Memory Controller Profile Switching for Faster Low-Power Startup

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing information processing systems with memory systems that do not include a profile table operate with excessive power consumption and increased startup times due to unnecessary high performance and unrestricted access to user areas during startup sequences.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a memory system with a profile table that sets specific parameters for each stage of the startup sequence, allowing the memory controller to adjust its operations based on different profile information items, thereby optimizing performance and reducing power consumption and startup time.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the memory controller operates with unrestricted access and high performance settings during startup sequence, then the system can access user areas without limitations, but power consumption increases and startup time is extended

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess flexibility to user areasVSAvoidpower consumption during startup

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The startup sequence is divided into distinct periods (first period for BIOS/boot loader, second period for OS). During the first period, access to user areas is restricted to boot-related operations only. During the second period, full access is granted. This segmentation allows the system to maintain adaptability when needed while reducing power consumption during restricted periods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The memory controller dynamically changes its operational parameters based on the startup period. In the first period, it operates with restricted access modes and optimized parameters for boot operations. In the second period, it transitions to full access mode. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by providing high adaptability only when necessary while reducing power consumption during restricted periods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the memory controller operates with unrestricted access and high performance settings during startup sequence, then the system can access user areas without limitations, but startup time is increased

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess flexibility to user areasVSAvoidstartup time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The startup sequence is divided into distinct periods (first period for BIOS/boot loader, second period for OS). During the first period, access to user areas is restricted to boot-related operations only. During the second period, full access is granted. This segmentation allows the system to maintain adaptability when needed while reducing power consumption during restricted periods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The memory controller dynamically changes its operational parameters based on the startup period. In the first period, it operates with restricted access modes and optimized parameters for boot operations. In the second period, it transitions to full access mode. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by providing high adaptability only when necessary while reducing power consumption during restricted periods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If profile information is stored and managed in the memory system, then performance can be optimized for each startup stage, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestartup efficiencyVSAvoidmemory system structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The profile table serves multiple functions: it stores operational parameters for different startup periods, manages access restrictions to user areas, and provides configuration information for the memory controller. By making the profile table multi-functional, the patent reduces the need for separate structures for each function, thereby minimizing the increase in device complexity while achieving optimized startup efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The memory controller automatically reads the appropriate profile information from the profile table based on the current startup period and configures its operations accordingly. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for complex external control logic to manage profile switching, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining high startup efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS12481441B2Memory system including a nonvolatile memory and a memory controller that controls the nonvolatile memory based on profile, and information processing system including the memory system

Publication Date: 2025.11.25 KIOXIA CORP

AI summary

A memory system includes a nonvolatile memory that stores a profile table and a memory controller that is configured to control the nonvolatile memory. The profile table includes a plurality of profile information items. The memory controller is configured to control the nonvolatile memory on the basis of first profile information among the plurality of profile information items in a first process among a plurality of processes that are executed during a startup sequence. The first profile information includes a parameter that is referred to when the first process is executed.