Vehicle Startup Control Using DRAM-to-ROM Cache Preservation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle infotainment and cockpit systems experience time and resource-intensive initialization/startup due to data loss in dynamic random-access memory (DRAM) when the power source is depleted, as DRAM can only retain data for a limited time in standby mode.
Innovation Solution
Implement a method and system that includes storing cache data from DRAM into a read-only memory (ROM) when certain conditions are met, such as exceeding a time threshold or depleting electrical charge, to maintain data integrity and enable faster retrieval upon power restoration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If DRAM operates in standby mode to retain data, then data retention time is extended, but data is eventually lost when power source is depleted
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by detecting when DRAM is approaching power depletion (via voltage threshold detection or timer) and automatically transferring data to non-volatile storage before data loss occurs. This proactive data migration ensures data integrity is maintained while extending effective data retention time beyond the DRAM's standby limitations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (power management controller or memory controller) that mediates between the DRAM and non-volatile storage. This intermediary detects power status, manages the data transfer process, and ensures seamless data preservation, resolving the contradiction between extended retention and data integrity.
2Reliability
If data is transferred from DRAM to non-volatile storage, then data retention is ensured, but system startup time increases due to data reloading
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-transferring data to non-volatile storage before power loss occurs, so that upon system restart, the data is already available in safe storage. This eliminates the need for time-consuming data reinitialization, thereby reducing startup time while maintaining data integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the system monitors power status and data transfer completion, then uses this information to optimize startup behavior. The feedback loop ensures that data is only transferred when necessary and that the system can quickly resume operations based on the current state, minimizing startup time penalties.
3Speed
If DRAM is kept in standby state, then data access speed is maintained, but energy consumption occurs continuously
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies periodic action by implementing intermittent data transfers to non-volatile storage based on power status monitoring rather than continuous operation. The DRAM is kept in standby state with periodic checks of power voltage or timer-based intervals, transferring data only when power depletion is detected. This periodic approach maintains data access speed when needed while dramatically reducing continuous energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables self-service through automatic power status monitoring and trigger-based data transfer mechanisms. The system autonomously detects when power voltage drops below thresholds or when standby time exceeds limits, then automatically initiates data transfer without continuous external control. This self-service approach maintains performance when necessary while minimizing energy waste through autonomous, event-driven operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes storing, by a microcontroller, cache data of the microcontroller into a dynamic random-access memory (DRAM) in response to the microcontroller receiving a power-off command. The method includes operating, by a DRAM controller, the DRAM in a standby state in response to the microcontroller storing the cache data into the DRAM. The method includes determining, by the DRAM controller and when the DRAM is operating in the standby state, a time characteristic associated with the DRAM, a charge characteristic associated with the DRAM, or a combination thereof. The method includes determining, by the DRAM controller, whether a suspend to storage condition is satisfied based on the time characteristic, the charge characteristic, or the combination thereof. The method includes storing, by the DRAM controller, the cache data of the DRAM into a read-only memory (ROM) in response to the suspend to storage condition being satisfied.