Configurable Memory Module Data Paths for Lower Power and Fewer False Alerts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Memory modules often have unused data paths that contribute to power consumption and can trigger inaccurate error detections due to enabled error correction features, despite not being utilized.
Innovation Solution
A configurable data path mechanism is introduced to disable unused portions of memory devices, including error correction and redundancy checking, to optimize power usage and reduce erroneous alerts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If error correction features are enabled in memory modules, then reliability is improved, but false error alerts increase when data paths are unused
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic configuration of the data path width by allowing the memory module to adaptively enable or disable portions of the data path based on actual usage requirements. This dynamic adjustment prevents error correction features from generating false alerts on unused data paths while maintaining reliability on actively used paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by enabling error correction features selectively only on the portions of the data path that are actually being used. Unused portions of the data path have error correction disabled, eliminating the source of false error alerts while preserving reliability where needed.
2Adaptability or versatility
If all data paths in memory devices are kept enabled, then adaptability is improved, but power consumption increases due to unused paths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic power management by enabling the memory module to adjust the operational state of different data path portions based on actual usage. When certain data paths are not needed, they are disabled to reduce power consumption while maintaining the capability to enable them when required, thus preserving adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the data path into independently controllable portions, allowing selective enabling and disabling of specific data path widths (e.g., ×8, ×16, ×32). This segmentation enables the system to activate only the necessary segments, reducing power consumption on unused segments while maintaining overall adaptability.
3Device complexity
If data path width is fixed in memory modules, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different applications decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic configurability to the data path width without significantly increasing device complexity. Through programmable control mechanisms, the memory module can adapt its data path width to match specific application requirements, achieving versatility while maintaining relatively simple underlying hardware architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a universal data path architecture that can function at multiple width configurations (×8, ×16, ×32, etc.). This multi-functional design allows a single memory module to serve different applications with varying data width requirements without requiring separate dedicated hardware for each configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are described to enable a memory device integrated in a memory module or system to disable one or more data bits, nibbles or bytes of the memory device. The memory device can be further configured to disable error or redundancy checking associated with the disabled data bits, nibbles or bytes, to mask errors associated with the disabled data bits, nibbles or bytes, and/or to suppress the refresh of portions of a memory array associated with the disabled data bits, nibbles or bytes.