Patent ID: 7426649
Filing Date: 2008-09-16
Classification: G11C

Abstract:
1. In a memory subsystem having a memory controller connected via a memory channel to multiple memory modules, a method comprising: tracking each operation issued to the memory channel to determine an operational state of each memory module; calculating a current power consumption of the memory subsystem utilizing each operational state along with one or more of a plurality of preset power usage parameters stored within the memory controller, said power usage parameters corresponding to (a) memory components within the memory subsystem and (b) the memory subsystem; intelligently scheduling an issuing to the memory channel of new operations targeting one or more of the memory components to control a level of power consumption within the memory subsystem; and throttling the rate of issuing each of said new operations that target memory components whose current power consumption is above a preset threshold power consumption value for that memory component, wherein the rate at which new operations are sent to the memory component by the memory controller is reduced until the power consumption of memory component falls below the preset threshold power consumption value.