Memory Controller Register for Power-Efficient Program Execution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic devices face inefficiencies in transitioning programs from non-volatile to volatile memory and back, particularly in managing power and retaining running information, which affects the activation and operation of imaging apparatuses.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device configuration that includes a non-volatile memory, a volatile memory, a controller part, a power supply controller, and a register, where the controller reads programs from non-volatile memory to volatile memory for execution and retains running information in the register, optimizing power management and reducing unnecessary power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If the program is read from non-volatile memory to volatile memory for execution, then the program execution speed is improved, but the power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprogram execution speedVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by checking the register before program execution to determine whether the program is already in volatile memory, avoiding unnecessary read operations from non-volatile memory and reducing power consumption while maintaining fast execution when programs are cached

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adapts its operation mode based on the register state, switching between reading from non-volatile memory (when not cached) and executing from volatile memory (when cached), thereby optimizing the balance between execution speed and power consumption in real-time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Loss of time

If the program is stored in volatile memory for quick access, then the activation time is reduced, but the power consumption increases when not in use

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveactivation timeVSAvoidpower consumption when not in use

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses volatile memory as a temporary, disposable cache for programs that are frequently accessed. The program can be quickly loaded into volatile memory for rapid execution, and when power is removed, the volatile memory naturally dissipates its contents without requiring additional power to maintain the state, effectively using the temporary nature of volatile memory to reduce ongoing power consumption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Productivity

If the running information is retained in the register, then the program execution efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprogram execution efficiencyVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The register serves as a self-service mechanism that automatically tracks whether program data is cached in volatile memory, eliminating the need for complex control logic or additional memory management units. The simple register state provides sufficient information for the controller to make efficient decisions about program execution

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS9111630B2Electronic device with a register for controlling the operations of a non-volatile memory and a volatile memory therein

Publication Date: 2015.08.18 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD

AI summary

An electronic device of the present technique includes a controller part for controlling operations of a non-volatile memory and a volatile memory, a power supply controller for controlling power to the controller part and the volatile memory, and a register for retaining running information about a program read from the non-volatile memory. When power is supplied to the controller part from the power supply controller and the running information about the program is not retained in the register, the controller part reads the program from the non-volatile memory and stores it in the volatile memory so as to execute the program, and retains the running information about the program in the register. When the running information about the program is retained in the register, the program is read from the volatile memory so as to be executed.