CXL Memory Expansion Riser Card for High-Current DDR Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current information handling systems face challenges in efficiently expanding memory capacity and bandwidth using existing PCIe-based solutions, which are limited by the need for separate power and ground contacts within DDR connector arrays, and may not support future high-current demands of large capacity DRAM devices.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a Compute Express Link (CXL) memory expansion riser card with a CXL-to-DDR interface, which includes a riser card with dual card-edge connectors and an adapter with sockets configured to receive the riser card and a memory module, enabling enhanced memory storage capacity and bandwidth while supporting future power demands through the use of power and ground contacts in the slot channels of DDR connectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If PCIe-based memory expansion solutions are used, then memory capacity can be expanded, but the current carrying capacity is insufficient for future high-current demands of large capacity DRAM devices
Solution Approach 1:
The solution segments the memory expansion function into two separate components: a CXL riser card that provides the memory interface and protocol handling, and a DDR adapter that provides the physical DDR connector with adequate power carrying capacity. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function - the CXL riser for memory protocol and the DDR adapter for power delivery - thereby resolving the contradiction between memory capacity expansion and current carrying capacity requirements.
2Speed
If PCIe-based memory expansion solutions are used, then memory bandwidth can be increased, but the solution is limited by the need for separate power and ground contacts within DDR connector arrays
Solution Approach 1:
The CXL riser card acts as an intermediary device between the PCIe/CXL interface and the DDR memory interface. It translates and adapts the PCIe/CXL protocol to DDR protocol, enabling high-bandwidth memory expansion without requiring complex modifications to the existing DDR connector structure. The riser card handles the protocol conversion and power management, simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining high memory bandwidth capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
An interface apparatus for installing memory modules to an information handling system includes a riser card and an adapter. The riser card includes a first card-edge connector on a first edge of the riser card, and a second card-edge connector on a second edge of the riser card. The first card-edge connector is associated with a first interface and the second card-edge connector is associated with a second interface. The adapter includes a first socket on a first side of the adapter, and a second socket on a second side of the adapter opposite to the first side. The first socket and the second socket are associated with the second interface. The first socket is configured to receive the second card-edge connector of the riser card. The second socket is configured to receive a memory module.