Multi-Sub-Circuit Controller for Adaptive Low-Power Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Memory systems face issues with unnecessary power consumption and performance degradation due to varying command frequencies from hosts, leading to inefficient power management.

Innovation Solution

A controller with multiple sub-circuits and a processor that determines the state of these sub-circuits, switching between activation and low-power modes based on predefined conditions to optimize power usage and performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the memory system continuously operates in activation mode to process commands, then performance is maintained, but power consumption increases unnecessarily

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommand processing performanceVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches between activation mode and low-power mode based on real-time monitoring of command reception status and sub-circuit states. The processor adjusts operational modes adaptively, transitioning to low-power mode when no commands are pending and returning to activation mode when commands are received, thereby optimizing the balance between performance and power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters (current consumption levels) based on system state. In activation mode, the system operates with higher current to ensure rapid command processing. When transitioning to low-power mode, current consumption is reduced to minimal levels. This parameter adjustment is triggered by monitoring whether activation conditions are satisfied, creating an efficient power-performance tradeoff.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Use of energy by moving object

If the memory system enters low-power mode to reduce power consumption, then energy efficiency improves, but command processing performance degrades

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidcommand processing performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary assessment of sub-circuit states and command queues before transitioning to low-power mode. The processor checks whether activation conditions are satisfied (i.e., whether any sub-circuit requires immediate attention) before entering low-power mode. This preliminary check ensures that the system only enters low-power mode when safe to do so, preventing performance degradation while maintaining energy efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors system state and provides feedback to the processor about whether activation conditions are satisfied. This feedback mechanism allows the processor to make informed decisions about mode transitions. When feedback indicates that all sub-circuits are in idle states and no commands are pending, the system transitions to low-power mode. When feedback shows active operations or pending commands, the system maintains activation mode, thus avoiding performance degradation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Use of energy by moving object

If the controller frequently switches between activation and low-power modes, then power efficiency improves, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidcontrol logic complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the controller into multiple independent sub-circuits, each with its own activation conditions. The processor evaluates each sub-circuit's state separately to determine whether activation conditions are satisfied. This segmentation allows for granular power management, where individual sub-circuits can be activated or deactivated based on their specific needs, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining power efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS12455606B2Controller executing activation mode or low power mode based on state of multiple sub-circuits and operating method thereof

Publication Date: 2025.10.28 SK HYNIX INC

AI summary

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a controller and operation method thereof. According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the controller may include i) a plurality of sub-circuits and ii) a processor configured to: determine the state of the plurality of sub-circuits, determine whether activation conditions corresponding to the plurality of sub-circuits are satisfied at a first time point, and control the controller to operate in an activation mode or in a low-power mode at a second time point, depending on whether the activation conditions corresponding to the plurality of sub-circuits are satisfied.