Memory Controller Adaptive Power Down Mode Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing memory controllers and application processors face challenges in optimizing power consumption and performance by efficiently managing the power down mode of memory and I/O devices, as they lack adaptive control mechanisms to adjust idle state maintenance times based on usage patterns.
Innovation Solution
A memory controller and application processor with a driving characteristic monitor and mode controller that adjust the idle state maintenance times to optimize power down mode entry, based on monitored usage patterns, allowing for adaptive control between high performance and low power characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the memory device enters power down mode after a fixed idle period, then power consumption is reduced, but operation performance deteriorates due to fixed timing not adapting to usage patterns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the idle period duration variable rather than fixed. The mode controller dynamically adjusts the idle period based on driving patterns monitored by the driving characteristic monitor. When the memory device frequently exits power down mode, the idle period is extended to allow deeper power savings; when access is frequent, the idle period is shortened to maintain performance. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between power consumption reduction and operation performance maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback through the driving characteristic monitor that continuously monitors the driving pattern of the memory device and provides information to the mode controller. The mode controller uses this feedback to adjust the idle period setting, creating a closed-loop control system. This feedback mechanism enables the system to adapt to actual usage patterns, optimizing the balance between power consumption and operation performance based on real-time conditions.
2Loss of energy
If the idle period is extended to allow deeper power down mode, then power consumption decreases, but response time increases when access is needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses dynamics to adjust the idle period length based on actual driving patterns. Rather than using a fixed extended idle period that would always cause delay, the system dynamically shortens the idle period when access is frequent (reducing response time) and extends it when access is infrequent (maximizing power savings). This dynamic adaptation resolves the trade-off between power consumption and response time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of idle period duration based on monitored driving characteristics. The mode controller modifies the idle period setting (a key parameter) according to the frequency and pattern of memory accesses. This parameter change strategy allows the system to optimize power consumption without incurring unnecessary response time penalties, as the parameter is adjusted to match actual usage requirements.
3Ease of operation
If fixed timing control is used for power down mode entry, then control simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to different usage scenarios is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service through the driving characteristic monitor that automatically monitors memory device usage patterns and the mode controller that automatically adjusts the idle period based on this monitoring. The system serves itself by adapting to usage patterns without requiring manual intervention or complex external control logic. This self-adjusting mechanism maintains ease of operation while significantly improving adaptability to different usage scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses feedback to enable adaptive control while maintaining simplicity. The driving characteristic monitor provides continuous feedback on usage patterns, and the mode controller automatically responds by adjusting the idle period. This feedback-driven automatic adjustment eliminates the need for complex manual control mechanisms, preserving ease of operation while achieving high adaptability to various usage scenarios.
Data Source
AI summary
A memory controller, an application processor, and a method of operating the memory controller can control performance and power consumption of an input/output device. The method includes allowing the memory device to enter a power down mode after an idle state is maintained for a first time period corresponding to a first setting value which is currently set, allowing the memory device to enter from the power down mode into an active state when access to the memory device occurs, determining a maintenance time of the power down mode to change the first setting value to a second setting value, based on a result obtained by monitoring a driving pattern of the memory device, and when the idle state is maintained for a second time period different from the first time period, allowing the memory device to enter the power down mode, based on the second setting value.