Memory System Dual Temperature Sensor Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing memory systems face inefficiencies in controlling performance to prevent overheating of memory chips, as they either interrupt data transfer by measuring temperature directly from the chip or risk inaccurate temperature readings from external sensors, leading to unnecessary performance reductions.
Innovation Solution
The memory system employs dual temperature sensors, strategically selecting which sensor to use based on the measured temperature to balance accuracy and performance, using the chip's sensor when near the upper limit and the controller's sensor when temperatures are sufficiently lower, thereby optimizing data transfer rates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If temperature is measured directly from the memory chip, then temperature measurement accuracy is improved, but data transfer is interrupted and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary temperature sensor in the memory controller that indirectly measures the memory chip's temperature through thermal coupling, allowing continuous temperature monitoring without interrupting data transfer operations between the host and memory chip
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the temperature measurement function into two parts: a primary temperature sensor in the memory controller for continuous monitoring, and a secondary temperature sensor in the memory chip for calibration and verification, allowing the system to maintain productivity while achieving accurate temperature measurements
2Reliability
If performance is reduced to prevent overheating, then temperature control reliability is improved, but data transfer rate and productivity decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control mechanism where the temperature sensor continuously monitors the memory chip's temperature and provides real-time feedback to the controller, which dynamically adjusts the data transfer rate to maintain temperature within safe operating limits without unnecessary performance reduction
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the data transfer rate dynamic rather than static, allowing it to be adjusted in real-time based on temperature conditions, enabling the system to operate at high performance when cool and reduce performance only when necessary to prevent overheating
3Productivity
If external temperature sensor is used, then productivity is maintained, but temperature measurement accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functionality of both temperature sensors by combining the external temperature sensor in the memory controller with the internal temperature sensor in the memory chip, using the external sensor for continuous monitoring to maintain productivity and the internal sensor for calibration to ensure measurement accuracy
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enhances the average data transfer rate by preventing excessive performance reduction near the temperature limit and ensuring accurate temperature measurement, thus efficiently managing heat generation and system performance.
Implementation Method 1
a first temperature sensor provided in the memory chip and a second temperature sensor provided in the memory controller
Data Source
AI summary
A memory system includes a first memory chip that includes a first temperature sensor, and a memory controller that includes a second temperature sensor. The memory controller is configured to: perform, at a first timing, a first temperature acquisition process including acquiring a first measured temperature using the first temperature sensor or the second temperature sensor; select one of the first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor for a second temperature acquisition process based the first measured temperature; and perform, at a second timing later than the first timing, the second temperature acquisition process including acquiring a second measured temperature using the selected one of the first temperature sensor or the second temperature sensor.