Apple patents memory trick to save power by pausing data flow
Apple describes a method where a memory controller inserts empty spaces, or idle slots, into data transfers to reduce the amount of bandwidth used. This technique allows the system to lower power consumption by not constantly pushing data through the memory circuit.
In the filing’s own words
Memory bandwidth reduction for power savings is disclosed. A memory controller circuit is configured to conduct transactions with a memory circuit. The memory controller circuit includes an external interface circuit configured to receive a plurality of memory transactions, and a bandwidth reduction value. A control circuit of the memory controller circuit is configured to insert, in a particular memory transaction of the plurality of memory transactions having a plurality of slots, a plurality of idle slots using the bandwidth reduction value. A memory interface circuit in the memory controller circuit is configured to send the particular transaction to the memory circuit.
What exactly they claim (claim 1)
1. A system comprising: a memory circuit; and a memory controller circuit configured to conduct transactions with the memory circuit, wherein the memory controller circuit includes a bandwidth controller circuit configured to: perform a plurality of transactions with the memory circuit; receive, via an interface of the memory controller, a bandwidth reduction value; and insert, in a particular transaction of the plurality of transactions having a plurality of slots, one or more idle slots, wherein the number of the one or more idle slots is dependent on the bandwidth reduction value.
Facts
- Company
- Apple (Apple Inc.)
- Official title
- MEMORY BANDWIDTH REDUCTION FOR POWER SAVINGS
- Publication number
- US20260288222A1
- Application number
- 19084161
- Filed
- Mar 19, 2025
- Published
- Sep 24, 2026
- Inventors
- 3
- Claims
- 20
Classified under
G06F 1/3225 Physics & computingG06F 13/1678 Physics & computingG06F 13/1689 Physics & computingMore from Apple in Chips & hardware
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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.