Dynamic Clock Frequency Adjustment for Data Bus Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Data storage devices often operate at a fixed clock frequency to avoid errors in worst-case scenarios, resulting in a data transfer rate lower than the theoretical maximum, due to the need for sufficient setup and hold times.
Innovation Solution
A data storage device with a controller that adjusts the clock frequency in real-time based on identified risks of setup/hold violations, using a host interface and memory interface to determine data patterns and adjust frequencies accordingly, taking into account changes in voltage, temperature, and load.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the clock frequency is set to a fixed value to account for worst-case scenarios, then the reliability of data transmission is improved, but the data transfer rate becomes significantly lower than the theoretical maximum
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic frequency adjustment by continuously monitoring setup and hold time margins during operation and adjusting the clock frequency in real-time. The frequency is increased when margins are sufficient and decreased when margins become insufficient, allowing the system to operate at higher average frequencies while maintaining reliability under varying PVT conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the clock frequency parameter dynamically based on monitored setup and hold time margins. By adjusting this critical parameter in response to actual operating conditions rather than fixing it for worst-case scenarios, the system achieves both high data transfer rates and maintained reliability
2Reliability
If large margins are provided with respect to clock frequency to account for worst-case PVT conditions, then the risk of setup/hold violations is reduced, but the operating data transfer rate is significantly limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring setup and hold time margins during operation and using this information to adjust the clock frequency. This closed-loop control allows the system to maintain adequate margins (reliability) while operating at the highest possible frequency (speed) for current conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static margin provisioning to dynamic margin management, where the clock frequency and associated margins are continuously adjusted based on real-time monitoring of setup and hold time requirements under actual PVT conditions
Data Source
AI summary
A data storage device includes a controller and a memory. The controller includes a host interface and a memory interface. The controller performs a first operation on the memory through the memory interface at a first frequency associated with the host interface to determine a first data pattern. The controller performs a read operation on the memory through the memory interface at a second frequency to determine a second data pattern. The controller changes the first frequency by a predetermined amount until the first frequency is equal to a maximum operating frequency having an associated risk of a setup/hold violation that is below a predetermined probability.