Memory Controller Thermal Throttling via Integrated Temperature Sensor
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Storage devices with flash memories face performance reduction and potential damage due to increased temperature, leading to data errors and shortened lifespan, as existing solutions require memory controller intervention for temperature management.
Innovation Solution
A storage device with a memory controller that uses temperature sensors to generate enable signals for thermal throttling modes, allowing memories to determine command operations based on measured temperatures without external intervention, thereby managing heat and power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the memory operates at high temperature, then the processing speed may be maintained, but the reliability deteriorates and the memory may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The memory includes a temperature sensor that continuously monitors the memory temperature and feeds this information back to the control logic. The control logic uses this feedback to dynamically adjust operations based on temperature conditions, preventing damage while maintaining performance when possible
Solution Approach 2:
The memory performs self-temperature-monitoring and self-protection through its integrated temperature sensor and control logic. The memory autonomously determines whether to execute commands based on its own temperature state without requiring external controller intervention, preventing damage before it occurs
2Productivity
If the memory operates without thermal management, then the productivity is maintained, but the heat generation increases causing performance reduction
Solution Approach 1:
The memory autonomously monitors its own temperature and controls its operations based on temperature conditions. The control logic determines whether to execute commands or enter thermal throttling mode based on real-time temperature sensor readings, managing heat generation without external intervention
3Temperature
If the memory controller intervenes in temperature management, then the temperature control capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature management functionality is extracted from the memory controller and embedded directly within the memory device. The memory includes its own temperature sensor and control logic, eliminating the need for complex controller intervention and simplifying the overall system architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The memory device performs self-temperature-management through integrated sensors and control logic, making the system independent of external controller complexity. The memory autonomously handles temperature monitoring and operational adjustments without requiring sophisticated controller algorithms
4Productivity
If the memory operates continuously without thermal throttling, then the productivity is maintained, but the power consumption increases and causes damage
Solution Approach 1:
The memory dynamically adjusts its operational state based on real-time temperature conditions. When temperature exceeds thresholds, the control logic transitions to thermal throttling mode, reducing operations and power consumption. This dynamic adaptation allows continuous operation when safe while preventing damage when necessary
Solution Approach 2:
The temperature sensor provides continuous feedback to the control logic, which adjusts power consumption and operational intensity accordingly. This feedback mechanism enables the memory to maintain productivity within safe thermal limits and reduce power consumption when temperature thresholds are approached
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution effectively reduces heat generation and power consumption by dynamically controlling command operations based on temperature, preventing damage and ensuring reliable data storage across varying temperatures.
Implementation Method 1
a memory temperature sensor which measures a temperature of the memory
Implementation Method 2
a storage device temperature sensor which measures a temperature of the storage device
Data Source
AI summary
A storage device includes a memory and a memory controller which transmits a command to the memory. The memory includes at least one memory cell array, a memory temperature sensor which measures a temperature of the memory, and a control logic. The control logic outputs a busy signal in response to the command, receives the temperature of the memory from the memory temperature sensor in response to the command, and determines whether to perform a command operation according to the command on the memory cell array based on the received temperature of the memory.