Memory Module Power Controller for Mode-Based Voltage Scaling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing memory modules consume unnecessary power due to the application of fixed power supply voltages, regardless of their operational needs or environmental conditions.

Innovation Solution

A memory module with an integrated power controller that adjusts power supply voltages based on operation modes and temperature, using a power source and temperature sensor to optimize voltage levels for efficient power management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If fixed power supply voltages are applied to the memory module, then the memory device can operate reliably, but unnecessary power consumption occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvememory device operation reliabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic power supply voltage adjustment by introducing a power controller that modifies the power supply voltage based on the operation mode of the memory device. During active operations, the memory device receives the normal power supply voltage (e.g., 1.2V) to ensure reliable operation, while during standby modes, the power controller reduces the voltage to a lower level (e.g., 0.6V) to minimize power consumption. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between maintaining reliability and reducing energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the electrical parameter (power supply voltage) according to the operational state of the memory device. The power controller monitors the operation mode and adjusts the voltage parameter accordingly - maintaining higher voltage levels during active read/write operations for reliability, and reducing voltage levels during standby or idle states to reduce power consumption. This parameter change strategy directly addresses the technical contradiction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Use of energy by moving object

If power supply voltage is reduced to save power, then power consumption decreases, but operation reliability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidmemory device operation reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The power controller dynamically adjusts the power supply voltage based on real-time operation mode detection. When the memory device transitions between active and standby states, the controller appropriately modulates the voltage - reducing it during standby to save power while restoring it during active operations to maintain reliability. This dynamic control ensures that reliability is compromised only temporarily during state transitions, not during actual operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The power controller performs preliminary voltage adjustment in anticipation of operation mode changes. Before the memory device enters a standby mode, the controller proactively reduces the power supply voltage to minimize power consumption. Conversely, before active operations begin, the controller ensures the voltage is restored to the appropriate level. This preliminary action prevents reliability issues by ensuring voltage is ready before operations commence.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Use of energy by moving object

If multiple power supply voltages are provided for different operation modes, then power efficiency improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower efficiencyVSAvoidpower supply system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the power supply voltage adjustment functionality into an existing power controller component within the memory module. Rather than introducing separate voltage generation circuits for each mode, the existing power controller is enhanced to monitor operation modes and adjust the single power supply voltage accordingly. This merging approach improves power efficiency through dynamic adjustment while minimizing the increase in device complexity by reusing existing infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The power controller is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a power management component and an operation mode monitor. It universally handles different operation modes (active, standby, idle) by adjusting the power supply voltage appropriately for each mode. This universal design improves power efficiency across all modes while avoiding the need for separate dedicated circuits for each function, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12591377B2Memory module capable of reducing power consumption and semiconductor system including the same

Publication Date: 2026.03.31 SK HYNIX INC

AI summary

A memory module may include a power source, a memory device, and a power controller. The power source provides at least one power supply voltage. The memory device operates by being supplied with at least one memory power supply voltage. The power controller supplies the at least one memory power supply voltage by changing a voltage level of the at least one power supply voltage based on operation modes of the memory device.