Memory Controller Channel Arbitration Power Management

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional memory systems face challenges in dynamically managing power consumption to prevent overall power from exceeding allowed levels, leading to degraded performance and inefficient power management.

Innovation Solution

A memory controller that schedules data transmission or reception across multiple channels based on the operation statuses and power consumption of memory chips, setting parameters for the number of chips allowed to operate in parallel to optimize power usage and prevent excessive power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If channels are operated in parallel to increase memory throughput, then productivity is improved, but power consumption increases and may exceed allowed levels

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvememory throughputVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the number of active channels based on real-time power conditions and operation statuses. The controller monitors power consumption levels and adapts the parallel channel operation count accordingly, transitioning between static and dynamic channel activation to optimize both throughput and power usage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the operational parameters of memory channels by setting specific parameters indicating the number of chips allowed to operate in parallel for different operation statuses. This parameter-based control enables flexible adjustment of power consumption levels while maintaining acceptable memory performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Use of energy by moving object

If power consumption is reduced by limiting channel operations, then energy usage is controlled, but memory utilization and performance degrade

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidmemory utilization

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies different operational qualities to different channels based on their current status and power conditions. Instead of uniformly limiting all channels, the controller selectively activates specific channels based on their operation status (e.g., read, write, idle), allowing optimal channels to operate while constraining others to meet power requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the number of active channels based on real-time power conditions and operation statuses. The controller monitors power consumption levels and adapts the parallel channel operation count accordingly, transitioning between static and dynamic channel activation to optimize both throughput and power usage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Use of energy by moving object

If conventional power management methods are used to prevent excessive power consumption, then power levels are controlled, but QoS and performance are seriously degraded

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidQuality of Service

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements a feedback mechanism where the controller continuously monitors the operation statuses of memory chips and adjusts channel activation accordingly. This closed-loop control ensures that power consumption remains within allowed levels while maintaining optimal QoS by making real-time decisions based on actual system state rather than static configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the number of active channels based on real-time power conditions and operation statuses. The controller monitors power consumption levels and adapts the parallel channel operation count accordingly, transitioning between static and dynamic channel activation to optimize both throughput and power usage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS12013797B2Memory controller, memory system and operating method of the memory system using a channel arbitration circuit

Publication Date: 2024.06.18 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

An operating method of a memory system including a memory device including a plurality of memory chips is provided. The operating method includes setting a parameter indicating a number of the memory chips allowed to operate in parallel for each of a plurality of operation statuses, based on information about power consumption of each of the plurality of operation statuses of a memory chip among the memory chips; obtaining information about an operation status of each of the plurality of memory chips; and scheduling data access across a plurality of channels respectively corresponding to the plurality of memory chips, based on the parameter and the information about the operation status of each of the plurality of memory chips.