Patent Abstract:
A memory link architecture (MLA) comprises a multi-port memory device, a memory controller, and a nonvolatile memory. The MLA can perform a sleep switching control operation or a memory management operation to reduce power consumption based on commands received from a host processor and/or automatic control methods.

Full Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C §119 to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2010-0124976 filed on Dec. 8, 2010, the subject matter of which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Embodiments of the inventive concept relate generally to electronic memory technologies. More particularly, embodiments of the inventive concept relate to technologies for reducing power consumption in a memory link architecture. 
     It is common for electronic devices to include multiple processors and/or memories. For example, a portable electronic device may include a communication processor for performing communication functions, a multimedia processor for processing multimedia data, and so on. In addition, such a device may include a nonvolatile memory for mass data storage, and a volatile memory to be used as a working memory for one or more processors. 
     Various technologies have been developed to facilitate the interoperation of these multiple processors and memories. One such technology is a memory link architecture (MLA), which can create a link between two different memories via a processor. A typical MLA comprises a volatile memory device such as a dynamic random access memory (DRAM), a nonvolatile memory device such as a flash memory, and a memory controller connected between the volatile memory device and the nonvolatile memory device. The volatile memory device is typically a multi-port memory device that can be accessed simultaneously through different ports by the memory controller and another device, such as a host central processing unit (CPU). This allows the CPU to access the nonvolatile memory to execute processes, while simultaneously allowing the memory controller to transfer data between the volatile memory device and the nonvolatile memory device. 
     One drawback of conventional MLAs is that they may consume power unnecessarily when the flash memory is in a standby mode or when the CPU is not actively using the volatile memory. Accordingly, new techniques are needed to improve the power management of MLAs. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In one embodiment, a method is provided for operating an MLA comprising a multi-port memory device, a memory controller, and a nonvolatile memory. The method comprises performing a sleep switching control operation comprising determining whether the MLA has received a command from a host processor during a setup time, automatically switching the memory controller into a sleep mode upon determining that the MLA has not received a command from the host processor during the setup time, releasing the memory controller from the sleep mode upon receiving an input signal from the host processor, and switching the memory controller to an active mode upon releasing it from the sleep mode. In some embodiments, the method further comprises performing a memory management operation comprising determining whether the MLA has received a command indicating a storage mode or a standby mode, storing metadata and file data in the multi-port memory device and powering down a memory within the memory controller upon determining that the MLA has received the command indicating the storage mode, and storing metadata and file data in the multi-port memory device and powering down the multi-port memory device upon determining that the MLA has received the command indicating the standby mode. 
     In another embodiment, an MLA has a sleep mode, a storage mode, and a standby mode. The MLA comprises a multi-port memory device that stores metadata and file data during the storage mode, and is powered down during the standby mode, a memory controller that assumes a sleep state during the sleep mode of the MLA, and comprises a memory that stores metadata and file data during the standby mode, and is powered down during the storage mode, and a nonvolatile memory device controlled by the memory controller. 
     These and other embodiments can be used to reduce the amount of power consumed by an MLA. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The drawings illustrate selected embodiments of the inventive concept. In the drawings, like reference numbers indicate like features. 
         FIG. 1  is a block diagram illustrating an MLA according to an embodiment of the inventive concept. 
         FIG. 2  is a block diagram illustrating an MLA according to an embodiment of the inventive concept. 
         FIG. 3  is a flowchart illustrating a sleep mode switching control procedure of an MLA according to an embodiment of the inventive concept. 
         FIG. 4  is a flowchart illustrating a memory management control procedure of an MLA according to an embodiment of the inventive concept. 
         FIG. 5A  is a block diagram illustrating a storage mode initiated by the memory management control procedure according to an embodiment of the inventive concept. 
         FIG. 5B  is a block diagram illustrating a standby mode initiated by the memory management control procedure according to an embodiment of the inventive concept. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Embodiments of the inventive concept are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. These embodiments are presented as teaching examples and should not be construed to limit the scope of the inventive concept. 
     The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the inventive concept. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to encompass plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” where used in this specification, indicate the presence of stated features, but do not preclude the presence or addition of other features. The term “and/or” indicates any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. 
     Where a feature is referred to as being “connected to” another feature, it can be directly connected to the other feature, or intervening features may be present. In addition, where a feature is referred to as being “between” two other features, it can be the only feature between the two other features, or one or more intervening features may also be present. 
     Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. Terms such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and/or this description and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein. 
       FIG. 1  is a block diagram illustrating an MLA  100  according to an embodiment of the inventive concept. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , MLA  100  comprises a multi-port memory device  110 , a memory controller  120 , and a flash memory  130 . 
     Multi-port memory device  110  comprises storage space divided into a host CPU area, a memory controller area, and a shared area. The host CPU area is used by a host CPU  400 , the memory controller area is used by memory controller  120 , and the shared area is shared by both host CPU  400  and memory controller  120 . 
     During a standby mode of flash memory  130 , multi-port memory device  110  may unnecessarily retain metadata and file data being executed or buffered, which can lead to unnecessary power consumption. In addition, MLA  100  is typically controlled to enter a sleep mode only if it receives a command CMD from host CPU  400 , which can also lead to inefficient power management. 
       FIG. 2  is a block diagram of MLA  100  according to another embodiment of the inventive concept. 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , MLA  100  comprises multi-port memory device  110 , a memory controller  300 , and a flash memory  130 . In certain embodiments, elements  110 ,  300 , and  130  can be integrated in a single chip. 
