Memory Controller Work Mode Switching Logic

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Solution Overview

Problem

The frequent switching between idle and power-saving modes in memory storage devices can lead to increased wear on rewritable non-volatile memory modules, reducing their lifespan due to excessive reading and writing operations.

Innovation Solution

A memory management method that dynamically switches the work mode based on both the newest idle time and the past average command-receiving-time-interval, using a counting circuit and work mode controller to determine whether to enter a power-saving mode, thereby reducing the frequency of mode switches and extending the module's lifespan.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by stationary object

If the memory storage device uses a fixed threshold value to determine whether to enter idle mode or power-saving mode, then the power consumption is reduced when idle, but the lifespan of the rewritable non-volatile memory module is reduced due to frequent mode switching

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidlifespan of memory module

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by stationary objectVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from a fixed threshold value to a dynamic threshold mechanism that adapts based on historical command-receiving intervals. The threshold is no longer static but changes according to the actual usage patterns, allowing the system to optimize between power saving and memory wear reduction based on real-time conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback by using the counted historical command-receiving intervals to adjust future mode switching decisions. The system monitors past usage patterns and feeds this information back into the threshold determination logic, creating a closed-loop control system that learns from historical data to make better switching decisions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Use of energy by stationary object

If the memory storage device enters idle mode frequently to save power, then power consumption is reduced, but the frequency of reading and writing operations increases, reducing memory module lifespan

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidmemory module reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by counting and analyzing historical command-receiving intervals before making mode switching decisions. Instead of reacting to current idle state alone, the system prepares by accumulating usage pattern data in advance, allowing it to predict when mode switching would be beneficial without causing excessive wear.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter used for mode switching from a simple fixed time threshold to a dynamic parameter that incorporates historical command-receiving interval statistics. This parameter transformation allows the system to consider usage patterns and adjust switching behavior accordingly, balancing power savings with reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If the memory storage device uses a single threshold value for mode switching, then the control logic is simple, but the timing accuracy for switching modes is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol logic complexityVSAvoidtiming accuracy for mode switching

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the single threshold value into multiple threshold values corresponding to different command-receiving interval patterns. Instead of one universal threshold, the system segments the threshold space based on historical usage characteristics, allowing more precise control over mode switching timing for different usage scenarios.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS10592126B2Memory management method, memory storage device and memory control circuit unit

Publication Date: 2020.03.17 HEFEI CORE STORAGE ELECTRONICS LTD

AI summary

A memory management method is provided according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. The method includes: receiving a plurality of commands from a host system; counting a newest idle time corresponding to the commands and a past average command-receiving-time-interval corresponding to the commands; and dynamically changing a work mode of a memory storage device from a first work mode to a second work mode if the newest idle time is larger than a first threshold value and the past average command-receiving-time-interval is larger than a second threshold value. Therefore, a power consumption of the memory storage device can be reduced and a work mode of the memory storage device may not be changed too frequently.