Configurable Data Buffers for Memory Spare Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
As memory die density increases, the complexity of routing data to and from extra memory modules in servers grows, making it difficult to efficiently utilize spare memory dies without replacing entire memory modules.
Innovation Solution
Implementing data buffers with configurable data selectors on memory modules that can select data from various memories, including spare memories, to route data effectively and reduce the need for replacing entire modules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If memory die density increases, then memory capacity improves, but routing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces data buffers as intermediary components between memory dies and the memory controller. These buffers simplify routing by providing a centralized point for data aggregation and distribution, reducing the complexity of direct point-to-point routing required by high-density memory configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple data outputs from different memory dies are merged into shared data buffers. This combining approach reduces the number of separate routing paths needed, thereby simplifying the overall routing infrastructure while maintaining access to high-capacity memory arrays.
2Reliability
If spare memory dies are added, then reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The data buffers serve multiple functions: they handle data from operational memory dies during normal operation and automatically switch to handling data from spare memory dies when failures occur. This multi-functionality allows the same infrastructure to support both high capacity and redundancy without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically reconfigures data pathways to utilize spare memory dies when failures are detected. The data buffers automatically adapt their data sources based on the operational status of memory dies, providing dynamic fault tolerance without requiring static complex routing for all possible failure scenarios.
3Adaptability or versatility
If data selectors are implemented, then adaptability improves, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The data buffering function is segmented into discrete, standardized buffer units that can be independently manufactured and then assembled into the memory module. This segmentation allows for simpler manufacturing of individual components while achieving complex overall functionality through modular assembly.
Data Source
AI summary
Example implementations relate to using a spare memory on a memory module. In example implementations, a memory module may have a plurality of memories, including default memories and a spare memory. A plurality of data buffers on the memory module may select data nibbles from the plurality of memories such that when a default memory is identified as defective, a data nibble is selected from the spare memory and not from the defective default memory. A data nibble selected from the default memory may be in a first position in an output of the memory module when the default memory is functional. A data nibble selected from the spare memory may be in a second position in the output of the memory module.