/Patent Tracker
GooglePatent applicationChips & hardwareInterest 3/10

Google patents memory timer design to cut power use

Google describes a memory controller that uses a shared counter to track time instead of running many separate timers. This setup lets the system pause inactive timers, reducing the energy needed to manage data flow.

Why it mattersThis is a routine hardware optimization that helps computer chips run more efficiently by using less power.

In the filing’s own words

The disclosed technology includes a timer logic architecture to reduce dynamic power dissipation by a group of multi-bit (M-bit) timers that operate to, for example, maintain command-to-command timing. The timer logic includes a global free running counter (FRC) that provides snapshots to individual timers and a clock gate logic. The timer logic causes the individual timers to be activated and dissipate power during fewer clock cycles. The disclosed technology may take the form of a device, system or method.

What exactly they claim (claim 1)

1. A memory controller, comprising: a free running counter that maintains a count of a number of clock cycles remaining for a command to be executed; and a timer logic coupled to the free running counter and including at least one timer module, the at least one timer module having a current snapshot input for receiving a current snapshot counter value from the free running counter, an input for receiving one or more timer values associated with a new command and an output, wherein the current snapshot input receives a snapshot counter value from the free running counter and a timer value associated with fully executing a current command, and wherein the timer module generates a pulse at the output when a timer snapshot value maintained by the timer logic based on a sum of the current snapshot counter value and a first timer value.

Facts

Company
Google (Google LLC)
Official title
Free Running Counter-Based Timer Memory Controller
Publication number
US20260288193A1
Application number
19084102
Filed
Mar 19, 2025
Published
Sep 24, 2026
Inventors
4
Claims
20

Classified under

G06F 1/06 Physics & computingG06F 3/0604 Physics & computingG06F 3/0653 Physics & computingG06F 3/0673 Physics & computing
Read the full filing (official PDF) ↗ Open in the Patent Tracker

More from Google in Chips & hardware

Summaries are simplified from the filing’s own abstract and first claim. A patent filing is not a product announcement.
Patent data and drawings: U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Nebula is not affiliated with or endorsed by the USPTO.