Multi-Channel Memory Power Save Mode Through Channel Disabling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile devices face challenges in balancing performance and battery life due to high power consumption by multi-channel memory systems, which deplete battery energy quickly, necessitating larger batteries or reduced performance to extend operation.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a power save mode that allows users to selectively disable memory channels in a multi-channel DRAM module, configuring the device to operate with fewer active channels based on user preferences, and rebooting to adjust memory configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multi-channel memory systems are used to improve performance, then processing speed and data throughput are improved, but power consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The memory system dynamically adjusts the number of active memory channels based on operational requirements and power management needs. The system can transition between different channel configurations (e.g., 4-channel, 2-channel, or 1-channel mode) to optimize the balance between performance and power consumption, allowing full multi-channel operation when high performance is needed and reducing to fewer channels when power conservation is prioritized
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by modifying the number of active memory channels. This parameter adjustment allows the memory subsystem to adapt its power consumption and performance characteristics to match current system demands, enabling operation in different power modes without requiring hardware changes
2Duration of action of moving object
If battery capacity is increased to extend operation time, then battery life is improved, but device size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The memory system maintains continuous operation by keeping essential memory channels active while powering down non-essential channels during low-performance periods. This selective continuity allows the system to preserve battery life without requiring larger battery capacity, as power is consumed only when and where needed rather than continuously across all channels
Solution Approach 2:
The system periodically transitions memory channels between active and powered-down states based on workload requirements. During intensive tasks, more channels are activated; during idle or low-demand periods, channels are deactivated. This periodic activation pattern extends effective battery life without increasing physical battery size
Data Source
AI summary
A power save mode in multi-channel memory device receives a request to turn off at least one memory channel. The request may be received from a user where a user preference is received as part of the request and includes an indication of the number of memory channels to turn off. The user preference can be stored in a configuration setting and the user preference can be retrieved from the stored configuration setting to enter power save mode. When entering the power save mode, the device is rebooted. Upon restart of the device in power save mode, the device calculates a memory address hash map for the active memory channels. The device may be a system on chip and may include a mobile device operated by battery. When operating in power save mode, the power demand of the disabled memory channels is eliminated to conserve power and battery life.