Dynamic RAM Retention Control for Wireless Device Power Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing functionality of wireless communication devices strains battery life due to high power requirements, necessitating a reduction in power consumption, particularly in random access memory (RAM) usage during cellular operations.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a dynamic control mechanism for RAM retention modes in wireless user equipment devices, where memory banks can be placed into a retention mode to conserve power, using voting information from software modules to determine the power mode of each bank, with options including active, retention, and power-off modes, and utilizing counters to manage access and power usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If RAM is kept in active mode to ensure data availability, then data access speed is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic power mode adjustment for RAM banks, transitioning between active, retention, and power-off modes based on real-time usage patterns. The system monitors access patterns and automatically adjusts the power state of individual RAM banks, making the memory system adaptive rather than static. This resolves the contradiction by allowing fast access when needed while saving power during idle periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the RAM into multiple independent banks that can be controlled separately with different power modes. Instead of managing the entire RAM as a single unit, the system can place individual banks into retention or power-off states while keeping others active. This segmentation allows selective power management, maintaining data access speed for active banks while reducing overall power consumption.
2Use of energy by moving object
If RAM banks are placed in retention mode to save power, then power consumption is reduced, but data access time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses access pattern analysis to predict future memory access needs and pre-loads data into active RAM banks before they are actually needed. By analyzing historical access patterns, the system anticipates which data will be accessed next and prepares it in advance in active memory, avoiding the time penalty of retrieving data from retention mode when access is actually required.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical switching between power states with a software-based prediction and management system. Instead of relying on hardware-level power state transitions alone, the system uses software algorithms to analyze access patterns, make predictions, and manage the timing of power state transitions, thereby optimizing the balance between power savings and access time.
3Adaptability or versatility
If more RAM banks are kept active to support increasing device functionality, then device capability is improved, but battery life deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of the number of active RAM banks based on current device operational needs. The system continuously monitors which software modules are active and adjusts the power state of RAM banks accordingly, ensuring that only the necessary amount of memory remains active to support current functionality. This dynamic approach allows the device to maintain full capability when needed while extending battery life during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different power management strategies to different RAM banks based on their specific usage patterns and the requirements of the software modules they support. Instead of applying a uniform power management policy to all memory, the system tailors the power state of each bank to its local needs, allowing critical functionality to have dedicated active memory while less critical areas can enter retention or power-off states.
4Device complexity
If RAM power mode is statically configured, then system complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different operational scenarios deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-managing memory power management system that automatically monitors its own usage patterns and adjusts power states without external intervention. The system includes monitoring components that track access patterns and control logic that automatically transitions RAM banks between power modes based on observed behavior. This self-service approach provides adaptability to different operational scenarios while keeping the control logic integrated within the memory subsystem itself, minimizing additional system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless communication device (UE) may include random access memory and associated software configured to selectively place different memory banks into either an active power on mode, retention mode, or power off mode. The selective placement of memory banks into different modes may be performed based on a variety of factors including software module voting information, a current power mode of the memory banks, one or more software program(s) and/or data currently stored on the memory banks, and a counter that counts an amount of time during which a memory bank is not accessed. The placement of memory banks into different modes may be controlled by a memory controller coupled to the memory banks.