Power Allocation Unit for External Storage Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
External USB storage devices face stricter power constraints than internal NVMe SSDs, making it challenging to efficiently manage power distribution among multiple memory devices when connected to a removable power source.
Innovation Solution
A power allocation unit is implemented to dynamically change the power states of memory devices between operational and non-operational modes, ensuring that the total power allocation is not exceeded, allowing multiple devices to coexist and be accessible in parallel by switching devices between these states as needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple memory devices are kept in operational power states to ensure accessibility, then device accessibility is improved, but power consumption increases and exceeds the total power allocation
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically changes power states of memory devices based on operational needs. The power allocation unit monitors which devices are currently being accessed and adjusts power states in real-time, transitioning devices between operational and non-operational states as needed to match actual demand while staying within power constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the power state parameter of memory devices based on current operational requirements. When a device is needed, its power state is changed to operational; when not needed, it is changed to non-operational. This parameter adjustment allows the system to maintain accessibility for active devices while conserving power for inactive ones.
2Use of energy by moving object
If memory devices are placed in non-operational power states to reduce power consumption, then power usage is optimized, but device accessibility and responsiveness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-loading or pre-waking memory devices based on predicted or queued access patterns. When access requests are queued, the power allocation unit can proactively transition devices to operational states before they are actually needed, ensuring immediate responsiveness while still maintaining power efficiency for devices that are not anticipated to be accessed soon.
3Reliability
If all memory devices are kept in operational power states, then device functionality is ensured, but the system cannot exceed total power allocation limits
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the memory device array into multiple groups or individuals, managing power states independently for each device or group. This segmentation allows the power allocation unit to selectively activate only the necessary portion of devices at any given time, ensuring that functional devices remain operational while inactive devices consume minimal power, thus respecting total power allocation limits.
4Use of energy by moving object
If power states are dynamically changed between devices, then power distribution is optimized, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power allocation unit implements self-service by autonomously monitoring access patterns, determining which devices need to be active, and automatically transitioning devices between power states without requiring external intervention or complex manual management. This self-managing approach optimizes power distribution while keeping the control logic relatively simple and focused on essential monitoring and state transitions.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure generally relates to power management for an external storage device. The external storage device includes a power allocation unit coupled to an array of memory devices. A single bridge is present to provide a connection to a host device. The memory devices have operational power states that utilize a first amount of power and non-operational power states that utilize a second amount of power that is less than the first amount of power. The power allocation unit changes the power state of the individual memory devices between operational and non-operational based upon need, but also ensures that the external storage device does not exceed the total power allocation. Thus, the power allocation unit may change a power state of one memory device from operational to non-operational in order to change the power state of another memory device from non-operational to operational.