Memory Controller Peak Power Management via Command Delay
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Memory systems face operating errors due to peak power exceeding limited power supplies when multiple memory devices operate simultaneously, leading to potential reliability issues.
Innovation Solution
A memory system with a controller that monitors power consumption and delays peak power operations of selected memory devices to prevent total peak power from exceeding the limit, using a flash interface layer to manage command execution and distribute peak power periods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple memory devices operate simultaneously to improve productivity, then data processing speed increases, but peak power exceeds the limited power supply causing operating errors
Solution Approach 1:
The controller predicts peak power periods in advance by storing peak power period information and proactively delays operations before peak power exceeds the limit, preventing operating errors before they occur
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the operation timing of memory devices based on real-time power consumption monitoring and predicted peak power periods, flexibly scheduling operations to avoid power overload while maintaining processing efficiency
2Reliability
If the controller delays peak power operations to prevent power overload, then reliability improves, but operation time is extended and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller schedules memory operations in periodic cycles, grouping operations during low-power periods and deferring peak power operations to appropriate time slots, creating a rhythmic operation pattern that prevents overload while minimizing total delay
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors actual power consumption and compares it with predicted peak power periods, using this feedback to dynamically adjust operation scheduling and reduce unnecessary delays while maintaining power safety
3Power
If the controller monitors and manages peak power by delaying operations, then power consumption is controlled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The memory system performs self-power management by automatically monitoring its own power consumption, predicting peak power periods, and scheduling operations to prevent overload, eliminating the need for external power management complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The controller stores peak power period information in advance and proactively schedules operations to avoid peak power conflicts, performing power management decisions before operations occur rather than reacting in real-time, which simplifies the control logic
Data Source
AI summary
A memory system includes a plurality of memory devices storing data, a processor generating commands at a request of a host, and a flash interface layer transferring the commands to the plurality of memory devices based on power consumptions of the plurality of memory devices, and delaying execution or transfer of commands one or more of the plurality of memory devices when a total peak power of the plurality of memory devices is expected to exceed a limit level.