FIFO Memory Clock Gating for Power Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
FIFO memory systems consume significant power due to inefficient read and write operations when data remains the same across consecutive memory addresses, necessitating improved power management techniques.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a clock gating mechanism and status bit system to prevent unnecessary read and write operations when data is identical to the previous address, using memory management components to control access and reduce power consumption by keeping the memory in a low power state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If read and write operations are performed on FIFO memory for every memory address access, then data access functionality is maintained, but power consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by performing memory access operations only when necessary - specifically, only when the data at the current memory address differs from the previous address. The clock signal is gated to enable read/write operations partially rather than continuously, reducing power consumption while maintaining data access functionality when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action through clock gating that rhythmically enables and disables memory access based on data change detection. The status bit is periodically updated to reflect whether data has changed, and the clock signal is periodically gated accordingly, creating a rhythmic pattern of active and inactive states that reduces average power consumption.
2Reliability
If continuous memory access is performed to ensure data freshness, then data accuracy is maintained, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses feedback through status bits that continuously monitor whether data at each memory address has changed from the previous address. This feedback mechanism allows the system to make informed decisions about whether to perform read/write operations, ensuring data accuracy is maintained only when necessary while reducing unnecessary power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The memory system performs self-service by automatically detecting data changes through status bit updates and autonomously gating the clock signal accordingly. The system monitors its own state and adjusts its operation to maintain data accuracy while minimizing power consumption without requiring external control.
3Loss of energy
If clock gating is implemented to reduce power consumption, then energy efficiency improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the memory control into independent address-specific status bits and segmented clock gating control. Each memory address has its own status bit that independently tracks data changes, allowing granular control over which addresses require access. This segmentation manages complexity by breaking down the control mechanism into manageable, address-specific units.
Data Source
AI summary
In various embodiments, apparatuses and methods are disclosed to keep a memory clock gated when the data for a current memory address is the same as the data in the immediate previous memory address. For a write function, new data will only be written into the current memory address if it is different from the data in the immediate previous memory address. Similarly, for a read function, the data will only be read out of the current memory address if it is different from the data in the immediate previous memory address. Each row in the memory may have one associated status bit outside the memory. Data may only be written to or read from the current memory address when the status bit is set. Clock gating the memory ports may reduce the overall power consumption of the memory.