units are not accessing the storage unit. Consumption power consumed in the first state is larger than consumption power consumed in the second state.