Adaptive Memory Command Timers for Variable Completion Times
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing memory subsystems use uniform, worst-case command completion timers that lead to performance bottlenecks and increased manufacturing costs due to discarding memory components with varying completion times.
Innovation Solution
Implementing dynamic, tunable command completion timers per subdivision of memory, based on memory component design, manufacturing characterization, and run-time testing, allowing for faster components to operate at higher speeds while maintaining reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If uniform, worst-case command completion timers are used, then reliability is maintained, but productivity deteriorates due to performance bottlenecks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic command completion timers that adapt to actual memory operation speeds. Instead of using fixed worst-case timers, the system continuously monitors command completion times and adjusts timer values accordingly, allowing faster memory operations to complete without artificial delays while maintaining reliability through adaptive threshold adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the timer parameter from a static worst-case value to a dynamic value that reflects actual memory performance characteristics. By characterizing memory components during manufacturing and updating timer values based on run-time testing, the system optimizes the balance between reliability and productivity by using parameter values matched to actual component performance.
2Reliability
If uniform, worst-case command completion timers are used, then reliability is maintained, but manufacturing costs increase due to discarding memory components with varying completion times
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by characterizing individual memory components during manufacturing to determine their specific command completion times. Instead of treating all memory components uniformly with worst-case timers, the system assigns component-specific timer values based on their actual performance characteristics, allowing faster components to be utilized rather than discarded.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback from manufacturing characterization and run-time testing to continuously refine timer values. By monitoring actual command completion times and comparing them against expected values, the system adjusts timer parameters to match actual memory component performance, reducing the need to discard components that don't meet arbitrary worst-case specifications.
3Productivity
If dynamic, tunable command completion timers per subdivision of memory are implemented, then productivity is improved by allowing faster components to operate at higher speeds, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the memory system into distinct subdivisions (such as banks or channels) and implements separate command completion timers for each subdivision. This allows independent optimization of timer values for each segment based on its specific performance characteristics, improving overall productivity without requiring complex global timer management.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service by automatically characterizing memory components during manufacturing and continuously monitoring run-time performance to adjust timer values without external intervention. The memory subsystem autonomously optimizes its own timer parameters based on observed performance, reducing the complexity of external timer management while maintaining high productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
Exemplary methods, apparatuses, and systems include receiving a request to perform an operation in memory. A subdivision of the memory to which the request is directed is determined. A command completion time based upon a command type for the operation and which subdivision of the memory to which the request is directed is determined. A command is sent to the memory for the operation. A request is sent to the memory for a status of the command based upon the determined command completion time.