DRAM Efficiency Control with LLC Allocation and Dynamic DDR Frequency

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional solutions fail to accurately account for the dynamic nature of DRAM efficiency, which fluctuates with changing DDR frequencies, densities, refresh rates, and temperatures, leading to inefficient power utilization and inaccurate frequency settings.

Innovation Solution

A framework (FADE component) that dynamically calculates DRAM efficiency based on various parameters, including DDR density, refresh rate, and temperature, and adjusts DDR frequencies and cache allocation to optimize power management and performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If conventional solutions use fixed frequency settings for DDR memory, then device complexity is reduced, but power consumption efficiency deteriorates due to inability to adapt to dynamic DRAM efficiency variations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumption efficiencyVSAvoidfrequency management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic frequency adjustment by continuously monitoring DRAM efficiency metrics (refresh rate, temperature, density) and adapting DDR memory frequency settings in real-time. The system transitions from static frequency configuration to dynamic frequency scaling based on actual DRAM performance conditions, resolving the contradiction between energy efficiency and system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent establishes a feedback loop that monitors DRAM efficiency parameters (refresh rate, temperature, density) and uses this information to adjust DDR memory frequency settings. The system measures actual DRAM performance and feeds this information back to the frequency controller, enabling closed-loop optimization that improves power efficiency while managing complexity through automated control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Productivity

If DDR memory frequency is increased to improve performance, then productivity increases, but power consumption increases due to higher energy usage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvememory bandwidthVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent dynamically changes operating parameters (DDR frequency, voltage) based on monitored DRAM efficiency metrics. By adjusting frequency and voltage levels according to actual DRAM performance conditions rather than using fixed high settings, the system optimizes the trade-off between memory bandwidth and power consumption, achieving high productivity only when DRAM conditions support efficient operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements dynamic frequency scaling that adjusts DDR memory frequency in real-time based on DRAM efficiency measurements. When DRAM conditions are favorable (optimal refresh rate, temperature, density), the system increases frequency to maximize bandwidth; when conditions deteriorate, frequency is reduced to maintain power efficiency, thus dynamically balancing performance and energy usage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Measurement precision

If DRAM efficiency is not accurately determined, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates leading to inaccurate frequency settings

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveDRAM efficiency measurement accuracyVSAvoidmonitoring system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates multiple monitoring functions (refresh rate detection, temperature sensing, density tracking) into a unified DRAM efficiency measurement framework. Rather than adding separate complex monitoring systems for each parameter, the invention creates a multi-functional measurement apparatus that simultaneously captures all relevant DRAM efficiency metrics, improving measurement precision while managing complexity through functional integration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12579060B2Dynamic random-access memory (DRAM) efficiency calculation and utilization of last level cache (LLC)
Publication Date: 2026.03.17 QUALCOMM INC
  • US12579060B2 patent drawing
  • US12579060B2 patent drawing
  • US12579060B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Various embodiments include systems and methods for improving Dynamic Random-Access Memory (DRAM) efficiency and Last Level Cache (LLC) utilization. A computing system may be configured to dynamically adjust DRAM efficiency calculations based on multiple system metrics and conditions (e.g., DDR frequency, density, refresh rates, etc.) for more accurate frequency settings and improved power consumption. The computing system may use a multi-stage approach that includes memory and cache allocation, bandwidth management, and frequency settings. The computing system may fine-tune the DRAM efficiency calculations based on various other factors (e.g., cache miss rates, power consumption, etc.), dynamically modify operational parameters (e.g., DDR frequencies, etc.) in response to specific events or computational tasks, and work in tandem with other system components (e.g., a Last-Level Cache Controller (LLCC), etc.) to improve resource allocation.