Memory Thermal Sensing for Dynamic Access Rate Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current thermal management solutions for memory devices rely on inferential methods that lead to uncertainty and inefficiency, resulting in poor data access rate performance due to loose correlations between bandwidth and memory device temperature, necessitating significant 'guardbanding' that impacts normal operating performance.
Innovation Solution
A thermal management system that uses a thermal sensor to measure actual memory device temperatures and adjust memory access rates accordingly, enabling precise thermal control through a thermal control module that initiates operations such as fan enabling and refresh operations based on measured temperatures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If inferential methods (bandwidth counters or virtual temperature sensor) are used to manage thermal constraints, then thermal management is implemented, but measurement precision deteriorates due to loose correlation between bandwidth and memory device temperature
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the inferential software-based thermal management methods (bandwidth counters and virtual temperature sensors) with a direct hardware temperature sensor that physically measures the memory device temperature. This substitution eliminates the loose correlation problem by directly sensing temperature rather than inferring it from bandwidth metrics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a dedicated temperature sensor as an intermediary component between the memory device and the thermal management system. This sensor acts as a mediator that provides accurate temperature measurements to the chipset, enabling precise thermal control without relying on indirect bandwidth-based inferences.
2Reliability
If guardbanding is applied to accommodate worst-case conditions, then reliability improves, but productivity deteriorates due to reduced data access rate performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic thermal management that adjusts memory access rate limits in real-time based on actual temperature sensor readings. Instead of applying static guardbanding for worst-case scenarios, the system dynamically modifies operational parameters according to current thermal conditions, maximizing productivity while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes a feedback loop where temperature sensor measurements are continuously monitored and used to adjust memory access rate limits. This closed-loop control system eliminates the need for conservative guardbanding by providing real-time temperature information that enables precise, condition-based thermal management.
3Temperature
If memory access rate limits are applied to control temperature, then temperature control is achieved, but speed deteriorates due to reduced data access rate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of memory access rate limits based on real-time temperature sensor feedback. The system only applies throttling when temperature thresholds are exceeded, allowing full-speed operation during normal thermal conditions while maintaining effective temperature control when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters (memory access rate limits) dynamically based on temperature conditions. Instead of maintaining fixed conservative limits, the system adjusts parameters in response to actual temperature measurements, optimizing the balance between temperature control and data access speed.
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 allows for optimized memory access rate limits based on actual temperature readings, reducing the need for guardbanding and enhancing data transfer performance by directly managing thermal constraints, thereby improving overall system performance.
Implementation Method 1
A sensor thermally couples to a memory device to measure an actual temperature of the memory device
Implementation Method 2
Thermal constraints of modern memory devices play a prominent role in limiting the maximum data access rates that memory device interfaces can currently support
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for thermal management of a memory device is described. In an embodiment, one or more thermal sensors sends a signal to a thermal control module indicating that a pre-determined temperature threshold for a memory device or devices has been reached. The thermal control module may then begin tracking memory thermals or initiate thermal management operations based on the signal and history of memory device temperatures over time.