Memory Module Power Tracker for Accurate Consumption Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing memory subsystems lack accurate methods for monitoring and reporting power consumption, leading to potential system failures due to excessive power usage, which can result in unreliable diagnostic data.
Innovation Solution
A memory module with a power tracker that includes a power sensor, processor, and non-volatile memory, capable of self-monitoring and reporting power consumption data, allowing for real-time tracking and isolation from other subsystem components to ensure accurate reporting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If theoretical measurements or estimations are used to monitor power consumption, then the monitoring can be implemented without additional hardware, but the accuracy of the power consumption data is poor and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a power sensor as an intermediary device that directly measures power consumption on the memory module. This sensor acts as a mediator between the power source and the memory devices, providing accurate real-time power consumption data without requiring complex theoretical calculations or estimations from the host system
Solution Approach 2:
The memory module becomes self-monitoring by incorporating its own power sensor, processor, and non-volatile memory. The module independently tracks and reports its own power consumption, eliminating the need for external monitoring systems and providing highly accurate data without burdening the host system with complex monitoring operations
2Reliability
If power consumption monitoring is not implemented, then the system operates without additional components, but system failures due to excessive power usage cannot be detected or prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The power sensor continuously monitors power consumption in real-time, and the processor compares measurements against predefined thresholds before excessive power usage causes system failure. The system takes preliminary action by detecting and reporting power consumption issues early, allowing preventive maintenance before failures occur
Solution Approach 2:
The monitoring system provides continuous feedback about power consumption status to the host system through the power processor. This feedback mechanism enables the system to detect power consumption anomalies, report diagnostic data, and take appropriate actions to prevent failures, thereby improving overall system reliability
3Loss of information
If power consumption data is not accurately tracked, then diagnostic information is insufficient, but timely detection of excessive power usage and maintenance actions cannot be enabled
Solution Approach 1:
The power sensor continuously monitors power consumption without interruption, and the processor continuously compares measurements against thresholds. This continuous monitoring ensures that no power consumption events are missed, providing complete diagnostic information and enabling timely detection of issues that require maintenance action
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual or periodic power consumption assessment with automated electronic monitoring. The power sensor, processor, and non-volatile memory work together to automatically track, store, and report power consumption data, eliminating the need for manual measurement and providing timely, accurate diagnostic information for maintenance decisions
Data Source
AI summary
A memory module includes memory devices and a power tracker for monitoring power consumption by the memory devices. The power tracker generates digital power consumption data that can be stored and used to anticipate and/or diagnose of power-related problems. The invention allows accurate monitoring of conditions that could otherwise lead to failure and provides a source of diagnostic data in the event of system failure related to excessive power consumption. Modules that self-monitor power consumption can provide highly accurate data to the user and/or the system, which has significant advantages over error-prone theoretical measurements or estimations.