Memory Unit Power Management via Write Access Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need to further reduce power consumption in memory systems without losing stored data, as existing systems either retain data and consume more power or do not retain data and thus do not save power effectively.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a memory with configurable memory units that can be set to a retention state for data storage or a non-retention state for power savings, controlled by a controller that configures units based on write access history, allowing for multiple operating modes including a mode where all units are in the same state, and an interface for user commands to select these modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If memory units are configured in retention state to retain data, then data retention is ensured, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The memory is divided into multiple independently controllable memory units, each capable of being configured in retention or non-retention state separately. This segmentation allows selective power management where only necessary memory units retain data, while others enter low-power mode, thus resolving the contradiction between data retention and power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The memory units dynamically switch between retention and non-retention states based on actual data access patterns and system requirements. The controller monitors write operations and automatically configures memory units accordingly, enabling adaptive power management that maintains data retention only when necessary while minimizing overall power consumption.
2Use of energy by moving object
If memory units are configured in non-retention state to save power, then power consumption is reduced, but data retention capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The controller performs preliminary actions by monitoring write operations to memory units and proactively configuring them to retention state before data is actually needed. This anticipatory configuration ensures data is safely retained in advance, allowing memory units to subsequently enter non-retention state for power savings without risking data loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the controller continuously monitors memory access patterns and write operations. Based on this feedback, the controller dynamically adjusts the configuration of memory units between retention and non-retention states, ensuring data retention is maintained only when actually required while maximizing power savings otherwise.
3Device complexity
If all memory units are configured in the same state, then system simplicity is maintained, but power optimization is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The memory system implements self-service through automatic configuration where the controller autonomously manages the retention state of each memory unit based on monitored write operations. This self-managing approach eliminates the need for complex external control while enabling fine-grained power optimization, thus resolving the contradiction between control simplicity and power optimization.
Data Source
AI summary
A memory includes writable memory units. Each memory unit is configurable: in a retention state wherein the memory unit is capable of retaining data until a subsequent power-off of the memory unit, and in a non-retention state wherein the memory unit does not retain data and consumes less power than in the first state. A controller configures any memory unit of the memory having undergone at least one write access since its last power-up to be in the retention state. The controller further configures at least one memory unit of the memory that has not undergone any write access since its last power-up in the non-retention state.