Memory Subsystem Garbage Collection Battery Management

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Garbage collection in memory sub-systems can deplete battery life when performed during low battery states, making portable devices unusable at critical moments.

Innovation Solution

The system monitors the battery state and postpones garbage collection operations when the battery life is low, resuming only when the battery life reaches a predetermined threshold.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If garbage collection is performed in memory sub-system, then memory performance is improved, but battery life is depleted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvememory performanceVSAvoidbattery life
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The garbage collection operation is made dynamic by adjusting its execution based on battery state. The system transitions from static garbage collection scheduling to dynamic scheduling that adapts to real-time battery conditions, postponing operations when battery life is low and resuming when battery life is sufficient.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the operational parameters of garbage collection based on battery state. When battery life falls below a threshold, the garbage collection parameter shifts from 'execute' to 'postpone'. This parameter change allows the system to optimize between memory performance and power consumption under different operating conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Use of energy by moving object

If garbage collection is postponed during low battery state, then battery life is preserved, but memory performance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery lifeVSAvoidmemory performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements periodic monitoring of battery state to determine when to resume garbage collection. Instead of permanently disabling garbage collection during low battery, the system periodically checks battery status and resumes the operation when conditions improve, creating a rhythmic pattern of pause-and-resume that balances power conservation with performance maintenance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary assessment of battery state before executing garbage collection. By checking battery life in advance and making a determination whether to proceed or postpone, the system avoids initiating power-intensive operations when the battery cannot support them, thereby preventing performance degradation during critical low-power states.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If garbage collection is executed continuously, then memory cleanliness is maintained, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvememory cleanlinessVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system extracts the harmful element (continuous garbage collection execution) from the operational routine when battery power is insufficient. By separating garbage collection from continuous operation and making it conditional based on battery state, the system eliminates unnecessary power consumption while maintaining memory cleanliness during periods when power is available.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentEP4018316B1Garbage collection in a memory sub-system during a low battery state
Publication Date: 2025.06.11 MICRON TECHNOLOGY INC
  • EP4018316B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4018316B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4018316B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Systems, apparatuses, and methods related to media management, including "garbage collection," in memory or storage systems or sub-systems, such as solid state drives, are described. For example, a battery state associated with the memory system or sub-system may be used as an indicator or basis for managing a garbage collection operation on a data block. A controller or the system or sub-system may determine that a battery state or condition satisfies a criterion. Based on determining that the criterion is satisfied the, the garbage collection operation may be postponed until the battery state changes to satisfy a different battery condition.