Dynamic Memory Refresh Throttling for Idle Power Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power consumption management in computer systems primarily focuses on preventing overload during high usage, failing to efficiently manage energy in low-use scenarios, leading to unnecessary energy waste.
Innovation Solution
A memory control system that detects low power consumption states in processors and sends throttling signals to memory modules to reduce refresh rates, thereby minimizing power consumption in low-use systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the memory module operates at full refresh rate continuously, then the memory maintains optimal performance and data integrity, but the power consumption increases unnecessarily during low-use periods
Solution Approach 1:
The memory refresh rate is made dynamic rather than static. The system adjusts the refresh rate based on processor power state detection, transitioning between full refresh rate (when processor is active) and reduced refresh rate (when processor is in low power state). This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by maintaining reliability when needed while reducing energy consumption during low-use periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The refresh rate parameter of the memory module is changed based on system conditions. When the processor enters a low power consumption state, the system changes the refresh rate parameter from the standard full rate to a reduced rate, thereby lowering power consumption while still maintaining acceptable data integrity through periodic full refreshes.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the memory refresh rate is reduced to save power, then energy consumption decreases, but the risk of data loss or memory errors increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuously operating at full refresh rate, the system implements periodic full refreshes at reduced intervals during low-power states. The memory operates at a reduced refresh rate for extended periods, but performs periodic full refresh cycles to ensure data integrity, thereby balancing energy savings with reliability maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system prepares for potential data integrity issues by implementing monitoring mechanisms and periodic full refreshes before actual data loss can occur. The controller monitors memory status and proactively performs full refresh operations to prevent data corruption, cushioning against the risks introduced by reduced refresh rates.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the system continuously monitors processor power states and adjusts memory refresh rate, then power optimization is achieved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the controller continuously monitors the processor's power consumption state and adjusts the memory refresh rate accordingly. When the processor enters a low power state, the controller receives feedback and reduces the memory refresh rate; when the processor becomes active, the controller restores the full refresh rate. This feedback loop achieves power optimization without requiring complex manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The memory control system operates autonomously by self-monitoring processor power states and self-adjusting memory refresh rates without external intervention. The controller service automatically detects processor states and manages memory power consumption, reducing the need for complex external power management infrastructure.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer system maintains a threshold value, wherein the threshold value indicates a period of time. The computer system determines that a processor is in any one of a plurality of low power consumption states. Responsive to a determination that the processor is in any one of the plurality of low power consumption states, the computer system increments a counter. The counter indicates the period of time the processor has been in any one of the plurality of low power consumption state. The computing system determines that the counter value is equal to or greater than the threshold value. Responsive to a determination that the counter value is equal to or greater than the threshold value, the computer system sends a first indication to a memory module indicating to the memory module to reduce the memory module refresh rate.