Non-Volatile Memory Power Management via Segmented Bank Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current memory systems face challenges in reducing power consumption, particularly in volatile SRAMs, which require data transfer to non-volatile memory for power-off control, increasing circuit volume and consuming power even in standby mode, while high-speed non-volatile memories like STT-MRAMs require multiple power voltages, complicating power management.
Innovation Solution
A memory system with a non-volatile memory using multiple circuit blocks that employs a power-off switch circuitry and controller to selectively cut off voltage supply based on circuit volume, standby power, and power-off switch circuitry volume, implementing a state transition diagram to manage power voltages (Vread, Vwrite, Vdda, Vddc, and Vssc) for efficient power-off control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If power voltage is cut off from SRAM to reduce power consumption, then power consumption is reduced, but data is lost and additional non-volatile memory is required increasing circuit volume
Solution Approach 1:
The memory system is divided into multiple independent memory banks, each capable of autonomous power management. This segmentation allows selective power-off of individual banks without requiring global data migration, eliminating the need for additional non-volatile memory while reducing power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
Each memory bank is equipped with autonomous power management circuitry that can independently control its own power state. The banks can autonomously transition between active and power-off states based on their own usage patterns, eliminating the need for external control and additional memory infrastructure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple power voltages are supplied to non-volatile memory for operation, then operational flexibility is improved, but power management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power management system is segmented into independent control units for each memory bank. Each bank receives and manages its own multiple power voltages independently, allowing operational flexibility while distributing the management complexity across multiple simple units rather than one complex centralized system.
Solution Approach 2:
The power voltage supply to each memory bank is dynamically controlled based on operational requirements. The system can adaptively enable or disable specific power voltages for each bank depending on whether the bank is active or in standby, providing operational flexibility while simplifying overall power management through conditional voltage supply.
Data Source
AI summary
A memory system has a non-volatile memory including a plurality of circuit blocks using different voltages, a power-off switch circuitry that switches whether or not voltage supply to each of the plurality of circuit blocks in the non-volatile memory is cut off, and a power-off controller that controls the switching of the power-off switch circuitry based on at least one of circuit volumes of the plurality of circuit blocks, standby power of the plurality of circuit blocks, and a circuit volume of the power-off switch circuitry.