OS Memory Module Power Management via Dynamic Content Migration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current computer systems face significant power consumption challenges due to the high energy requirements of powerful processors and memory modules, particularly in portable and environmentally sensitive designs, necessitating effective power management strategies.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a power management module within the operating system that allocates, frees, and powers down memory modules dynamically, moving content between modules to optimize power usage based on system performance metrics and free memory availability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If memory modules are kept powered on to maintain system performance, then system performance is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic power management by allowing memory modules to transition between active and powered-off states based on real-time system conditions. The operating system monitors memory usage patterns and dynamically selects which memory modules to power down when performance requirements are met, and which to activate when additional memory capacity is needed, thereby resolving the contradiction between maintaining performance and reducing power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational state parameter of memory modules from a static always-on configuration to a dynamic state that can be switched between active and powered-off. By controlling the power state parameter of memory modules based on system performance requirements, the patent achieves both reduced power consumption and maintained system performance.
2Use of energy by moving object
If memory modules are powered down to reduce power consumption, then power consumption is reduced, but system performance may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the operating system continuously monitors system performance metrics and memory usage patterns. Based on this feedback, the system intelligently determines when it is safe to power down memory modules without compromising performance, and when additional memory capacity is needed to restore performance levels, thus resolving the contradiction between power reduction and performance maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by proactively managing memory module power states based on predicted or current system needs. The operating system anticipates when memory modules can be powered down by monitoring current usage patterns and system performance, taking preventive action to power down modules before performance degradation occurs, thereby maintaining performance while reducing power consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, apparatus, and products are disclose for managing power consumption in a computer, the computer including random access memory (‘RAM’) implemented in two or more memory modules, the computer having installed upon it an operating system, the operating system including a power management module, that includes: freeing, by the operating system from one or more of the memory modules, at least the amount of allocated memory in one memory module; selecting, by the operating system, at least one memory module to power down; moving, by the operating system, content of the selected memory module to other memory modules; and powering, by the operating system, down the selected memory module.