Router Power Supply Control for Non-Volatile Memory
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Network routers face high power consumption due to the need for continuous operation of memory devices like SRAM and DRAM, even during low traffic periods, which inhibits power reduction efforts.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a router with a non-volatile memory system, such as ST-MRAM, that allows power to be supplied only when the memory is in operation and interrupted when not in use, reducing unnecessary power consumption by using a control unit to manage power supply to the routing table and transfer information base memory units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If SRAM or DRAM is used for routing table storage, then high-speed packet classification is achieved, but continuous power consumption increases due to leakage current and refresh requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the power supply to the memory device controllable rather than continuous. The power supply unit dynamically adjusts power delivery based on operational state, enabling power to be supplied only when reading/writing operations are performed, thus reducing continuous power consumption while maintaining high-speed classification capability when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the power supply parameter from continuous to intermittent based on operational requirements. By controlling the power supply unit to deliver power only during active operations (reading/writing routing tables), the system changes the temporal distribution of power consumption, reducing overall energy usage while preserving performance during active periods
2Reliability
If power is continuously supplied to memory devices, then data retention is maintained, but unnecessary power consumption occurs during low traffic periods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by supplying power to the memory device only during specific operational periods (when reading or writing routing tables) rather than continuously. The power supply unit operates periodically based on operational state, maintaining data retention during active use while eliminating unnecessary power consumption during low traffic periods when no operations are performed
3Productivity
If DRAM is used for routing table storage, then high bandwidth is achieved, but refresh operations are required every predetermined time increasing power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the refresh operation requirement from the DRAM system by replacing it with a non-volatile memory system that does not require periodic refreshing. The memory device stores routing table information without needing continuous power or periodic refresh operations, thereby eliminating the associated power consumption while maintaining high bandwidth performance through direct read/write operations
Data Source
AI summary
A router, includes: a routing table memory unit configured to store a routing table and be capable of reading and writing the routing table at any time, the routing table being destination information of a packet; a search engine unit which has a transfer information base memory unit and which is configured to search for a destination of the packet based on a transfer information base; a power supply unit configured to supply power to the routing table memory unit and the transfer information base memory unit; and a control unit configured to control the power supply unit such that the power is supplied to the non-volatile memory when the non-volatile memory is operated, and the power supply is interrupted when the non-volatile memory is not operated.