Storage Controller Bandwidth Throttling for Thermal Management
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Semiconductor storage systems face issues with power consumption and temperature spikes due to parallel command executions, which can lead to inefficiencies and potential damage.
Innovation Solution
A storage controller is configured to manage the I/O bandwidth of a storage device by maintaining a credit pool and adjusting it based on temperature thresholds, throttling bandwidth when temperatures exceed certain levels to prevent overheating and reduce power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple commands are executed in parallel across the data storage system, then productivity is improved, but temperature increases and power consumption spikes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic bandwidth throttling that adjusts the storage device's I/O bandwidth based on real-time temperature conditions. When temperature exceeds a threshold, the controller dynamically reduces bandwidth allocation, thereby reducing parallel command execution and allowing the device to cool down, while restoring bandwidth when temperature is acceptable.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs a feedback mechanism where the storage controller continuously monitors temperature and adjusts bandwidth allocation accordingly. Temperature sensor data feeds back to the controller, which modifies command queue depth and I/O request rates to maintain temperature within safe operating limits while maximizing throughput when conditions permit.
2Productivity
If multiple commands are executed in parallel across the data storage system, then productivity is improved, but power consumption spikes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic bandwidth throttling that adjusts the storage device's I/O bandwidth based on real-time power consumption conditions. When power consumption exceeds a threshold, the controller dynamically reduces bandwidth allocation, thereby reducing parallel command execution and power draw, while restoring bandwidth when power consumption is acceptable.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs a feedback mechanism where the storage controller continuously monitors power consumption and adjusts bandwidth allocation accordingly. Power consumption data feeds back to the controller, which modifies command queue depth and I/O request rates to maintain power usage within safe operating limits while maximizing throughput when conditions permit.
3Temperature
If bandwidth is throttled to prevent overheating, then temperature is controlled, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic bandwidth throttling where the storage controller temporarily reduces I/O bandwidth in cycles when temperature thresholds are exceeded. Instead of continuous throttling, the system alternates between full bandwidth operation and reduced bandwidth periods, allowing the device to cool down intermittently while maintaining higher average throughput compared to sustained throttling.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts bandwidth allocation based on real-time temperature conditions, transitioning between different operational states (full performance, throttled, and recovery modes) to balance temperature control with productivity maintenance.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and/or devices are used to manage a storage system. In one aspect, the method includes, during a first time period: maintaining a credit pool for the first time period; limiting bandwidth used for transmitting data between a storage device of the storage system and a host operatively coupled with the storage device according to a status of the credit pool, where the storage device includes one or more memory devices; monitoring a temperature of the storage device; and, in accordance with a determination that a current temperature of the storage device exceeds a predetermined threshold temperature and the current temperature of the storage device satisfies one or more temperature criteria, reducing an initial value of the credit pool for a second time period according to a first adjustment factor corresponding to the predetermined temperature threshold, where the second time period is subsequent to the first time period.