Memory Circuit Power Management via Virtual Segmentation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing memory capacity requirements in systems are limited by power dissipation constraints in compact spaces, and existing power supply systems struggle to deliver sufficient power to large capacity memory modules, necessitating innovative power management solutions.
Innovation Solution
A memory circuit power management system that employs an interface circuit to manage power by simulating virtual memory circuits with altered power behavior, reducing average and peak power consumption, and autonomously performing power-saving operations without explicit commands, thereby optimizing power usage in multiple memory circuit systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If memory capacity is increased to meet growing requirements, then memory capacity is improved, but power dissipation increases beyond available power limits
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments memory circuits into multiple independent groups that can be individually powered. Each memory circuit within a group shares common power management control, allowing selective activation of only the memory circuits needed for current operations. This segmentation enables the system to maintain high memory capacity while consuming less power by keeping unused memory circuits in a powered-off state.
2Quantity of substance
If more memory circuits are activated to provide higher capacity, then memory capacity is improved, but peak current increases beyond power supply delivery capability
Solution Approach 1:
The power management system dynamically adjusts power distribution to memory circuit groups based on real-time operational needs. The controller monitors which memory circuits are actively being accessed and selectively activates power supply to only those groups containing accessed memory circuits. This dynamic approach ensures that peak current remains within power supply delivery capability while maintaining the memory capacity needed for current operations.
3Speed
If all memory circuits are kept active to ensure immediate access, then access speed is improved, but average power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-loading data from powered-off memory circuits into actively powered memory circuits before actual access is needed. When a memory access request is received, the system checks if the requested data is already in an active memory circuit group. If so, immediate access is provided without power transition delays. This preliminary action maintains access speed while reducing average power consumption by keeping fewer memory circuits in the high-power active state.
Data Source
AI summary
A memory circuit power management system and method are provided. An interface circuit is in communication with a plurality of memory circuits and a system. In use, the interface circuit is operable to perform a power management operation in association with only a portion of the memory circuits.