Memory Module Power Control via Selective Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Data processing systems consume excessive power due to the simultaneous powering of all memory boards, leading to inefficiencies and increased energy costs.
Innovation Solution
A data processing system with a controller and selection component that selectively powers memory modules based on usage, remapping logical addresses to physical addresses and using switches to enable or disable power to specific modules, allowing for the powering down of idle or underutilized modules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If all memory modules are powered on simultaneously, then system reliability and performance are ensured, but power consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the memory modules into multiple groups and uses switches to selectively power on only the segments needed for current operations. This allows the system to maintain reliability for active memory access while reducing overall power consumption by leaving inactive segments powered off.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic power management where the power supply state of memory modules is changed from static (all on or all off) to dynamic based on actual usage patterns. The controller monitors memory access patterns and adjusts power supply accordingly, transitioning between powered-on and powered-off states as needed.
2Use of energy by moving object
If selective powering of memory modules is implemented, then power consumption is reduced, but address mapping complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary address translation mechanism between logical addresses and physical addresses. This intermediary layer manages the complexity of address mapping by translating requests to appropriate physical locations, abstracting the complexity from the memory access interface while enabling selective powering.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller monitors memory access patterns and uses this feedback to determine which memory modules should be powered on. This feedback mechanism allows the system to adaptively manage power consumption while maintaining simple address mapping through intelligent decision-making based on actual usage patterns.
3Loss of energy
If memory modules are powered down to save energy, then energy efficiency improves, but access speed and availability may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-loading frequently accessed data into powered-on memory modules before actual access is needed. This allows the system to maintain fast access speeds for critical data while keeping less frequently accessed data in powered-off modules, thus balancing energy efficiency with access performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements periodic monitoring and evaluation of memory access patterns to determine optimal power states. This periodic action allows the system to dynamically adjust power supply timing, ensuring memory modules are powered on just in time for needed access while maximizing energy savings during idle periods.
Data Source
AI summary
A data processing system may include a plurality of memory modules, a controller, a power supply and a plurality of switches. Each of the memory modules may include a plurality of pages. The controller may control operations of the memory modules. The power supply may provide the memory modules with a power. The switches may be arranged corresponding to each of the memory modules. The switches may be selectively driven in response to a switch drive signal from the controller.