Storage Controller Dynamic Link Speed Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
As communication speeds between a storage device and an external host device increase, so does power consumption, leading to reduced quality and efficiency in storage devices.
Innovation Solution
A storage device with a controller that adjusts communication parameters, such as frequency multiplication ratios and link speeds, to optimize power usage while maintaining effective data transfer by requesting the host device to adjust these parameters in response to changes in operating speed or capacity utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the communication speed between the controller and external host device is increased, then the data transfer rate is improved, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic link speed adjustment where the controller can change the communication speed between the host device and nonvolatile memory device based on operational conditions. The controller adjusts the link speed from a first speed to a second speed depending on whether the number of available blocks is below or above a threshold, allowing the system to adapt communication parameters to actual workload requirements and reduce power consumption when high speed is not needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the communication parameter (link speed) based on operational state. When the number of available blocks is below a threshold indicating high demand, the system operates at a first link speed. When the number of available blocks is above the threshold indicating low demand, the system switches to a second link speed, thereby adjusting the parameter to match actual needs and reduce unnecessary power consumption.
2Productivity
If the frequency multiplication ratio is increased, then the transmission rate is improved, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller dynamically adjusts the frequency multiplication ratio based on the number of available blocks in the nonvolatile memory device. When blocks are abundant, a lower multiplication ratio is used; when blocks are scarce and demand is high, a higher multiplication ratio is applied. This dynamic adjustment ensures optimal transmission rate while minimizing power consumption during periods of low demand.
3Productivity
If the link width is increased, then the data transfer capacity is improved, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the link width based on operational conditions. The controller can change the link width from a first width to a second width depending on the number of available blocks and current demand. This allows the system to maintain high data transfer capacity when needed while reducing power consumption when the full link width is not required, optimizing the trade-off between productivity and energy usage.
Data Source
AI summary
A storage device includes a nonvolatile memory device and a controller that accesses the nonvolatile memory device based on a request of an external host device, receives a first clock signal from the external host device, generates a second clock signal through frequency multiplication of the first clock signal, and communicates with the external host device based on the second clock signal. The controller requests the external host device to adjust a multiplication ratio for the frequency multiplication of the first clock signal.