Frequency Power Manager for DDR PHY Module Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current frequency power management systems in hardware applications lack efficient mechanisms to optimize power utilization across different sets of modules operating at varying clock frequencies, leading to suboptimal power consumption and performance.

Innovation Solution

A frequency power manager apparatus that receives an indication of a desired operational frequency and dynamically switches between power modes by enabling or disabling specific sets of modules within a DDR PHY interface, allowing for transitions between ultra-low, low, medium, and high performance modes while minimizing downtime.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If the interface uses higher-power modules for higher performance operation, then the operational speed and performance are improved, but the power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational speedVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches between different power modes (first power mode with higher-power modules and second power mode with lower-power modules) based on operational requirements. The frequency power manager monitors performance needs and adjusts the active module set in real-time, enabling the interface to adapt its power consumption and performance characteristics to match actual workload demands.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters by switching between different power modes that correspond to different clock frequencies and module configurations. The frequency power manager adjusts the operational state of modules (enabled/disabled) based on the desired operational frequency, allowing the interface to optimize the balance between speed and power consumption by selecting appropriate parameter sets.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Use of energy by moving object

If the interface switches between different power modes, then power optimization is achieved, but the transition time and potential traffic disruption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower optimizationVSAvoidtransition time
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The frequency power manager proactively manages power mode transitions by receiving indications of desired operational frequencies and determining mode switches before performance degradation occurs. The system prepares for transitions by monitoring operational conditions and initiating mode changes in advance, minimizing the impact on ongoing operations and reducing effective transition time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements rapid power mode transitions by efficiently switching between module configurations. The frequency power manager executes mode changes quickly by directly controlling module enable/disable states without unnecessary intermediate steps, rushing through the transition process to minimize downtime and traffic disruption while achieving power optimization goals.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #21Skipping (Rushing through)

Data Source

PatentEP2992400B1Frequency power manager
Publication Date: 2019.12.18 QUALCOMM INC
  • EP2992400B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2992400B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2992400B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method and an apparatus are provided. The apparatus is a hardware module that controls a power mode of a plurality of modules. The apparatus receives an indication of a desired operational frequency. Based on the received indication, the apparatus determines to switch from a first power mode associated with a first set of modules to a second power mode corresponding to the desired operational frequency and associated with a second set of modules. The apparatus enables modules in the second set of modules that are unassociated with the first power mode, stops traffic through the plurality of modules upon expiration of a time period after enabling the modules in the second set of modules that are unassociated with the first power mode, routes traffic through the second set of modules, and disables modules in the first set of modules that are unassociated with the second power mode.