Memory Controller Power Domains for Leakage-Aware Command Execution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional memory controller techniques are inefficient in power consumption and leakage current due to unused processing logic remaining powered during operations.
Innovation Solution
Dynamic implementation and activation of different power domains for various memory operations, allowing for staggered activation and deactivation based on command execution, reducing overall power consumption and leakage current.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If processing logic remains continuously powered to ensure readiness for memory operations, then operational readiness is improved, but power consumption increases due to leakage currents from unused logic
Solution Approach 1:
The processing logic is divided into multiple power domains, each capable of being independently powered on or off. This segmentation allows only the necessary portions of logic to remain powered for operational readiness while other portions can be powered down to eliminate leakage currents, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and energy loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The power domains are dynamically adjusted based on operational requirements. The system can transition power domains between active and inactive states in response to memory operations, ensuring that processing logic is ready when needed while minimizing power consumption during idle periods.
2Speed
If all power domains are activated simultaneously to ensure immediate operation, then operational speed is improved, but power consumption increases due to unnecessary activation of unused domains
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-activates only the necessary power domains before memory operations begin, based on the specific operation type required. This preliminary action ensures operational speed is maintained for critical paths while avoiding the activation of unnecessary domains that would increase power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
Power domain activation is made dynamic and adaptive, with the system adjusting which domains are active based on real-time operational requirements. This dynamic approach ensures fast operation for critical functions while minimizing overall power consumption by keeping non-critical domains inactive.
3Loss of energy
If power domains are dynamically activated only when needed to reduce power consumption, then energy efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases due to dynamic power management overhead
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the processing logic into distinct power domains, the system simplifies the power management task to a matter of selecting which domains to activate, rather than managing complex continuous power adjustment. This segmentation reduces the complexity overhead while achieving dynamic power savings.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and devices provide management of power domains. Methods include activating a first power domain of a memory controller in response to receiving a memory command associated with a storage location coupled to the memory controller, and performing a first portion of a sequence of operations determined based on the memory command, the first portion being performed using a first plurality of processing elements included in the first power domain. Methods further include activating a second power domain of the memory controller based on a timing determined by the sequence of operations, and performing a second portion of the sequence of operations using a second plurality of processing elements included in the second power domain.