SSD Thermal Throttling via Dynamic Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Thermal throttling limits the performance of nonvolatile memory devices in data storage devices, particularly with the introduction of faster interfaces like PCIe Gen4, as devices are prone to reaching throttling temperature quickly due to power dissipation, restricting high-performance workloads.
Innovation Solution
A controller in the data storage device dynamically adjusts the operational temperature of nonvolatile memory devices by tracking temperature exposure and using a weighted counter algorithm to permit higher temperatures for limited durations, thereby extending the device's performance capability while maintaining reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed temperature threshold of 90 degrees Celsius is used for thermal throttling, then device reliability is maintained, but device performance is limited during high-performance workloads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from a fixed temperature threshold to a dynamic threshold system. The controller continuously monitors temperature and adjusts the throttling threshold in real-time based on current thermal conditions, allowing the system to adapt between conservative (90°C) and aggressive (higher) thresholds depending on thermal headroom, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of temperature threshold from a static value (90°C) to a variable parameter that can be adjusted based on thermal conditions. By modifying this critical parameter dynamically, the system can allow higher temperatures during brief high-performance periods while maintaining reliability during sustained operations
2Reliability
If thermal throttling is applied conservatively at 90 degrees Celsius, then long-term reliability is ensured, but maximum capability and performance bursts are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by allowing temporary excessive temperature exposure above the conservative 90°C threshold for limited durations. The controller permits brief periods of higher temperature during performance bursts, then requires cooling periods, thus achieving partial relaxation of the thermal constraint to enable maximum capability when needed while preserving long-term reliability
3Productivity
If the device operates at higher temperatures for extended periods, then performance is improved, but retention is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action through alternating cycles of high-performance operation (at higher temperatures) and cooling periods (at lower temperatures). The controller enforces a pattern where performance bursts are followed by mandatory cooling intervals, ensuring that cumulative thermal exposure remains within retention-safe limits while achieving high performance during active periods
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure generally relates to thermal throttling a nonvolatile memory device in a data storage device. Nonvolatile memory devices can sustain higher temperatures for a limited duration of time as part of the lifecycle/operation of the device. By allowing for a small margin of time at a higher temperature of operation, the maximum capability of the data storage device is increased. In so doing, the data storage device reliability can be maintained while increasing the device performance.