Memory Controller Cache Control for Power-Bounded Latency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Memory systems face challenges in minimizing latency and power consumption when processing commands from hosts, particularly due to the simultaneous activation of multiple memory dies which can exceed power budgets and delay operations.
Innovation Solution
A memory controller that selectively uses a cache based on the number of activated memory dies, determining whether to employ cache operations by comparing the number of active dies to a threshold, thereby optimizing power usage and reducing latency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple memory dies are activated simultaneously to improve processing speed, then productivity is improved, but power consumption increases beyond the power budget
Solution Approach 1:
The memory controller dynamically adjusts the number of activated memory dies based on real-time power budget conditions and operation priorities. The controller can switch between activating multiple dies for high-speed operations and limiting activations for power-saving modes, making the system adaptable to changing power constraints while maintaining optimal performance when possible
Solution Approach 2:
The controller changes operational parameters by selectively activating or deactivating specific memory dies based on the operation type and current power budget. Different numbers of dies are activated depending on whether the system is in power-constrained or power-abundant states, optimizing the balance between speed and power consumption
2Loss of time
If cache operations are used to reduce latency, then time is reduced, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller dynamically changes the cache usage parameter based on power budget conditions. When power budget allows, cache operations are enabled to minimize latency. When power budget is constrained, the controller disables cache operations to save power, accepting increased latency as a trade-off
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between cache-enabled and cache-disabled modes based on real-time power conditions. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to optimize for speed when power is available and for power savings when the budget is tight
3Use of energy by moving object
If the number of activated memory dies is limited to save power, then power consumption is reduced, but operation completion time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller adjusts the number of activated dies as a variable parameter based on operation priority and power budget. For high-priority operations, more dies are activated despite power constraints. For low-priority operations, fewer dies are activated to conserve power
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically reallocates the number of active dies based on changing operational requirements and power conditions, optimizing the trade-off between power consumption and operation speed in real-time
Data Source
AI summary
A memory system, a memory controller and an operating method of the memory controller. The memory controller may include a host interface configured to communicate with a host; a memory interface configured to communicate with a memory device; and a control circuit configured to control an operation of the memory device. The control circuit may selectively determine to use a cache for an operation indicated by a command received from the host, depending on a number of memory dies, of a plurality of memory dies in the memory device, detected to be in an activated state.