Memory Controller Thermal Runaway Prevention via Data Transfer Rate Limiting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flash memory systems face challenges in controlling heat generation during data transfer, particularly when an abnormality occurs in the temperature sensor or when no temperature sensor is present, which can lead to thermal runaway.
Innovation Solution
A memory controller that estimates current temperature based on data transfer history and limits the data transfer rate to a predetermined rate lower than the maximum when certain conditions are met, using a temperature score that adjusts according to data transfer rate changes, allowing for heat generation control even without a functional temperature sensor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If data transfer rate is increased to improve productivity, then heat generation increases causing thermal runaway risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by alternately performing data transfer operations and idle operations. When the cumulative data transfer amount reaches a threshold, the system switches to an idle state to allow heat dissipation, then resumes data transfer. This periodic alternation prevents continuous heat accumulation while maintaining overall productivity, directly resolving the contradiction between high data transfer rate and heat generation control.
2Measurement precision
If temperature sensor is used to control heat generation, then temperature control accuracy improves, but system reliability decreases when sensor abnormality occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the copying principle by creating a virtual temperature representation through cumulative data transfer amount instead of relying on physical temperature sensors. The system calculates temperature-related control parameters based on the accumulated data transfer volume, effectively copying the temperature control function through computational means. This eliminates sensor dependency while maintaining control accuracy, resolving the reliability issue when sensors fail.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical temperature sensing system with a computational model based on data transfer statistics. Instead of using physical sensors to detect temperature, the system substitutes this with an algorithm that estimates thermal state from data transfer history. This substitution eliminates the single point of failure represented by physical sensors while maintaining the essential temperature control function.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If data transfer rate is suddenly limited to control heat generation, then heat generation control improves, but productivity decreases due to sudden rate drop
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by making the data transfer rate adaptive rather than static. The system continuously monitors cumulative data transfer amount and dynamically adjusts the transfer rate accordingly. When the threshold is not reached, maximum rate is maintained; when threshold is reached, the rate is adjusted to maintain idle periods. This dynamic adjustment optimizes both heat control and productivity, avoiding the performance penalty of fixed rate limitation.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a memory controller controlling data transfer between a host system and a flash memory. The memory controller is configured to limit a data transfer rate in a second period following a first period to a predetermined rate lower than a maximum rate when the data transfer rate in a first period satisfies a predetermined condition.