Hybrid Memory System Power Saving Data Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Dynamic random access memory (DRAM) systems require frequent self-refresh operations in power-saving modes to maintain data integrity, leading to inefficient power consumption due to the need to periodically refresh charge in capacitors.

Innovation Solution

A hybrid memory system that includes a non-volatile memory and a controller, which moves data from volatile memory to non-volatile memory upon entering a power-saving mode, thereby disabling the self-refresh operation in the volatile memory, reducing unnecessary power usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If self-refresh operation is performed on volatile memory in power-saving mode, then data integrity is maintained, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata integrityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the data from volatile memory and stores it in non-volatile memory before entering power-saving mode. This separates the data storage function from the volatile memory, allowing the volatile memory to be powered down without risking data loss, thus eliminating the need for self-refresh operations while maintaining data integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs a preliminary action by transferring data to non-volatile memory before the power-saving mode is activated. This advance preparation ensures that data is preserved in a non-volatile medium, allowing the system to safely power down the volatile memory without performing subsequent self-refresh operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Speed

If data is stored in volatile memory for quick access, then access speed is improved, but power consumption increases due to required refresh operations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata access speedVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic memory management strategy where data is selectively transferred between volatile and non-volatile memory based on access patterns and power state requirements. During active modes, data resides in volatile memory for fast access; during power-saving modes, data is moved to non-volatile memory to eliminate refresh power consumption, creating a dynamic adaptation to operational conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operational parameters of the memory system by altering the power state and data location based on system requirements. By changing the physical state of data storage (between volatile and non-volatile media) and the power supply state, the system optimizes the trade-off between access speed and power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS10437499B2Hybrid memory system and method of operating the same

Publication Date: 2019.10.08 NAN YA TECH

AI summary

The present disclosure provides a hybrid memory system and a method of operating the same. The hybrid memory system includes a non-volatile memory, a volatile memory and a controller. The volatile memory stores data. The controller is configured to move the data from the volatile memory to the non-volatile memory in response to a command to enter a power-saving mode. The controller precludes the volatile memory from having a self-refresh operation performed thereon after the movement of the data.