Memory Controller Power Grouping for Peak Limit
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Solution Overview
Problem
In memory systems, accessing multiple memory devices in parallel leads to peak power consumption that exceeds system capabilities due to some memory blocks consuming excess power, causing aggregated peak power to exceed system limits.
Innovation Solution
A controller that communicates with multiple memory blocks, identifies excess-power blocks, and groups them into storage groups such that each group's combined power consumption remains below a predefined limit, allowing parallel storage operations without exceeding the system's power constraints.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple memory devices are accessed in parallel, then productivity is improved, but power consumption increases beyond system limits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments memory blocks into different power consumption categories (high-power and low-power blocks) and organizes them into separate storage groups. By measuring individual block power consumption and categorizing them, the system can control which blocks are accessed in parallel, enabling high productivity while maintaining power consumption within system limits.
2Productivity
If high-power memory blocks are accessed in parallel, then productivity is improved, but the system exceeds power supply capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by treating different memory blocks differently based on their individual power consumption characteristics. High-power blocks are identified and separated into dedicated storage groups, allowing the system to control their access patterns independently. This ensures that when high-power blocks are accessed in parallel, the total power consumption remains within supply capabilities, maintaining both productivity and reliability.
3Productivity
If all memory blocks are grouped together for parallel access, then productivity is improved, but power consumption management becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of power consumption by measuring and categorizing each memory block's power characteristics. This parameter change enables the creation of structured storage groups where power consumption is predictable and controllable. The complexity is managed through systematic measurement and categorization, which simplifies subsequent power management decisions while enabling efficient parallel access.
Data Source
AI summary
A controller includes an interface and a processor. The interface is configured to communicate with one or more memory devices that include multiple memory blocks. The processor is configured to hold information regarding power consumption of the memory blocks, to group at least some of the memory blocks into one or more storage groups, based on the information, such that the memory blocks in each storage group jointly consume less than a predefined power limit when the memory blocks in the storage group are applied a storage operation in parallel, and to apply the storage operation, in parallel, to the memory blocks in a selected storage group.