Memory Controller ECC Speed Control During Peak Current
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing memory controllers face challenges in efficiently managing power consumption and error correction operations during peak current periods, leading to increased voltage drops and malfunction probabilities.
Innovation Solution
A memory controller with a power manager that monitors peak current periods and adjusts error correction operations by controlling speed and frequency based on peak sensing information, thereby reducing peak current magnitude and maintaining performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If error correction operations are performed at high speed continuously, then productivity is improved, but power consumption increases and voltage drops occur during peak current periods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the error correction operation speed variable rather than constant. The ECC engine dynamically adjusts its operating speed based on real-time power management signals from the PMIC, transitioning between high-speed mode (when power is sufficient) and low-speed mode (when power consumption needs reduction). This dynamic speed adjustment resolves the contradiction by allowing high productivity when energy is available while preventing excessive power consumption and voltage drops when energy resources are constrained.
2Productivity
If error correction operations are performed continuously at high speed, then productivity is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to voltage drops and malfunctions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control through the interaction between the PMIC and ECC engine. The PMIC monitors power consumption and voltage levels in real-time, then provides feedback signals to the ECC engine to adjust its operating speed accordingly. When voltage drops or power consumption exceeds thresholds, the PMIC signals the ECC engine to reduce speed, preventing malfunctions and maintaining system reliability. This closed-loop feedback mechanism resolves the contradiction by continuously adapting productivity to maintain stable operating conditions.
3Use of energy by moving object
If error correction operations are slowed down to reduce peak current, then power consumption is reduced, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by alternating between high-speed error correction operations and low-speed operations in response to periodic power management requirements. Rather than maintaining a constantly reduced speed, the system operates at high speed during periods when power consumption can be sustained, then reduces speed during peak current periods to manage power consumption. This periodic modulation of operation speed allows the system to achieve both reduced power consumption during critical periods and maintained productivity during acceptable periods.
Data Source
AI summary
A memory controller for efficiently managing power may include a memory interface, a power manager, and an Error Correction Code (ECC) engine. The memory interface may perform a data input/output operation of transmitting/receiving data to/from a memory device through an input/output line. The power manager may monitor a peak current period of the data input/output operation, and generate peak sensing information when the peak current period is sensed. The ECC engine may perform an error correction operation on the data while the data input/output operation is performed, and control a speed of the error correction operation in the peak current period in response to the peak sensing information.