Optimal queuing-based memory refreshing algorithm for energy efficient processors. (October 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Herman, Roi; Frankel, Binyamin; Wimer, Shmuel
• Is Part Of: Computers & electrical engineering. Volume 71(2018)
• Page Start: 505
• Page End: 514
• Publication Date: 2018-10
• Subjects: Refreshing -- Embedded memories -- Queuing -- Finite capacity queue; Computer engineering -- Periodicals; Electrical engineering -- Periodicals; Electrical engineering -- Data processing -- Periodicals; Ordinateurs -- Conception et construction -- Périodiques; Électrotechnique -- Périodiques; Électrotechnique -- Informatique -- Périodiques; Computer engineering; Electrical engineering; Electrical engineering -- Data processing; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 621.302854
• DOI: 10.1016/j.compeleceng.2018.07.057
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0045-7906

Abstract

Abstract: The embedded memories of ultra-low power processors require periodic refreshing, which blocks the CPU-memory access and degrades performance. In addition, refreshing queues cause a drop in system performance not only when they are saturated but also when they are empty. We present an optimal queuing-based opportunistic refreshing algorithm that eliminates performance loss. We analyze system performance dependence on queue capacity and memory size to derive a closed-form performance expression that provides clear guidelines for memory design implementation. Comparison of a hardware implementation in a RISC-V ultra-low power processor to ordinary periodic refreshing demonstrates the algorithm can provide a considerable performance speedup in a wide variety of real applications.