Light Hibernation Mode for Memory Power Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing memory systems face inefficiencies in power usage when transitioning between hibernation modes, particularly due to high power consumption during data transfer between volatile and non-volatile memory.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a light hibernation mode that allows for reduced data transfer between volatile and non-volatile memory, thereby minimizing power consumption during mode transitions, and maintaining more volatile memory in an active state for shorter hibernation periods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by stationary object
If the memory system enters full hibernation mode with complete data transfer from volatile to non-volatile memory, then power consumption during hibernation is minimized, but the power consumption during mode transition increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the hibernation mode into two distinct types: full hibernation mode (transferring all data from volatile to non-volatile memory) and light hibernation mode (maintaining volatile memory in active state). This segmentation allows the system to choose the appropriate hibernation level based on the expected duration, thereby reducing unnecessary power consumption during mode transitions while still achieving power savings during actual hibernation periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic adjustment of hibernation behavior based on the expected duration of the hibernation period. The memory system dynamically selects between full and light hibernation modes by comparing the expected duration against a threshold value. This dynamic approach allows the system to adapt its power management strategy in real-time, avoiding the fixed high-power transition approach of traditional full hibernation modes.
2Speed
If the memory system maintains volatile memory in active state during hibernation, then data access speed is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operational parameters of volatile memory based on the hibernation duration. For light hibernation periods (below threshold), the volatile memory remains in an active state with normal operational parameters, ensuring fast data access. For long hibernation periods (above threshold), the system transitions to full hibernation mode where volatile memory is completely powered down, achieving minimum power consumption. This parameter adjustment resolves the contradiction between speed and power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different quality states to the volatile memory based on the hibernation scenario. In light hibernation mode, the volatile memory maintains its high-performance characteristics (active state, full power). In full hibernation mode, the volatile memory transitions to a low-power state (completely powered down). This localized quality adjustment allows the system to optimize for either speed or power consumption depending on the specific operational context.
3Reliability
If the memory system performs complete data transfer between volatile and non-volatile memory, then data integrity during long hibernation is ensured, but transition time and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by transferring only necessary data to non-volatile memory during light hibernation mode, rather than performing complete data transfer. For short hibernation periods, the system determines that maintaining data in volatile memory is sufficient, avoiding the time-consuming and power-intensive complete transfer process. This partial approach reduces transition time while maintaining adequate data integrity for the expected hibernation duration.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and devices for a light hibernation mode for memory are described. A memory system may include volatile memory and non-volatile memory and may be configured to operate according to a first mode of operation (e.g., associated with relatively high power consumption), a light hibernation mode (e.g., a second mode associated with decreased power consumption in comparison to the first mode), and a full hibernation mode (e.g., a third mode of operation associated with decreased power consumption in comparison to the light hibernation mode). While operating according to the light hibernation mode, the memory system may maintain a greater quantity of data in the volatile memory relative to the full hibernation mode, which may avoid at least some power consumption related to data transfers between the volatile memory and non-volatile memory that may occur in connection with entering and exiting the full hibernation mode.