Dynamic Flash Interface Module Control for Storage Power
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Storage devices face challenges in optimizing power consumption and thermal management due to limitations in the number of flash interface modules (FIMs), especially when operating in higher performance modes, leading to potential overheating and power constraints.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an adaptive FIM protocol that dynamically enables or disables FIMs based on the operating mode, allowing for efficient power management and thermal control by adjusting the number of active FIMs according to performance and power requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the storage device operates in higher performance mode with multiple FIMs enabled, then data transfer speed and productivity are improved, but power consumption and thermal generation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic FIM configuration where the controller enables or disables specific FIMs based on real-time performance requirements and power constraints. The system transitions between static and dynamic operation modes, adjusting the number of active FIMs to match actual data transfer needs, thereby optimizing the balance between productivity and power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by adjusting the number of active FIMs according to different operating modes (e.g., NVMe vs SD mode). This parameter adjustment allows the storage device to meet power limits for different protocols while maintaining adequate performance, resolving the contradiction between high-speed data transfer and power consumption constraints.
2Productivity
If the storage device operates in higher performance mode with multiple FIMs enabled, then data transfer speed is improved, but thermal generation increases causing overheating
Solution Approach 1:
The controller dynamically adjusts the number of active FIMs based on thermal conditions and performance requirements. When operating in high-performance modes like NVMe, the system enables sufficient FIMs to meet data transfer demands while monitoring thermal impact, disabling excess FIMs to prevent overheating in compact form factors.
Solution Approach 2:
The system modifies the operational parameter of active FIM count to control thermal generation. By adapting the number of active FIMs to match actual protocol requirements (e.g., using fewer FIMs in SD mode vs. NVMe mode), the system maintains adequate data transfer speed while preventing thermal runaway in space-constrained devices.
3Use of energy by moving object
If fewer FIMs are used to reduce power consumption, then power efficiency is improved, but the storage device cannot meet performance requirements of high-speed protocols
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic FIM allocation that adapts to different protocol requirements. When operating in power-efficient modes, fewer FIMs are active, but when high-performance protocols like NVMe are required, the controller enables additional FIMs to meet the demanding data transfer requirements, thus dynamically balancing power efficiency and performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The operational parameter of active FIM count is changed based on protocol requirements and power constraints. The system calculates the minimum number of FIMs needed to satisfy both power limits and performance requirements for each protocol mode, adjusting this parameter to achieve optimal power efficiency without sacrificing necessary performance.
4Volume of moving object
If the storage device uses a compact form factor, then portability is improved, but thermal dissipation becomes insufficient leading to overheating
Solution Approach 1:
In compact form factors where thermal dissipation is limited, the system dynamically controls the number of active FIMs to match actual performance needs. This prevents excessive thermal generation from unnecessarily active FIMs while maintaining adequate performance, effectively managing thermal constraints imposed by the compact enclosure.
Data Source
AI summary
A storage device executes an adaptive flash interface module (FIM) protocol to optimize power consumption. The storage device includes a memory device including sets of dies and a set of FIMs. A FIM connects a controller to a set of dies on the memory device. The controller determines the mode of operation of the storage device and initializes the storage device in a first operating mode or a second operating mode. The controller makes at least one FIM non-operational when operating in the second operating mode and uses an operational FIM to communicate with multiple sets of dies on the memory device. The controller also makes a given number of FIMs operational when operating in the first operating mode and uses the operational FIM to communicate with a set of dies on the memory device. Operational FIMs accommodate a data rate for the mode of operation of the storage device.