Memory Interface Circuit Power Gating During NAND Operations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 3D NAND flash memory devices face challenges in optimizing energy consumption during operations such as read, write, and erase commands, leading to inefficiencies in power management.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an interface in the memory device that receives operation commands to turn off and on specific circuits based on command protocols, such as ONFI or SCA, to manage power consumption dynamically.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If circuits are continuously kept on to ensure operational readiness, then reliability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic power management by transitioning circuits between active and power-saving states based on operational requirements. The interface dynamically adjusts the power state of circuits (e.g., I/O circuits, clock circuits) rather than maintaining a fixed state, allowing the system to optimize between reliability and energy consumption in real-time based on command protocols like ONFI or SCA.
2Speed
If all circuits remain active during operations, then operational speed is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the memory device circuits into distinct functional blocks that can be independently controlled for power management. Specifically, it divides circuits into those required for current operations and those that can be powered down, allowing selective activation/deactivation of circuit segments (e.g., separating I/O circuits from core memory operations) to reduce overall power consumption while maintaining operational speed where needed.
3Loss of energy
If circuits are turned off to save power, then energy efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service power management where the memory device autonomously controls its own power states based on received commands and operational context. The device monitors its own operational requirements and automatically transitions circuits between active and power-saving states without requiring complex external control logic, thereby improving energy efficiency while limiting the increase in overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Examples of the present application disclose a memory device and an operation method thereof, and related structures. An interface of the memory device includes a first circuit and is configured to: receive a first operation command and a second operation command, wherein the first operation command is to indicate to perform a first operation on the memory device, the second operation command is to indicate to turn off the first circuit in the memory device, and the first circuit includes a circuit that may not be used when the first operation is performed on the memory device; and receive a third operation command, wherein the third operation command is to indicate to turn on the first circuit.