Memory Controller Clock Switching for Power Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need to reduce power consumption in electronic systems with semiconductor chips, particularly in memory devices, to enhance battery life in mobile systems while maintaining stable and fast data processing.
Innovation Solution
A memory system with a clock control circuit that adjusts the frequency of clock signals based on the operation status of a memory device, switching to a lower frequency during busy operations and a higher frequency during ready operations, thereby optimizing power usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the clock signal frequency is maintained at a high level to ensure fast data processing, then processing speed is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic frequency adjustment of the clock signal based on the memory device's operational status. The controller monitors whether the memory device is in a busy or ready state and adjusts the clock frequency accordingly - using a first frequency when busy and a second frequency when ready, thereby optimizing the balance between processing speed and power consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the frequency parameter of the clock signal dynamically based on operational conditions. By switching between a first frequency (when the memory device is busy) and a second frequency (when the memory device is ready), the system adapts the clock frequency to match the actual processing needs, reducing power consumption during idle periods while maintaining high speed during active operations
2Use of energy by moving object
If the clock signal frequency is reduced to lower power consumption, then power usage is improved, but data processing speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts clock frequency based on real-time status monitoring. When the memory device transitions to a ready state, the controller increases the clock frequency to maintain high processing speed, ensuring that performance is preserved when the device is capable of handling operations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter change by switching the clock frequency between two distinct levels based on the memory device's status. The first frequency is used when the device is busy to ensure continuous processing, while the second frequency is applied when ready to reduce power consumption, thus optimizing the speed-power tradeoff
3Use of energy by moving object
If the clock frequency is dynamically adjusted based on status signals, then power consumption is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a feedback mechanism where the controller monitors the status signal from the memory device and uses this information to adjust the clock frequency. The status signal provides feedback about whether the memory device is busy or ready, enabling the controller to make informed decisions about frequency adjustment, thereby achieving power optimization through a relatively simple feedback-based control structure
Solution Approach 2:
The status signal acts as an intermediary that carries information about the memory device's operational state to the controller. This intermediary signal enables the controller to adjust the clock frequency without requiring complex direct monitoring of the memory device's internal state, simplifying the control architecture while still achieving dynamic power management
Data Source
AI summary
In an apparatus, a memory controller, a memory device, and a method for switching frequencies of clock signals to reduce power consumption, when the memory device performs an internal operation according to a command of the memory controller, a frequency of a clock signal of the memory controller is changed. The memory controller switches the frequency of the clock signal to a low frequency according to assertion of a status signal that indicates a busy operation status of the memory device according to the command, and switches the frequency of the clock signal to a high frequency according to de-assertion of the status signal that indicates a ready operation status of the memory device.