Dynamic Precharge Policy for Memory Sub-Regions
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing precharge schemes in semiconductor memory devices are inefficient in managing power consumption and processing speed, as they often require significant power to transition between active and precharge states, especially when changing from a precharge state to an active state.
Innovation Solution
A data storage system with a memory controller that sets and dynamically changes precharge schemes based on access patterns and counts for sub-regions, allowing for the selection between open and closed precharge policies to optimize power usage and performance by maintaining or altering the precharge state of row lines accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a precharge scheme is fixed to an initial state, then device complexity is reduced, but power consumption increases due to unnecessary transitions between active and precharge states
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the precharge scheme changeable rather than fixed. The memory controller dynamically switches between first and second precharge schemes based on access patterns to sub-regions, allowing the system to adapt to varying workload conditions and minimize unnecessary state transitions, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining manageable complexity through automated policy selection.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the precharge state is frequently changed to match access patterns, then power consumption is reduced, but device complexity increases due to dynamic policy management
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by monitoring access patterns to sub-regions and using this information to dynamically select between precharge schemes. The memory controller counts accesses to each sub-region and adjusts the precharge policy accordingly, creating a closed-loop system that automatically optimizes power consumption based on actual workload conditions without requiring complex manual configuration.
3Speed
If transition from precharge state to active state is performed frequently, then processing speed is improved, but power consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by maintaining sub-regions in an active state when future accesses are anticipated. By monitoring access patterns and keeping frequently accessed sub-regions active, the system prepares in advance for upcoming operations, eliminating the need for frequent precharge-to-active transitions and their associated power consumption while maintaining high processing speed.
Data Source
AI summary
A data storage system includes a memory device including a plurality of memory cells which are coupled to a plurality of row lines, and configured to communicate with a host device through at least one port; and a memory controller configured to select one of a first precharge policy and a second precharge policy according to a precharge control signal, and control the row lines based on access addresses for the row lines according to the selected precharge policy, wherein, under the first precharge policy, one of a first precharge scheme and a second precharge scheme is applied, and under the second precharge policy, both the first and second precharge schemes are applied at different times.