IC Buffer Sleep Control for Low-Power Memory Operations
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Integrated circuit devices consume excessive power due to unused components like data input/output buffers, address pin buffers, and clock buffers, which continue to draw power even when not in use.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a sleep mode control mechanism for these power-consuming components, where the memory controller instructs buffers to enter a sleep state when not in use, reducing power consumption by removing them from the power source during idle periods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If buffers continue to operate in active mode to ensure immediate responsiveness, then system responsiveness is maintained, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The buffer operates dynamically by switching between active mode and sleep mode based on usage state. The buffer controller transitions the buffer to sleep mode after detecting a predetermined number of consecutive idle clock cycles, and wakes it up when data is received, allowing the system to respond quickly when needed while saving power during idle periods
Solution Approach 2:
The buffer implements periodic monitoring of its usage state through clock cycle counting. The buffer controller periodically evaluates whether the buffer should remain active or transition to sleep mode based on consecutive idle clock cycles, creating a rhythmic pattern of active and dormant states that balances responsiveness with power efficiency
2Use of energy by moving object
If buffers are placed in sleep mode to reduce power consumption, then power savings increase, but activation latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The buffer controller performs preliminary evaluation by counting consecutive idle clock cycles before transitioning the buffer to sleep mode. This preliminary monitoring ensures that the buffer only enters sleep mode after a predetermined period of inactivity, reducing unnecessary wake-sleep transitions and minimizing activation latency when the buffer is actually needed
Solution Approach 2:
The buffer controller continuously monitors the buffer's usage state through feedback from incoming data signals and clock cycles. When data is received or the buffer is needed, the controller immediately wakes the buffer from sleep mode, ensuring minimal activation latency while maintaining power savings during extended idle periods
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the disclosure relate to systems and methods to reduce power consumption in an integrated circuit (IC) device by controlling various power consuming components of the IC device to a sleep mode when the power consuming components are not in use. The reduction in power consumption by the various power consuming components may reduce power consumption of the IC device in general. In one example, the IC device may include power consuming buffers of data input paths, data output paths, address pin paths, and a clock output path. The IC device may instruct one or more of the power consuming buffers to enter a sleep mode when functions of the one or more power consuming buffers are not in use. In this manner, the IC device may save power while performing various operations (e.g., read/write operations and memory refresh operations).