Dynamic Power Budget Allocation for Non-Volatile Memory Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic devices with non-volatile memory face challenges in operating efficiently during power transitions, particularly when the internal power source is depleted and the external charging source provides limited power, leading to restricted functionality due to limited power budgets.
Innovation Solution
A power budgeting manager dynamically allocates power among components such as processors and non-volatile memory by stalling or throttling operations, using techniques like clock gating and interrupting processes based on power availability, to ensure optimal operation within the available power constraints.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the electronic device operates during the time interval when the power charging device provides limited power, then the device can maintain basic functionality, but certain components cannot function fully or at all due to the limited power budget
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the operational state of components based on available power budget. The processor transitions between active and stalled states, and clock gating is applied dynamically to different components depending on power availability, allowing the device to adapt its functionality to match the limited power supply conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The power budget is segmented and allocated to different components (processor, NVM, other components) based on their priority and current operational needs. The system divides the limited power budget into discrete allocations, enabling critical components to function while non-critical components are restricted or stalled
2Productivity
If the processor operates at full speed, then computational tasks can be performed efficiently, but the power consumption exceeds the limited power budget available during charging
Solution Approach 1:
The processor operates at partial capacity rather than full speed during limited power conditions. Clock gating selectively disables clock signals to specific processor units or stages, allowing essential computations to proceed at reduced speed while preventing power consumption from exceeding the available budget
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the processor by adjusting clock frequency and enabling/disabling specific processing units based on power availability. This parameter adjustment allows the processor to function within the constrained power envelope while maintaining essential productivity
3Duration of action of stationary object
If the NVM operates continuously, then data storage and retrieval can proceed without interruption, but the combined power consumption of processor and NVM exceeds the limited power budget
Solution Approach 1:
The NVM operations are conducted in periodic bursts rather than continuous operation. The system alternates between active NVM access periods and idle periods, allowing the processor and NVM to share the limited power budget over time while maintaining overall system functionality
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are disclosed for dynamically allocating power for a system having non-volatile memory. A power budgeting manager of a system can determine if the total amount of power available for the system is below a pre-determined power level (e.g., a low power state). While the system is operating in the low power state, the power budgeting manager can dynamically allocate power among various components of the system (e.g., a processor and non-volatile memory).