Dynamic Command Address Channel Configuration for Memory Power and Latency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing memory systems face challenges in efficiently configuring command/address (C/A) channels, leading to increased power consumption and latency due to the fixed number of pins and cycles used for control information transmission.
Innovation Solution
The dynamic configuration of the number of pins and cycles used for C/A channel communication, based on previously observed, currently observed, or predicted information, such as the quantity of control information waiting to be sent or the page hit rate, to optimize power consumption and reduce latency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a fixed number of pins and cycles are used for C/A channel communication, then the system structure is simple and easy to implement, but power consumption increases and latency is introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic configuration of the C/A channel by allowing the number of pins and cycles to be adjusted based on observed, currently observed, or predicted information about control information queue depth and page hit rates. This transforms the fixed configuration into a dynamic one that adapts to varying workload conditions, reducing power consumption during low-activity periods while maintaining performance during high-activity periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters of the C/A channel configuration (number of pins, number of cycles) based on system state metrics such as control information queue depth and page hit rates. By varying these parameters dynamically, the system optimizes power consumption and latency characteristics according to actual operational demands rather than using a fixed configuration.
2Speed
If more pins and cycles are allocated for C/A channel communication, then transmission speed and bandwidth are improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts the number of pins and cycles allocated to C/A channel communication based on the depth of the control information queue and predicted workload. When the queue is shallow or workload is low, fewer pins and cycles are used, reducing power consumption. When the queue depth increases or workload intensifies, more pins and cycles are allocated to maintain transmission speed and bandwidth.
Solution Approach 2:
The system periodically monitors control information queue depth and page hit rates, and adjusts C/A channel configuration at these monitoring intervals. This periodic observation and adjustment mechanism allows the system to adapt resource allocation to changing conditions, ensuring high transmission speed when needed while conserving power during lower-demand periods.
3Loss of time
If dynamic configuration of pins and cycles is implemented, then power consumption is reduced and latency is minimized, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses predicted information about future workload and control information queue depth to proactively configure the C/A channel before actual demand occurs. By anticipating future conditions and pre-adjusting the number of pins and cycles, the system reduces latency that would otherwise occur during sudden workload increases, while managing complexity through prediction-based rather than reactive configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms by observing control information queue depth and page hit rates, and uses this feedback to adjust C/A channel configuration. This closed-loop approach ensures that the configuration adapts to actual system conditions, minimizing latency by responding to queue depth changes while managing complexity through systematic feedback-driven adjustment rather than ad-hoc changes.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and devices for memory operations that support configuring a channel, such as a command/address (C/A) channel, are described. A configuration of a C/A channel may be dynamically adapted based on power saving considerations, control information execution latency, or both. Configuring a C/A channel may include determining a quantity of pins, or a quantity of cycles, both for communicating control information over the C/A channel. The quantity of pins may be determined based on previous control information transmissions, characteristics of a memory device, or predicted control information transmissions, or any combination thereof in some cases. The determined quantity of pins, quantity of cycles, or both may be explicitly or implicitly indicated to other devices (e.g., that use the C/A channel).