Individual Power Control for Multi-Element Memory Dies
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Solution Overview
Problem
Faults in the connections carrying control signals to memory elements in multi-element devices can result in loss of control, leading to power management issues and potential interference with non-defective elements.
Innovation Solution
A multi-element device with power control circuitry and control registers that manage power distribution to individual memory elements based on control values, enabling independent power control of memory arrays and access circuitry, and includes sideband circuitry for setting these values.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If individual power control is implemented for each memory element, then power management reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional control circuitry and registers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the memory device into multiple independently controllable memory elements, each with its own power control circuitry and control registers. This segmentation allows individual power management for each element, improving reliability by isolating faults to specific elements while maintaining control over others.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces sideband circuitry as an intermediary mechanism that carries control signals from the host device to the power control circuitry of each memory element. This intermediary enables precise power control without requiring complex direct control paths, managing the complexity through a standardized communication interface.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If connection faults are isolated to individual elements, then interference with non-defective elements is reduced, but control signal transmission complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control signal transmission paths so that each memory element receives control signals through dedicated sideband circuitry. This isolation ensures that connection faults in one element's control path do not affect other elements, as each element has its own independent control channel.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by providing each memory element with element-specific control registers and power control circuitry that can be independently configured and controlled. This localizes the control functionality to each element, allowing faults to be contained locally without propagating to other elements.
3Loss of energy
If power is controlled at element level, then power waste is reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements segmentation by providing separate power control circuitry and control registers for each memory element, enabling independent power management. This allows the system to power down individual elements when not in use, significantly reducing power waste while maintaining the ability to activate only necessary elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables self-service by allowing the host device to directly control the power state of each memory element through sideband circuitry and control registers. The memory elements can be independently powered on or off based on their specific needs, eliminating the need for continuous powering of all elements and reducing overall power consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated circuit host device controls operation of a memory device. The memory device includes a stack of integrated circuit memory dies, a plurality of command interfaces, and a sideband interface. The host device includes control circuitry configured to provide mode signals to the sideband interface of the memory device, so as to selectively transition one or more of the plurality of command interfaces of the memory device to a power state in which one or more command interfaces of the memory device do not respond to memory access commands.