Power Control Chain for Memory Sub-systems
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional memory sub-systems with central controllers face challenges such as routing congestion, increased power and space requirements, and resource-intensive operations due to extensive wiring and domain differences, making it difficult to manage and reconfigure memory components efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A power control chain (PCC) system that uses a PCC controller to initiate sequential powering of memory components with a set interval, reducing the need for extensive wiring and domain conversion components, thereby minimizing power consumption and routing congestion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a central controller directly wires to each memory component for parallel control, then all memory components can be controlled simultaneously, but routing congestion and device complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control function by introducing intermediate controllers between the central controller and memory components. Each intermediate controller manages a subset of memory components, dividing the control network into manageable segments that reduce routing congestion and complexity while maintaining coordinated control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate controllers as mediator components that sit between the central controller and memory components. These intermediaries receive control signals from the central controller and distribute them to subordinate memory components, reducing the direct wiring burden on the central controller and eliminating routing congestion.
2Ease of operation
If extensive wiring is used to connect central controller to all memory components, then direct control is achieved, but power consumption and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control hierarchy is segmented into multiple levels with intermediate controllers managing subsets of memory components. This segmentation reduces the total wiring length and number of connections required, thereby reducing power consumption for signal transmission while maintaining effective control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Intermediate controllers act as mediaries that reduce the wiring burden on the central controller. By distributing control functions across multiple intermediate controllers, the system achieves direct control of memory components with significantly reduced wiring infrastructure, lowering overall power consumption.
3Adaptability or versatility
If memory components are controlled across different clock and power domains, then operational flexibility is improved, but additional domain conversion components are required increasing complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by organizing memory components into domains managed by intermediate controllers that are synchronized to local clock and power domains. Each intermediate controller manages a specific domain with its own timing characteristics, allowing operational flexibility within each domain while reducing the need for complex domain conversion components across the entire system.
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes determining that a power event involving a memory sub-system has occurred. The method further including in response to the determination that the power event has occurred, generating signaling indicative of performance of an operation to provide power to a plurality of memory components of the memory sub-system, where the signaling indicative of performance includes a power control signal is applied to a first memory component at a first time, and is applied to a second memory component at a second time that is subsequent to the first memory component entering a steady state.