Memory Bank Power Modes for Lower Latency Sleep Transitions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Memory devices face inefficiencies in power consumption due to transitioning the entire device or die into and out of low power modes, leading to increased latency and reduced power savings.
Innovation Solution
Implementing bank-configurable power modes, where different portions of the memory device operate in varying low power states, such as PD and DS modes, using a power mode bitmap to manage these states, allowing selective switching of memory banks between active, idle, and low power modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the entire memory device or die transitions into low power mode, then power consumption is reduced, but latency increases and access speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The memory device is divided into multiple independent memory banks, each capable of operating in different power modes simultaneously. This segmentation allows selective power management where only inactive banks enter low power mode while active banks remain operational, resolving the contradiction between power reduction and access latency.
Solution Approach 2:
Different memory banks are assigned different power modes based on their specific access requirements. Frequently accessed banks maintain higher power states for fast access, while infrequently accessed banks enter deep sleep mode for maximum power savings. This local differentiation optimizes both power consumption and access performance.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the entire memory device transitions into low power mode, then power consumption is reduced, but the device complexity for managing power states increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power management system is segmented to control individual memory banks independently through separate control circuits. Each bank has its own power mode control logic, allowing granular management of power states without requiring complex system-wide coordination, thus reducing overall management complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts power modes of individual banks based on real-time access patterns and workload requirements. This dynamic adaptation allows the memory subsystem to automatically optimize power consumption without manual intervention or complex predetermined scheduling, simplifying power state management.
3Use of energy by moving object
If more memory banks operate in low power modes, then power consumption is reduced, but bandwidth and access capability decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The memory system is segmented into multiple independent banks that can operate in parallel at different power levels. This allows the system to maintain high bandwidth by keeping necessary banks active while maximizing power savings by placing non-critical banks in low power modes, achieving both goals simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The memory device provides universal access capability across all banks while allowing individual banks to serve different functional roles based on workload demands. This multi-functionality enables the system to adapt power distribution to match varying access patterns, maintaining overall productivity while optimizing power consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and devices for bank-configurable power modes are described. Aspects include operating a memory device that has multiple memory banks in a first mode. While operating in the first mode, the memory device may receive a command to enter a second mode having a lower power consumption level than the first mode. The memory device may enter the second mode by switching a first subset of the memory banks to a first low power mode that operates at a first power consumption level and a second subset of the memory banks to a second low power mode that operates at a second power consumption level that may be lower than the first power consumption level. In some cases, the memory device may switch the first subset of memory banks from the first low power mode while maintaining the second subset of memory banks in the low power mode.