Storage Controller Idle Power Control by Workload Type
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional storage devices inefficiently manage idle power modes, leading to power loss due to forced exits from low-power states even with commands that have low bandwidth or latency requirements.
Innovation Solution
A storage device with a storage controller that dynamically determines workload types and generates clock control signals to adjust clock gear ratios, allowing operation in idle power mode based on workload type, thereby optimizing power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by stationary object
If conventional storage devices statically determine entry into idle power mode based on time thresholds, then power consumption is reduced during idle periods, but power loss occurs when commands with low bandwidth or latency requirements are received
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from static time-threshold-based idle mode determination to dynamic workload-type-based determination. The storage controller dynamically adjusts idle mode entry/exit decisions based on real-time analysis of command characteristics (workload type), allowing the system to adapt its power state to actual operational requirements rather than following fixed temporal rules.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter used for idle mode determination from time duration to workload type characteristics. By analyzing command parameters such as bandwidth requirements and latency constraints, the storage controller makes informed decisions about idle mode suitability, changing the decision-making parameter from temporal to operational characteristics.
2Reliability
If storage devices forcibly escape from idle power mode when commands are received, then command execution reliability is maintained, but power consumption increases unnecessarily
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating the treatment of different command types. Instead of uniformly exiting idle mode for all commands, the storage controller selectively maintains or exits idle mode based on the specific characteristics of each command (workload type). This localized decision-making allows commands with low bandwidth/latency requirements to be processed in idle mode while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by partially maintaining idle mode operation for certain commands rather than fully exiting idle mode. For commands that can tolerate idle mode performance characteristics, the storage controller allows partial operation in idle state, avoiding the complete power mode transition while still ensuring reliable execution.
3Use of energy by stationary object
If storage devices operate in idle power mode continuously to reduce power consumption, then energy efficiency is improved, but performance degrades for commands requiring higher bandwidth or lower latency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making idle mode status dynamic rather than static. The storage controller continuously evaluates incoming command characteristics and adjusts idle mode entry/exit in real-time, creating a dynamic balance between power consumption and performance based on actual workload requirements rather than fixed operational states.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies segmentation by categorizing commands into different workload types based on their performance requirements. By segmenting the command stream into categories (e.g., high bandwidth requirement, low latency requirement, tolerant of idle mode), the storage controller can apply different power management strategies to different segments, optimizing both power consumption and performance for each category.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a storage device capable of dynamically operating idle power in consideration of a workload type and an operating method therefor.