     Memory controller  300  or a host CPU  400  comprises a counter (not shown), and memory controller  300  comprises an SRAM  310  for storing information. Flash memory  130  typically comprises a NAND flash memory or a NOR flash memory. 
     Multi-port memory device  110  stores a flash translation layer (FTL) code in a host CPU area, it stores file data in a memory controller area, and it stores a mapping table in a shared area. 
     MLA  100  can be controlled to make efficient use of power using a method comprising a sleep switching control step and a memory management step. In the sleep switching control step, MLA  100  is switched from an active mode to a sleep mode if no command is received from host CPU  400  within a predetermined time. In the memory management step, MLA  100  is switched to a storage mode or a standby mode. 
       FIG. 3  is a flowchart illustrating a sleep mode switching control procedure of an MLA according to an embodiment of the inventive concept. For convenience, the method of  FIG. 3  will be explained with reference to MLA  100  of  FIG. 2 . In the description that follows, example method steps will be indicated by parentheses to distinguish them from example device or system components. 
     Referring to  FIG. 3 , the method begins with host CPU  400  generating a command CMD and transmitting the command to MLA  100  (S 100 ). Next, host CPU  400  or memory controller  300  controls a counter to start counting until a next command CMD is generated (S 110 ). 
     Thereafter, MLA  100  determines whether a next command CMD has been generated since the starting of the counter (S 120 ). If so (S 120 =Yes), the method returns to step S 110  and the counter is restarted. Otherwise (S 120 =No), MLA  100  determines whether the counter has reached a setup time (S 130 ). Where the counter has not reached the setup time (S 130 =No), the method returns to step S 120 . Otherwise (S 130 =Yes), a command CMD has not been generated within the setup time, so MLA  100  is switched into the sleep mode (S 140 ). In general, the sleep mode can be initiated automatically through step S 140 , or in response to a sleep command from host CPU  400 . During the sleep mode, memory controller  300  is placed in a sleeping state, which can be referred to alternatively as placing memory controller  300  in a sleep mode. 
     Next, MLA  100  determines whether host CPU  400  has generated an interrupt signal or a wake-up signal (S 150 ). Where such a signal is detected (S 150 =Yes), MLA  100  is released from the sleep mode and placed in an active mode (S 160 ). Accordingly, memory controller  300  is woken up, which can be referred to alternatively as releasing memory controller  300  from the sleep mode. Otherwise (S 150 =No), the method returns to step S 140 . 
       FIG. 4  is a flowchart illustrating a memory management control procedure of an MLA according to an embodiment of the inventive concept.  FIG. 5A  is a block diagram illustrating a storage mode initiated by the memory management control procedure according to an embodiment of the inventive concept.  FIG. 5B  is a block diagram illustrating a standby mode initiated by the memory management control procedure according to an embodiment of the inventive concept. For convenience, the method of  FIG. 4  will be explained with reference to MLA  100  of  FIG. 2 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 4 , the method begins with host CPU  400  generating a command CMD and transmitting the command to MLA  100  (S 200 ). Next, the method determines whether command CMD indicates that MLA  100  should enter a sleep mode (S 201 ), a storage mode (S 203 ), or a standby mode (S 206 ). 
     If command CMD indicates that MLA  100  is to enter the sleep mode (S 201 =Yes), the sleep mode is initiated and a sleep mode switching control procedure is performed, such as that illustrated in  FIG. 3  (S 202 ). For instance, operation S 140  or S 160  may be performed in response to command CMD. 
     If command CMD indicates that MLA  100  is to enter the storage mode (S 201 =No and S 203 =Yes), the storage mode is initiated and metadata and file data are stored in multi-port memory device  110  at the same time. For instance, in the embodiment of  FIG. 5A , an FTL code is stored in the host CPU area of multi-port memory device  110 , file data is stored in the memory controller area of multi-port memory device  110 , and a mapping table is stored in the shared area of multi-port memory device  110 . In the storage mode, multi-port memory device  110  is switched into an active state (S 204 ) and an SRAM  310  within memory controller  300  is placed in a power off state (S 205 ). Thereafter, the method proceeds to a step S 209  described below. 
     If command CMD indicates that MLA  100  is to enter the standby mode (S 201 =No, S 203 =No, and S 206 =Yes), the standby mode is initiated and metadata and file data are stored in SRAM  310  of memory controller  300  at the same time. For instance, in the embodiment of  FIG. 5B , memory controller  300  is placed in a standby mode (S 207 ), and multi-port memory device  110  switches into a deep power down (DPD) state or a power off state (S 208 ). At this time, a minimum map table and FTL code are stored in SRAM  310  of memory controller  300 . 
     Thereafter, flash memory  130  is managed using the metadata and file data stored in multi-port memory device  110  or memory controller  300  (S 209 ). Next, an interrupt signal may be generated in response to a command generated by host CPU  400 , and the presence of the interrupt signal can be detected by MLA  100  (S 210 ). Upon detection of the interrupt signal (S 210 =Yes), the standby mode of step S 207  is released and MLA  100  is placed in the storage mode (S 211 ). 
     In the above methods, the power consumption of MLA  100  can be reduced by storing metadata and file data in SRAM  310  of memory controller  300  and powering down multi-port memory device  110  during the standby mode. In addition, the power consumption of MLA  100  can be further reduced by placing it in a sleep mode and suspending various operations of memory controller  300  based a on a count value maintained by host CPU  400  or memory controller  300 . 
     The foregoing is illustrative of embodiments and is not to be construed as limiting thereof. Although a few embodiments have been described, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible in the embodiments without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the inventive concept. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the inventive concept as defined in the claims.

Technology Classification (CPC): 8