Dynamic Memory Page Management Policy Adaptation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current DRAM page management policies are inflexible and do not adapt effectively to varying data access patterns and sizes, leading to suboptimal performance and power consumption in applications like data analytics, graph processing, and deep learning.
Innovation Solution
Software determines and conveys preferred page management policies to memory controllers based on data access size and pattern, using mechanisms such as specialized instructions, memory region registers, and page tables to dynamically adjust policies for optimal access strategies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If an open-page policy is used, then access efficiency to the same row is improved, but access delay to other rows increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic page buffer management by allowing the memory controller to switch between open-page and closed-page policies based on real-time access patterns. The system monitors access characteristics and adjusts the page buffer state dynamically, transitioning from a static policy to an adaptive one that optimizes performance for varying workloads.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the page buffer by modifying policies based on access patterns. When sequential accesses are detected, the system transitions to an open-page policy; when random accesses occur, it switches to a closed-page policy. This parameter adjustment resolves the contradiction by adapting to different access scenarios.
2Loss of time
If a closed-page policy is used, then latency for accessing different rows is reduced, but row activation frequency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The memory controller dynamically adjusts page buffer policies based on detected access patterns. When sequential accesses are identified, the system transitions to an open-page policy that keeps the page buffer open, reducing row activation frequency and energy consumption. When random accesses are detected, it switches to a closed-page policy to minimize latency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the memory controller monitors access patterns and uses this information to adjust page buffer policies in real-time. This feedback loop enables the system to learn from access behavior and optimize both latency and energy consumption accordingly.
3Device complexity
If a fixed page management policy is used, then system simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to varying data access patterns deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static page management system into a dynamic one by enabling real-time policy adjustments based on access patterns. The memory controller continuously monitors access characteristics and adapts its behavior, providing versatility while maintaining reasonable system complexity through automated decision-making.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service by automatically detecting access patterns and adjusting page buffer policies without external intervention. The memory controller autonomously monitors access behavior and makes policy decisions, reducing the need for complex external control mechanisms while achieving high adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, apparatuses, and methods for determining preferred memory page management policies by software are disclosed. Software executing on one or more processing units generates a memory request. Software determines the preferred page management policy for the memory request based at least in part on the data access size and data access pattern of the memory request. Software conveys an indication of a preferred page management policy to a memory controller. Then, the memory controller accesses memory for the memory request using the preferred page management policy specified by software.