Memory Bank Power Down Control via Handshake
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current memory devices consume significant power and lack efficient power management, particularly in deep power-down modes where data is erased, leading to inefficient energy usage and initialization requirements.
Innovation Solution
A memory module with multiple power down controllers and predictors that allow individual memory banks to operate in different power modes, using a handshake command to manage power states and reduce overall power consumption by selectively powering down unused banks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the entire memory device is placed in deep power-down mode to reduce power consumption, then power savings are achieved, but data is erased and initialization is required before access
Solution Approach 1:
The memory device is divided into multiple independently controllable memory banks, each with its own power down controller. This allows selective power management at the bank level rather than device-wide, enabling individual banks to enter deep power-down mode without affecting others, thus reducing power consumption while maintaining data integrity in active banks.
Solution Approach 2:
Different memory banks can operate in different power modes simultaneously based on their usage patterns. Frequently accessed banks remain in active mode with data preserved, while inactive banks enter deep power-down mode for maximum power savings. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction by applying power-saving measures only where needed.
2Speed
If the entire memory device remains in active mode to maintain data accessibility, then fast access is achieved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power mode of each memory bank is dynamically adjusted based on real-time access patterns detected by power down trigger predictors. Banks transition between active and deep power-down modes as needed, optimizing the balance between access speed and power consumption. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to achieve fast access when needed while saving power during idle periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system periodically evaluates memory bank usage patterns and transitions banks between power modes accordingly. Power down trigger predictors monitor access patterns over time periods and initiate power-down sequences for inactive banks, creating a rhythmic pattern of active and dormant states that balances performance and energy efficiency.
3Use of energy by moving object
If individual memory banks are placed in deep power-down mode selectively, then power consumption is reduced, but device complexity increases due to multiple power down controllers
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple power down controllers are implemented with identical standardized functionality, each managing a specific memory bank. This uniformity allows for modular design and simplifies control logic, as each controller operates independently with the same decision-making algorithm. The predictors and controllers work together as a scalable architecture where adding more banks simply adds more identical units.
Data Source
AI summary
According to one general aspect, an apparatus may include a memory module. The memory module may include a plurality of memory banks configured to store data. The memory module may include a plurality of memory bank power down controllers, each configured to place one or more respective memory bank(s) in a power down mode. The memory module may include a memory module command interface configured to receive a handshake command from a memory controller, wherein the handshake command comprises a command to remove an indicated memory bank from power down mode.