Progressive Memory Initialization Using Hardware Counter Waitpoints
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional memory initialization methods consume excessive power and time due to bus transactions and lack of visibility into the initialization progress, leading to unnecessary resource usage in devices like portable devices.
Innovation Solution
A progressive memory initialization technique using a software-accessible hardware counter that iteratively adjusts a counter value and stores initialization values, allowing the processor to track progress and suspend or resume execution based on predetermined waitpoints, thereby reducing power consumption and wait times.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the memory device initializes all memory locations using hardware at the memory device, then bus transactions are avoided and initialization speed is improved, but the software is unable to track the progress of initialization and must wait until the entire memory device has been initialized, resulting in excessive power consumption and unnecessary delay
Solution Approach 1:
A counter register is provided that reflects the current initialization progress and is accessible to the processor. The counter is incremented as initialization progresses through different stages (ECC calculation, data array initialization, status register updates). The processor can poll this counter to determine when initialization is complete or when specific thresholds are reached, eliminating the need to wait for full initialization and allowing early resumption of operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The counter register acts as an intermediary between the initialization hardware and the processor. It provides a visible interface that allows the processor to monitor initialization progress without interfering with the hardware-based initialization process. This intermediary enables the processor to make informed decisions about when to resume operations based on actual initialization status.
2Loss of information
If the processor stores initialization values into each memory location using a memory access transaction via an external bus, then the initialization can be tracked by software, but excessive power consumption occurs due to the bus transaction required for each memory location
Solution Approach 1:
The memory device performs self-initialization using internal hardware resources. The initialization logic within the memory device calculates ECC values and writes initialization data to memory locations without requiring external processor intervention for each location. This self-service approach eliminates the power-intensive bus transactions while maintaining initialization functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The counter register provides feedback to the processor about initialization progress without requiring the processor to actively manage each initialization transaction. This feedback mechanism allows the processor to remain idle or perform other tasks while initialization proceeds, significantly reducing power consumption compared to active bus-based initialization.
3Reliability
If error correcting code (ECC) information is stored for memory locations, then memory reliability is improved, but device resources are consumed increasing power consumption and response time
Solution Approach 1:
ECC values are calculated and stored during the initialization phase before the memory device is put into normal operation. By performing ECC setup in advance during hardware-based initialization, the need for continuous ECC calculation and verification during active operation is reduced, lowering power consumption during the device's operational phase while maintaining reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes initializing a counter value of a hardware counter. The method further includes iteratively adjusting the counter value and storing an initialization value to a memory location using a memory address based on the counter value. The method also includes generating an interrupt request based on a comparison of the counter value to a waitpoint value concurrent with iteratively adjusting and storing. A memory device includes a memory array and an initialization module. The initialization module includes a counter, a register to store a waitpoint value, write logic configured to write an initialization value to a memory location of the memory array associated with a memory address that is based on a counter value of the counter, and interrupt logic configured to generate an interrupt request based on a comparison of the counter value of the counter to the waitpoint value.