SSD Interface Power Mode Switching for Energy Efficiency

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional data storage devices, such as HDDs, are prone to mechanical failures due to vibrations and impacts, and they consume significant power, which is a concern for portable devices.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of Device Initiated Power Management (DIPM) in data storage devices, specifically in SSDs, which includes a power management unit that transitions the interface into a power saving mode when not actively executing commands or transferring data, reducing power consumption by changing the power mode to Partial/Slumber states and returning to active mode when necessary.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If the interface remains in active mode to ensure immediate command execution and data transfer, then responsiveness and data transfer speed are improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transfer speedVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The interface dynamically transitions between active mode and power saving mode based on operational state. The power management unit monitors command execution status and data transfer activity, switching modes to optimize the balance between responsiveness and power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the power mode parameter of the interface between two states: active mode for high performance and power saving mode for low power consumption. This parameter switching allows the system to adapt to different operational requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Use of energy by moving object

If the interface transitions to power saving mode to reduce power consumption, then energy efficiency is improved, but command execution responsiveness may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidcommand execution reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The power management unit continuously monitors the operational state of the interface and provides feedback control. When commands are pending or data transfer is required, the system transitions to active mode. When idle, it transitions to power saving mode, ensuring reliability is maintained when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system prepares for potential command execution by monitoring the idle state and transitioning to active mode in advance when a command is received, ensuring that command execution reliability is not compromised while maximizing power savings during idle periods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Use of energy by stationary object

If DIPM is implemented to enable automatic power mode switching, then power management efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower management efficiencyVSAvoidinterface control complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The interface performs self-power-management through the integrated power management unit that automatically monitors operational state and switches power modes without host intervention. This self-service capability improves power management efficiency while adding minimal complexity to the host system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS8325555B2Data storage devices and power management methods thereof

Publication Date: 2012.12.04 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

A data storage device includes a data storage medium and a controller. The controller is configured to control at least one of a reading, erasing, and writing operation on the data storage medium. The controller includes an interface and a power management unit. The interface is configured to exchange at least one of a command, an address, and data with a host. The power management unit is configured to change the power mode of the interface into a power saving mode if: a command input from the host is not executed, data transfer is not actually executed in executing the command, or status information is not reported after the command is executed.