Hybrid Powering Storage Component Memory Cells
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Solution Overview
Problem
Poor power management in mobile devices leads to short battery life due to inefficient powering of storage component memory cells, which can be exacerbated by the processor and storage controller having differing opinions on when to power on or off these cells.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid powering approach is implemented using a storage component with a combinatorial logic component and power switch, where the storage controller can override the processor's decision to power on memory cells based on its knowledge of data access needs, ensuring that memory cells are only powered when necessary, thereby extending battery life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the processor powers on memory cells without coordination with the storage controller, then the processor can access data quickly, but power is consumed even when the storage controller does not need to access the memory cells
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the power control functions of the processor and storage controller by introducing a hybrid power management scheme where both controllers contribute to the power enable signal. The processor power enable signal and storage controller power enable signal are combined through a logical OR operation to control the power switch, ensuring that memory cells are powered only when either controller needs them, thus optimizing power consumption while maintaining coordination between components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a combinatorial logic component as an intermediary between the processor and storage controller for power management. This logic component receives power enable signals from both controllers and generates a unified power control signal for the power switch. The intermediary resolves potential conflicts and coordinates power management decisions without requiring direct communication between the processor and storage controller, simplifying the overall control architecture.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If the storage controller always has power to memory cells, then it can quickly access data, but battery life is reduced due to unnecessary power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic power management where the power state of memory cells is adjusted in real-time based on the actual needs of the processor and storage controller. The power enable signals from both controllers are continuously monitored and combined through combinatorial logic, allowing the system to transition between powered and unpowered states dynamically. This ensures memory cells are powered only when necessary, extending battery life while maintaining quick access capability when needed.
3Productivity
If both processor and storage controller independently control power to memory cells, then each can optimize for its own needs, but conflicts arise leading to inefficient power management
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a combinatorial logic component as an intermediary that receives power enable signals from both the processor and storage controller and generates a unified control signal for the power switch. This intermediary automatically resolves conflicts between the two controllers by applying a logical OR operation, ensuring that memory cells are powered when either controller needs them without requiring complex coordination protocols or communication overhead between the processors and storage controller.
Data Source
AI summary
A storage component includes multiple nonvolatile memory cells and a storage controller that manages the storage of data in and the retrieval of data from the memory cells. A computing device includes or is coupled to the storage component. A processor of the computing device provides a processor power enable signal to the storage component, allowing the processor to turn on and off power to the memory cells as the processor deems appropriate. The storage controller provides a storage controller power enable signal that allows the storage controller to turn on and off power to the memory cells as the storage controller deems appropriate. These power enable signals are inputs to a combinatorial logic component that allows the storage controller to have power to the memory cells turned off even though the processor may deem that power to the memory cells is to be turned on.