Memory Controller Adaptive Auto-Sleep Threshold
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing memory systems with auto-sleep functions use a fixed time threshold for entering sleep mode, which can lead to non-ideal behavior due to varying host processor idle times, resulting in frequent and unnecessary transitions between active and sleep modes, affecting performance and power consumption.
Innovation Solution
The controller dynamically adjusts the auto-sleep threshold based on measured idle times, using interrupt and self-learning circuitry to optimize the time period for entering and exiting sleep mode, thereby improving system performance and reducing power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by stationary object
If a fixed time threshold is used for auto-sleep mode, then the controller can enter sleep mode to reduce power consumption, but frequent and unnecessary transitions between active and sleep modes occur affecting performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of the auto-sleep threshold based on measured idle time patterns. The controller learns the host's idle time characteristics and adapts the sleep threshold accordingly, transitioning from a fixed threshold to a dynamic, adaptive threshold that optimizes both power consumption and performance by avoiding unnecessary state transitions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the controller measures actual idle times and uses this information to adjust future auto-sleep decisions. By monitoring idle time patterns and feeding this information back into the threshold adjustment logic, the system optimizes its sleep behavior to match actual usage patterns, reducing unnecessary transitions.
2Loss of energy
If the controller enters auto-sleep mode frequently, then power consumption is reduced, but unnecessary transitions between active and sleep modes increase affecting system efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The controller performs preliminary learning of idle time patterns before making auto-sleep decisions. By measuring and analyzing idle time characteristics in advance, the system prepares an optimized threshold that prevents unnecessary transitions, thereby avoiding the time loss associated with frequent mode switching while still achieving power savings.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses self-learning circuitry that automatically measures idle times and adjusts the auto-sleep threshold without external intervention. This self-service mechanism enables the controller to optimize its own power management behavior, learning from actual usage patterns and adapting the threshold to minimize both energy loss and transition time waste.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a predetermined time threshold is programmed, then the auto-sleep function can operate, but it cannot adapt to varying host processor idle times
Solution Approach 1:
The controller incorporates self-learning circuitry that automatically measures idle times and adjusts the auto-sleep threshold without requiring external programming or complex configuration. This self-service capability enables the system to adapt to varying host processor idle times autonomously, improving adaptability while keeping the control logic relatively simple through hardware-based learning mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback loops where idle time measurements are continuously monitored and used to adjust the auto-sleep threshold. This feedback mechanism enables the controller to adapt to varying host processor idle times by learning from actual usage patterns, achieving high adaptability through a relatively simple iterative adjustment process rather than complex predictive algorithms.
Data Source
AI summary
A memory system and method are provided for adaptive auto-sleep and background operations. In one embodiment, a controller of a memory system measures an amount of time between when the memory completes an operation and when the controller receives a command to perform another operation in the memory. The controller adjusts a time period after which the controller enters an auto-sleep mode and/or starts a background operation based on the measured amount of time. Other embodiments are disclosed.