Memory Idle Power Control Using Time-Based Bias Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing memory devices face challenges in efficiently controlling power consumption, particularly in idle modes, leading to inefficiencies in power management.
Innovation Solution
A memory device with a command decoder, timer, and control circuit that compares operation time with a reference time to adaptively control power states of semiconductor devices through dynamic body bias and power gating operations, adjusting reference times based on temperature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the memory device enters idle mode to reduce power consumption, then power efficiency is improved, but power consumption cannot be sufficiently reduced due to inability to adapt to different idle durations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic power control by introducing a timer that measures idle mode duration and a control circuit that adjusts power control operation states based on the measured time. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to adapt power consumption levels according to the actual idle duration, transitioning from static to dynamic power management. The control circuit enables different power control states (first state, second state, third state) corresponding to different idle time thresholds, thereby optimizing power efficiency while accounting for varying idle scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of power control operation state based on the idle mode operation time. By comparing the measured idle time with reference time values, the system selects appropriate power control states, effectively using parameter changes (time-based) to optimize power consumption. This approach allows the memory device to adapt its power consumption characteristics to match the actual idle duration, resolving the contradiction between maintaining power efficiency and reducing overall power consumption.
2Loss of energy
If power control operations are continuously enabled to minimize power loss, then energy efficiency is improved, but device complexity and operational overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service power management mechanism where the memory device autonomously monitors its own idle mode duration through the timer and automatically adjusts its power control operation state without requiring external intervention. The control circuit compares the measured idle time with reference values and independently determines the appropriate power state, enabling the device to self-optimize power consumption based on its operational context, thereby reducing power loss without proportionally increasing management complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a feedback mechanism where the timer continuously measures idle mode duration and feeds this information back to the control circuit. The control circuit uses this feedback to dynamically adjust the power control operation state, creating a closed-loop system that automatically optimizes power consumption. This feedback-based approach enables intelligent power management without requiring complex external control, as the system self-regulates based on real-time operational conditions.
3Ease of operation
If the memory device uses fixed reference time for power control decisions, then control simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to different operating conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from static to dynamic control by implementing a timer that measures actual idle mode duration and a control circuit that adjusts power control decisions based on the measured time. This dynamic approach allows the system to adapt to different idle durations and operating conditions while maintaining relatively simple control logic through systematic time-based decision-making. The control circuit uses clear comparison operations between measured time and reference values, preserving ease of operation while significantly improving adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the idle mode control into distinct time-based stages by comparing the measured idle duration against multiple reference time values. This segmentation creates clear decision boundaries (first reference time, second reference time) that simplify control logic while enabling adaptive responses to different idle duration scenarios. By dividing the control space into time-based segments, the system achieves both adaptability to various operating conditions and maintainable control simplicity through structured decision-making.
Data Source
AI summary
A memory device may include: a command decoder configured to obtain a command; a timer configured to measure an operation time of an idle mode based on the idle mode being entered according to the command; and a control circuit configured to: compare the operation time and a reference time; and control a state of a power control operation for at least one semiconductor device in the idle mode based on a result of the comparing.