Memory Package Cache Switching for Storage Thermal Throttling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermal throttling mechanisms in non-volatile storage devices reduce operational frequency and power consumption to manage heat, but they do not maintain performance levels, leading to suboptimal host performance during synchronization.
Innovation Solution
Implement a dual-memory package system with a primary and secondary memory package, where the controller suspends operations on the primary package when temperature exceeds a limit, caches data to the secondary package, and resumes operations when temperature drops below the limit, maintaining operational frequency and power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the controller reduces operational frequency and power consumption to manage heat, then thermal issues are resolved, but host performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The memory system is divided into multiple independent memory packages (first memory package and second memory package). When thermal throttling is needed, the controller can suspend operations on one package while continuing operations on another, thereby maintaining host performance while managing temperature. This segmentation allows parallel operation of memory packages, so that when one package is throttled, the other can compensate to maintain overall system performance.
2Temperature
If the controller reduces the number of parallel operations to allow cooling, then temperature decreases, but operational efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller maintains continuous useful action by switching between multiple memory packages. When thermal throttling is activated on one package, the controller seamlessly continues operations on another package, ensuring that data processing and host operations continue without interruption. This maintains operational efficiency while still allowing the throttled package to cool down.
3Temperature
If the controller uses fewer dies or communications channels to reduce heat, then thermal management is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller dynamically adjusts its operation by selectively activating or deactivating specific memory packages based on thermal conditions. Rather than using a fixed configuration, the controller can adaptively switch between different memory packages, enabling dynamic thermal management. This dynamic approach allows the system to maintain simplicity in normal operation while providing thermal management capabilities when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A storage device is communicatively coupled to a host that stores data on a primary memory package on the storage device. A controller on the storage device may monitor the temperature of components on the storage device and determine when the temperature exceeds a thermal temperature limit. When the temperature exceeds a thermal temperature limit, the controller may suspend certain operations on the primary memory package and write host data to the secondary memory package on the storage device. The controller may continue to monitor the temperature on the storage device, determine when the temperature on the storage device returns to an acceptable level, transfer data from the secondary memory package to the primary memory package, and resume writing host data to primary memory package.