Power Management Controller for Embedded Memory
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current power management techniques in System-on-Chip (SoC) designs face challenges in efficiently implementing power-saving modes due to large setup and recovery times for light sleep and deep sleep modes, leading to redundant logic and wasted chip real estate, and latency issues when switching memory banks.
Innovation Solution
A power management controller is introduced that uses a delayed control signal to manage power modes, transitioning the power mode control signal inactive before or active after the chip select signal, and includes logic elements like flip-flops and latches to optimize power consumption by ensuring non-critical setup times and eliminating unnecessary power-saving features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional power management techniques are used with large setup and recovery times for light sleep and deep sleep modes, then power consumption is reduced, but chip real estate is wasted due to redundant logic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by transitioning the power mode control signal inactive before the chip select signal transitions active, and transitioning it active after the chip select signal transitions inactive. This anticipatory timing allows the memory device to begin power mode transitions in advance, reducing the need for redundant logic circuits while maintaining power savings. The delayed control signal approach ensures setup time requirements are met without requiring additional buffer logic.
2Reliability
If power mode control signal transitions are delayed to meet setup time requirements, then timing specifications are satisfied, but latency is introduced in memory bank switching
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by performing preliminary transitions of the power mode control signal relative to the chip select signal. By transitioning the power mode control signal inactive before CS becomes active and active after CS becomes inactive, the system meets setup time requirements without introducing latency into the critical memory access path. The timing is optimized so that power mode changes occur in parallel with or outside the critical timing path.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the power mode control signal timing flexible and adaptive relative to the chip select signal. Rather than using fixed delays that would introduce latency, the system dynamically adjusts the power mode control signal transitions to occur at optimal times that satisfy setup requirements without impacting memory access speed. This dynamic timing approach allows the system to meet both reliability and speed requirements.
3Loss of energy
If power is removed from peripheral circuits in deep sleep and shutdown modes, then power consumption is minimized, but memory contents are lost or require lengthy recovery
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by transitioning the power mode control signal inactive before the chip select signal becomes active. This advance notification allows the memory device to begin power mode transitions in advance, ensuring that by the time the chip select signal activates, the memory device is already in the appropriate power mode. This eliminates recovery time delays while maintaining power savings, as the transitions occur proactively rather than reactively.
Data Source
AI summary
A power management controller controls a power mode associated with a memory device and includes a logic element operative to provide a power mode control signal. The logic element is responsive to first and second control signals, the second control signal being a delayed version of the first control signal. The first control signal is provided by a processing device, and the power mode control signal transitions (i) inactive before a chip select signal transitions active and/or (ii) active after the chip select signal transitions inactive. The chip select signal controls the memory device, and the power mode control signal controls the power mode associated with the memory device. A corresponding method, computer-readable medium, and electronic system are also disclosed. A method that selects a power control mode associated with the power management controller, which controls a power mode associated with the memory device, is also disclosed.