Configurable Memory Module I/O Ports for Dynamic Data Transfer
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional memory module interfaces are limited in that the same data signal lines used for output are also typically used for input, lacking flexibility in configuration to optimize data transfer rates and power consumption based on operational attributes.
Innovation Solution
The memory module's input/output ports are configurable to operate as either inputs or outputs, or bidirectional, depending on the direction and rate of data transfer, with configuration data stored in a register to dynamically adjust the number and direction of data links based on operational attributes and power modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the same data signal lines are used for both input and output operations, then the interface structure is simplified, but the flexibility to optimize data transfer rates and power consumption is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic configuration of data signal lines where each line can be programmatically assigned as input, output, or bidirectional based on operational requirements. The memory controller includes a configuration register that allows runtime adjustment of port directions, enabling the interface to adapt its data flow characteristics dynamically rather than being fixed statically.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operational parameters of data signal lines by allowing their directionality (input/output/bidirectional) to be modified through software control. This parameter change capability enables optimization of data transfer rates and power consumption by configuring the interface differently for read versus write operations, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and operational flexibility.
2Productivity
If data signal lines are configured for high data transfer rates, then productivity is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the configuration of data signal lines based on the type of operation being performed. During write operations where high data transfer rates are needed, more lines are configured as bidirectional or output. During read operations, the configuration is adjusted accordingly. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the system to optimize power consumption by using only the necessary number of active data lines for each specific operation type.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes configurable parameters in the memory controller that allow changing the operational mode of data signal lines between different states (input, output, bidirectional). By changing these parameters based on operational attributes, the system can achieve high data transfer rates when needed while reducing power consumption during operations that require fewer active lines.
3Productivity
If the number of data signal lines is increased to enable concurrent read and write operations, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes each data signal line universal by enabling it to function as input, output, or bidirectional connection depending on configuration. This multi-functionality allows the same physical lines to support concurrent read and write operations through proper directional configuration, eliminating the need for separate dedicated input and output line sets, thereby maintaining productivity while reducing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Through dynamic configuration capability, the system can assign different directions to data signal lines based on operational requirements. This allows concurrent read and write operations to be performed using the same physical infrastructure by temporarily configuring lines in different directions as needed, achieving high productivity without proportionally increasing the number of physical signal lines.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic system having a memory module (100, 320) comprising a plurality of data input/output ports (3501, 3502, 3503, 3504) together with a plurality of controllers (3101, 3102, 3103, 3104) coupled in parallel to the memory module. The memory module (100, 320) is configured to configure each of the plurality of data input/output ports (3501, 3502, 3503, 3504) as an input port (3501, and 3503), an output port (3502 and 3504), or an input/output port (3501, 3502, 3503, 3504) in response to a first command from a first controller (3101) functioning as a master controller of the plurality of controllers (3101, 3102, 3103, 3104). The memory module (100, 320) is also configured to partition itself into memory partitions in response to a second command from the first controller (3101) so that each memory partition corresponds to a respective one of the controllers of the plurality of controllers (3101, 3102, 3103, 3104). Each of a plurality of data input/output ports of the plurality of controllers (3101, 3102, 3103, 3104) is configurable as an input port, an output port, or an input/output port to correspond to a respective one of the input/output ports of the memory module.