Internal Rewriteable Memory for Low Power Suspend
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional methods of placing electronic devices into suspend mode rely on external memory, which consumes unnecessary power and may lead to undefined system behavior when operational parameters are reduced for power savings.
Innovation Solution
Storing a portion of suspend mode instructions in internal rewriteable memory, allowing the external memory to be powered down to reduce consumption while maintaining accessibility, by synchronizing memory caches and altering operational parameters such as drive strength and slew rate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If external memory is used to store suspend mode instructions, then the device can enter suspend mode, but the external memory consumes unnecessary electrical power while in suspend mode
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the memory system into internal rewriteable memory and external memory, with different functional roles. Internal memory stores critical suspend mode instructions that need to be accessible during low-power states, while external memory handles general storage operations. This segmentation allows the system to maintain reliability by keeping essential instructions in internal memory while reducing power consumption by minimizing external memory activity during suspend mode.
2Use of energy by moving object
If operational parameters of external memory are reduced to save power, then power consumption decreases, but undefined system behavior may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The internal rewriteable memory acts as an intermediary between the processor and external memory during suspend mode transitions. It holds the suspend mode instructions that the processor needs to execute while in low-power state, eliminating the need to maintain external memory in a fully operational state. This intermediary approach allows safe reduction of external memory operational parameters without compromising system reliability.
3Duration of action of moving object
If external memory is powered down to reduce consumption, then battery life extends, but data accessibility may be lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments memory functionality by keeping critical suspend mode instructions in internal rewriteable memory that remains accessible during low-power states, while external memory can be partially or fully powered down. This segmentation ensures that essential data and instructions remain accessible to extend battery life, while non-critical data can be stored in external memory that may lose accessibility during deep suspend states.
Data Source
AI summary
Power consumption while in a low power suspend mode is enhanced by placing a portion of suspend and resume instructions into internal rewriteable memory, such as internal random access memory (“IRAM”). During entry into suspend, control is transferred from instructions stored in an external memory to instructions stored within the internal rewriteable memory. These instructions are configured to reduce power consumption of the external memory by reducing a slew rate, drive strength, and so forth. Upon awakening from suspend, the instructions within the internal rewriteable memory place the external memory back to an operational state and control passes back to the instructions stored within external memory.