Memory Controller Dynamic Clock Frequency Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current memory systems face challenges in optimizing power consumption while maintaining required performance, as they often operate at maximum clock frequencies that maximize power consumption and heat generation, even when lower frequencies can suffice for varying workloads and host request patterns.
Innovation Solution
A controller and operating method that dynamically adjust clock frequencies by initializing a clock frequency set based on detected changes in performance and host request patterns, repeatedly adjusting and monitoring frequencies to find an optimal set that minimizes power consumption while maintaining performance equal to or greater than the target level.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the memory system operates at maximum clock frequencies to ensure performance requirements are met, then the performance is improved, but power consumption and heat generation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic clock frequency adjustment by continuously monitoring performance metrics and host request patterns, then adapting clock frequencies in real-time to match actual workload requirements. This replaces static maximum frequency operation with a dynamic system that scales frequency up or down based on current needs, resolving the contradiction between maintaining performance and reducing power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameter (clock frequency) from a fixed maximum value to a variable parameter that can be adjusted across multiple levels. By implementing a clock frequency management mechanism that selects appropriate frequency levels based on performance requirements and workload characteristics, the system achieves both performance targets and power efficiency without operating continuously at maximum frequency.
2Productivity
If the memory system operates at maximum clock frequencies to maintain performance, then the performance is preserved, but heat generation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic frequency adjustment mechanism directly addresses heat generation by scaling down clock frequencies when maximum performance is not required. Since power consumption and heat generation are directly related to operating frequency, reducing frequency during moderate or low workload periods decreases thermal output while maintaining adequate performance, thus resolving the performance-heat contradiction.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the clock frequency is reduced to minimize power consumption, then power consumption is reduced, but performance may fall below required levels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control mechanism that continuously monitors performance metrics and host request patterns, then uses this information to adjust clock frequencies appropriately. This closed-loop system ensures that frequency reduction does not cause performance to drop below required levels, as the feedback mechanism detects performance degradation and triggers frequency increases when necessary, thus resolving the power-performance trade-off.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary monitoring of performance and workload characteristics before making frequency adjustment decisions. By anticipating performance requirements through continuous monitoring of host request patterns and performance metrics, the system can proactively adjust frequencies to maintain performance targets while minimizing power consumption, rather than reactively responding to performance failures.
Data Source
AI summary
An operating method of a controller that controls a memory device includes initializing a clock frequency set corresponding to clock signals provided to a plurality of operation modules included in the controller when a change in a current performance or a change in a host request pattern is detected, determining a target performance on the basis of the current performance given after the clock frequency set is initialized, determining an optimal clock frequency set, in which the current performance is able to be maintained equal to or greater than the target performance, by repeatedly performing an operation of changing at least one clock frequency included in the clock frequency set and an operation of monitoring the current performance given after the clock frequency is changed, and providing the plurality of operation modules with clock signals according to the optimal clock frequency set.