External Memory Access Control for Power-Constrained Processing Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing processing systems face power constraints due to high energy spikes when accessing external memory, which can deplete energy reserves and affect other components sharing the same power source, especially in environments with limited power supplies like two-wire loops.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method to control access to external memory by determining available energy thresholds and restricting or distributing external memory accesses to prevent energy spikes, allowing access only when energy exceeds a predetermined threshold or spreading accesses across internal and external memory usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the processing system accesses external memory to augment storage capacity, then the storage capability is improved, but the power consumption increases with energy spikes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the processing routine into multiple portions and distributes them across internal and external memory. By dividing the data and instructions into smaller chunks and storing them in alternating locations (internal memory, external memory, internal memory, etc.), the system avoids large continuous bursts of external memory access. This segmentation of the processing routine into multiple smaller access operations reduces peak power consumption while maintaining the required storage capacity.
2Speed
If the processing system accesses external memory in bursts, then the access speed is improved, but the energy spikes adversely affect other components sharing the power source
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by alternating between internal and external memory access in a regular pattern. Instead of accessing external memory in large continuous bursts, the processing routine is structured to access internal and external memory in alternating sequences. This periodic switching between memory sources distributes the power demand over time, preventing sustained energy spikes that would adversely affect other components sharing the same power source.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the processing system minimizes external memory accesses to reduce power consumption, then the energy usage is improved, but the processing capability is reduced when all data cannot fit in internal memory
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-distributing the processing routine portions to appropriate memory locations before execution. The system analyzes the processing requirements and strategically places frequently accessed data and instructions in internal memory while storing less frequently accessed portions in external memory. This preliminary organization optimizes the balance between energy usage and processing capability, ensuring that the most critical operations can proceed with minimal external memory access.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for executing a processing routine that utilizes an external memory is provided. The processing routine requires more than one external memory access. The method comprises the step of distributing the external memory access after a predetermined number of external memory accesses.