System and method for selective memory module power management

• US 20060206738A1
• Filed: 05/11/2006
• Published: 09/14/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 06/20/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Round Rock Research LLC
• Original Assignee: JEDDELOH, JOSEPH M., Terry Lee
• Inventors: Jeddeloh, Joseph M., Lee, Terry
• Granted Patent: US 7,437,579 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 713/320
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/206 comprising thermal management
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/3225 of memory devices
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/3275 Power saving in memory, e.g. RAM, cache
• CPC Class Codes: Y02D 10/00 Energy efficient computing, e.g. low power processors, power management or thermal management
• CPC Class Codes: Y02D 30/50 in wire-line communication networks, e.g. low power modes or reduced link rate

Abstract

A memory module includes a memory hub that monitors utilization of the memory module and directs devices of the memory module to a reduced power state when the module is not being used at a desired level. System utilization of the memory module is monitored by tracking system usage, manifested by read and write commands issued to the memory module, or by measuring temperature changes indicating a level of device activity beyond normal refresh activity. Alternatively, measured activity levels can be transmitted over a system bus to a centralized power management controller which, responsive to the activity level packets transmitted by remote memory modules, direct devices of those remote memory modules to a reduced power state. The centralized power management controller could be disposed on a master memory module or in a memory or system controller.

Claims

1. A memory module operably coupled with a system, the memory module comprising:

an insulative substrate supporting a system interface;

a plurality of memory devices disposed on the insulative substrate;

a memory hub disposed on the insulative substrate and operably coupled with the memory devices and the system interface, the memory hub managing communications between the memory devices and the system interface in response to memory commands received via the system interface;

an activity sensing device monitoring activity of the memory module in processing memory commands and generating an output corresponding thereto; and

a module power controller operable to direct the memory module to a reduced power state responsive to the output of the activity sensing device indicating activity of the memory module is not of a desired level.

2-124. -124. (canceled)