Token Ring Memory System Peak Current Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Memory systems face challenges in managing peak current consumption efficiently, leading to system downtime and power spikes due to simultaneous high power usage by multiple memory devices, which is not always necessary.
Innovation Solution
A memory system with a ring topology and an operating method where memory devices receive and transmit token signals to manage peak current consumption, allowing only devices with sufficient available current to perform peak zone operations simultaneously, thereby stabilizing power usage and improving operation speed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple memory devices perform parallel operations to increase operation speed, then productivity is improved, but peak current consumption increases causing system downtime and power spikes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by using token signals that are transmitted in cycles around the ring topology. Each token signal enables a specific memory device to perform peak current operations at predetermined time intervals, ensuring that parallel operations occur periodically rather than simultaneously, thus controlling peak current consumption while maintaining operational productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the memory system into multiple independent memory devices connected in a ring topology, where each device operates independently based on received token signals. This segmentation allows the system to manage peak current consumption device-by-device rather than as a unified system, enabling controlled parallel operations
2Reliability
If the memory system designs for sufficient power resources to handle peak power events, then reliability is improved, but average power consumption increases unnecessarily
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements partial action by enabling only the necessary number of memory devices to perform peak current operations at any given time, based on the availability of token signals. Rather than designing the system to support all devices operating at peak power simultaneously, the system activates only the required subset of devices, reducing average power consumption while maintaining reliability for actual operational needs
3Productivity
If memory devices operate simultaneously to increase storage capacity utilization, then productivity is improved, but current spikes occur causing system downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces token signals as intermediary elements that mediate between the memory devices and the power supply. These token signals carry information about available current capacity and control which devices can operate at peak current levels, acting as a intermediary mechanism that coordinates operations to prevent harmful current spikes while maintaining high storage capacity utilization
Data Source
AI summary
A memory system includes first to third memory devices each having an input terminal for receiving a token signal and an output terminal for transmitting the token signal, wherein the input terminal of each of the first to third memory devices are connected to the output terminal of another memory device through a ring topology, a subset of the first to third memory devices substantially simultaneously perform an operation of consuming a peak current in response to any one of a plurality of token signals, and each of the first to third memory devices possesses only any one of the plurality of token signals and transmits the other token signals to another memory device.