UFS Interface Idle Mode Switching Based on Estimated Operation Time
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power management methods in storage systems, such as HIPM and DIPM, fail to effectively reduce power consumption during active states and can lead to unnecessary power consumption due to false sleep states and inefficient wake-up operations.
Innovation Solution
A memory storage device and system that generates and outputs interface idle time information based on estimated operation times, allowing the host and storage device to switch between active and sleep modes accordingly, thereby optimizing power usage during idle intervals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the interface enters sleep state based on conventional idle time thresholds, then power consumption is reduced during idle periods, but false sleep states occur when commands are being executed, causing unnecessary wake-up operations and power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The storage device calculates and communicates idle time information to the host before the interface actually enters idle state. This allows the host to proactively enter sleep mode at the optimal time, avoiding false sleep states caused by delayed detection of idle conditions while maximizing power savings.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage device provides feedback to the host about the predicted idle time period through dedicated idle time information fields. This feedback mechanism enables the host to make informed decisions about when to transition to sleep mode, ensuring accurate synchronization between host and device states without unnecessary wake-ups.
2Reliability
If the idle time reference value is increased to reduce false sleep states, then reliability of sleep state determination improves, but the interface remains awake longer during idle periods, increasing power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a conservative fixed idle time threshold, the storage device calculates and communicates the precise predicted idle time to the host in advance. This allows the system to achieve high reliability in sleep state determination while minimizing idle wake time, as the host can enter sleep mode exactly when needed rather than waiting for an extended reference period.
3Reliability
If the interface remains in active mode to avoid false sleep states, then reliability is maintained, but power consumption increases during idle intervals
Solution Approach 1:
The storage device performs preliminary calculation of the idle time period and communicates this information to the host before the interface actually becomes idle. This enables the host to transition to sleep mode at the precise moment when idle conditions begin, maintaining interface operation reliability while minimizing power consumption during idle intervals.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage device provides real-time feedback about upcoming idle periods through idle time information fields. This feedback allows the host to synchronize its sleep mode transitions with the actual idle periods of the interface, ensuring reliability is maintained while maximizing power savings during idle time.
Data Source
AI summary
A storage system includes a host and a storage device. The storage device includes a device controller and a device interface. The device controller is configured to generate interface idle time information in response to a command received from a host, the interface idle time information being determined based on an estimated time to execute at least one operation at the memory storage device. The device interface is configured to output the interface idle time information to the host.