Flash Memory Controller Power Saving Mode Entry

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Solution Overview

Problem

Flash memory devices waste power as the flash memory controller remains in a power consumption state for 100 milliseconds after entering an idle state, waiting for the flash memory module to complete operations.

Innovation Solution

A control method that allows the flash memory controller to quickly enter a power saving mode by determining if it has been idle for a threshold time less than the time required for the flash memory module to complete a write or erase command, thereby reducing unnecessary power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the flash memory controller waits for the flash memory module to complete operations before entering power saving mode, then the reliability of operation completion is improved, but the power consumption increases due to extended idle state duration

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation completion reliabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The flash memory controller enters power saving mode after a threshold idle time that is shorter than the flash memory module's operation completion time. This preliminary action allows the controller to save power before the module finishes its operation, and the controller can later query the module's operation status to ensure reliability without remaining in high-power state throughout the entire operation duration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements a feedback mechanism where the flash memory controller queries the flash memory module's operation status after entering power saving mode. This feedback loop allows the controller to determine whether the module has completed its operation while in low-power state, thus maintaining operational reliability without sacrificing power savings during the idle period.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Use of energy by moving object

If the flash memory controller enters power saving mode quickly after idle state, then the power consumption is reduced, but the risk of missing operation completion status increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidoperation status tracking

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The controller enters power saving mode after a predetermined threshold idle time that is deliberately set to be shorter than the flash memory module's operation completion time. This preliminary timing ensures the controller transitions to low-power state proactively while still allowing it to query the module's status afterward, thus reducing power consumption without missing operation completion detection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

After entering power saving mode, the flash memory controller periodically queries the flash memory module to check its operation status. This feedback mechanism allows the controller to confirm whether the module has completed its operation even though the controller entered low-power state earlier, thus maintaining reliability while achieving power savings.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Speed

If the flash memory controller remains in power consumption state for extended idle period, then the responsiveness to subsequent operations is improved, but the power waste increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresponsiveness to operationsVSAvoidpower waste

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The controller enters power saving mode after a threshold idle time that balances power savings with responsiveness requirements. This preliminary transition to low-power state reduces power waste during idle periods, while the controller's ability to quickly wake up and query the flash memory module status ensures it can respond promptly when new operations are needed, thus achieving both power efficiency and operational responsiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS12287975B2Flash memory controller that can quickly enter power saving mode after entering idle state, associated flash memory device, and associated control method

Publication Date: 2025.04.29 SILICON MOTION INC

AI summary

A control method of a memory device includes: controlling a flash memory controller to transmit a command to a flash memory module; determining whether the flash memory controller is in an idle state; in response to the flash memory controller being in the idle state, determining whether an idle time of the idle state exceeds a threshold value, wherein the threshold value is less than a time required for the flash memory module to complete executing a write command or an erase command; and in response to the idle time exceeding the threshold value, controlling the flash memory controller to enter a power saving mode to turn off a part of components in the flash memory controller.