Interface Circuit Emulating Virtual Memory for Power Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current memory systems face challenges in efficiently managing power consumption and emulating memory circuits with different characteristics, such as capacity and timing, to optimize performance and reduce power dissipation.
Innovation Solution
An interface circuit is used to communicate with multiple physical memory circuits, simulating virtual memory circuits with distinct power behaviors and emulating aspects like capacity and latency, allowing for power management operations to be performed during latency associated with memory commands, thereby reducing power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If power management operations are performed during memory command latency, then power consumption is reduced, but device complexity increases due to the interface circuit emulation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
An interface circuit is introduced as an intermediary between the memory controller and physical memory circuits. This interface circuit emulates virtual memory circuits with different power behaviors, allowing power management operations to be performed during command latency without requiring modifications to the existing memory controller or physical memory circuits. The interface circuit mediates between the control signals from the memory controller and the actual memory operations, enabling early power-down commands to be issued while physical memory circuits remain active until their operations complete.
2Adaptability or versatility
If virtual memory circuits are emulated with different power behaviors, then compatibility with various memory standards is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The interface circuit changes the power behavior parameters of memory circuits by emulating virtual memory circuits with different power characteristics. By controlling when power-down commands are issued to different physical memory circuits based on their individual operation completion times, the system can present different power behaviors to the memory controller while maintaining compatibility with various memory standards. This allows the same physical memory circuits to exhibit different power management characteristics depending on the emulated virtual circuit configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
A memory circuit system and method are provided in the context of various embodiments. In one embodiment, an interface circuit remains in communication with a plurality of memory circuits and a system. The interface circuit is operable to interface the memory circuits and the system for performing various functionality (e.g. power management, simulation/emulation, etc.).