Dynamic Memory Bus Throttling for Thermal Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-performance digital systems face operational variances due to temperature effects, leading to potential memory-related reliability issues, as existing temperature monitoring and throttling methods may not accurately reflect actual temperature values, necessitating an intelligent bus throttling mechanism to maintain thermal limits while maximizing system performance.
Innovation Solution
A memory controller is adapted to use feedback signals from temperature measurement means to perform memory bus throttling, employing fixed and dynamic throttling modes based on specified trip points, with algorithms controlling access to ensure memory devices operate within thermal limits, using a register to store throttling mode information and readout intervals inversely proportional to temperature change rates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If memory bus throttling is applied to reduce power consumption and thermal output, then temperature control is improved, but system performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic throttling modes (fixed and dynamic) that adjust memory bus throttling levels based on real-time temperature readings. The system transitions between different throttling algorithms depending on whether temperature is below or above trip points, allowing optimal performance-temperature balance rather than static throttling
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors memory device temperature through temperature sensors and uses this feedback to control the memory bus throttling. The memory controller adjusts throttling levels based on temperature readings, creating a closed-loop control system that maintains temperature within limits while maximizing performance
2Reliability
If temperature monitoring is performed continuously to ensure thermal limits are met, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides temperature monitoring into discrete thresholds (trip points) rather than continuous monitoring. The system monitors whether temperature exceeds specific predefined levels (e.g., first trip point, second trip point) and responds accordingly, simplifying the monitoring logic while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (throttling algorithms) based on temperature parameter thresholds. When temperature exceeds a trip point, the system switches from normal operation to throttling modes, and when temperature drops below, it resumes normal operation, providing reliable control with simplified parameter management
3Device complexity
If fixed throttling algorithms are used to simplify control logic, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different temperature conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent provides both fixed and dynamic throttling modes that can be selected based on system configuration and temperature conditions. The dynamic mode adapts throttling levels to varying temperature rates of change, while the fixed mode provides simplified control, allowing the system to adapt to different operational scenarios without excessive complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes throttling parameters based on temperature conditions and configuration. Different throttling algorithms are applied depending on whether the system is in fixed or dynamic mode, and whether temperature is below or above trip points, providing adaptability while maintaining manageable control logic
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach effectively maximizes system performance by dynamically adjusting memory bus throttling to prevent overheating, ensuring memory devices operate within safe thermal limits, providing a balanced combination of performance and safety through distinct throttling algorithms.
Implementation Method 1
Devices that monitor temperature and voltage are often included as part of such systems in order to maintain the integrity of the system components
Implementation Method 2
Memory throttling generally provides a solution to cool the memory devices by reducing memory traffic allowed on the memory bus, thereby reducing the power consumed by the memory devices, which leads to reduced thermal output
Data Source
AI summary
A method for throttling a bus, e.g. a memory bus, may be used to compensate for potential inaccuracy of feedback information received for monitored characteristics, e.g. temperature, reported by sensors configured in monitored devices, e.g. memory devices, accessed through the bus. For example, in case of a memory bus, a memory controller may be configured to throttle the memory bus in a way that maximizes system performance while ensuring that the memory devices keep operating within their thermal limits. Readings obtained from the memory, or from close proximity to the memory, may indicate whether the temperature of the memory has crossed over one or more designated trip points, and one or more algorithms may be executed to perform throttling according to the readings and based on fixed and dynamic throttling modes. The memory controller may infer temperature changes taking place in the memory devices when successive readings are indicating that the temperature of the memory device has remained over a given trip point. Based on these inferences, the memory controller may then change the manner in which the bus is throttled.