Dynamic memory voltage scaling for power management
AssigneeLenova (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
InventorsMarc R. Pamley, Jose M. Orro, William F. Keown, JR., Albert V. Makley
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Abstract
In the context of computer systems, the present invention broadly contemplates the ability to dynamically adjust the voltage and frequency of DRAM memory modules that are dual-voltage tolerant based on system performance. The invention allows a computer system to dynamically scale the memory voltage between a lower and a higher voltage, thereby allowing the system to save power when the system is idle or in low usage, but also allowing the system to realize the full memory performance when running more intensive applications.
Claims20
A method comprising:
- monitoring system usage;
- setting at least one memory module to a lower voltage when system usage drops below a predetermined amount;
- and
- setting the at least one memory module to a higher voltage when system usage exceeds the predetermined amount.
An apparatus comprising:
- at least one processor;
- and
- a tangible program storage device embodying a program of instructions that when executed by the at least one processor enable the apparatus to:
- monitor system usage;
- set at least one memory module to a lower voltage when system usage drops below a predetermined amount;
- and
- set the at least one memory module to a higher voltage when system usage exceeds the predetermined amount.
A program storage device readable by machine, tangibly embodying a program of instructions that when executed by at least one processor of the machine enable the machine to:
- monitor system usage;
- set at least one memory module to a lower voltage when system usage drops below a predetermined usage amount;
- and
- set the at least one memory module to a higher voltage when system usage exceeds the predetermined usage amount.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.