Segmented Memory Blocks Reduce Power Consumption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Integrated circuits (ICs) face significant power consumption challenges due to memory structures, particularly in memory-intensive designs, where dedicated memory resources consume a substantial amount of power, limiting efficiency.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a segmented memory structure within ICs, where multiple memory blocks can operate independently, allowing for reduced power modes to be enabled or disabled based on inactivity windows, using control circuitry to manage power consumption dynamically.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dedicated memory resources are used in memory-intensive designs, then memory functionality is ensured, but power consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The memory structure is divided into multiple independently controllable memory blocks (first memory block, second memory block, etc.). Each block can be independently enabled or disabled through separate control signals, allowing the system to activate only the necessary portions of memory during operation, thereby reducing overall power consumption while maintaining required memory functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The memory blocks are configured to dynamically switch between active mode and reduced power mode based on control signals. The control circuitry monitors memory access patterns and transitions blocks to reduced power mode when inactive, enabling adaptive power management that balances functionality and energy consumption in real-time.
2Use of energy by moving object
If multiple memory blocks operate independently with reduced power modes, then power consumption decreases, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuitry is designed with multi-functionality to handle multiple memory blocks simultaneously. It can generate and manage control signals for enabling/disabling individual blocks, monitoring their status, and coordinating their operation. This universal control mechanism manages the complexity of multiple independent blocks through a unified approach, reducing the perceived control complexity.
3Use of energy by moving object
If memory blocks enter reduced power mode during inactivity, then dynamic power consumption decreases by up to 50%, but access response time may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuitry monitors memory access patterns and predicts future access needs. When a memory block is predicted to be accessed soon, the control circuitry prevents it from entering reduced power mode or exits it from that mode in advance. This preliminary action ensures that frequently accessed blocks remain ready, minimizing access response time while still allowing infrequently accessed blocks to enter power-saving modes.
Data Source
AI summary
A memory structure can include a first memory block including a plurality of memory cells corresponding to a first subset of addresses of a range of addresses and a second memory block including a plurality of memory cells corresponding to a second subset of addresses of the range of addresses. The memory structure can include control circuitry coupled to the first memory block and the second memory block and configured to provide control signals to the first memory block and the second memory block. The first memory block and the second memory block can be configured to implement a reduced power mode independently of one another responsive to the control signals.