Data Conversion Control Apparatus for Memory System Expandability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional memory systems lack expandability and efficiency in data communication between multiple memory modules, which are restricted by the need for data exchange through a central processing unit.
Innovation Solution
A data conversion control apparatus with configurable interfaces and a data rebuild unit that enables data transmission between different formats, allowing direct communication between memory modules and host devices, and between multiple memory devices, improving expandability and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If memory modules communicate through CPU via conventional memory interface, then data communication is established, but system expandability is limited and communication efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a data conversion control apparatus as an intermediary device between memory modules and the host system. This apparatus includes first interfaces for coupling external interfaces (such as PCIe) and second interfaces for coupling memory interfaces (such as DDR), with a data rebuild unit that converts data formats between different interface standards. This intermediary enables memory modules to communicate directly with each other and with host devices without requiring all communications to pass through the CPU, thereby improving system expandability and communication efficiency while reducing the communication path complexity burden on the CPU.
2Productivity
If multiple memory modules exchange data through CPU, then data communication is achieved, but communication efficiency is lowered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the communication paths in the memory system by introducing dedicated data conversion control apparatus for each memory module. Each apparatus has its own first interfaces and second interfaces, allowing memory modules to establish independent communication channels. This segmentation enables direct peer-to-peer communication between memory modules for data exchange, eliminating the need to route all communications through the CPU. As a result, data transmission time is reduced and communication efficiency is improved, while the CPU is freed from handling routine memory-to-memory data transfers.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional memory interface standard is used, then memory module communication is established, but interface versatility and adaptability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The data conversion control apparatus implements universality by incorporating multiple types of interfaces - first interfaces that support external interface standards (such as PCIe, USB, SATA) and second interfaces that support memory interface standards (such as DDR3, DDR4). The data rebuild unit is designed to convert data formats between these different interface standards, enabling a single memory module to communicate with various types of host devices and other memory modules using different interface protocols. This multi-functionality greatly enhances interface compatibility and system versatility without significantly increasing configuration complexity, as the conversion process is handled automatically by the apparatus.
Data Source
AI summary
A data conversion control apparatus, comprising: at least one first interface each for coupling a first external interface, both of the first interface and the first external interface being in accordance with a predetermined physical interface standard, wherein data transmitted between the first interface and the first external interface is in accordance with a configurable application layer protocol; at least one second interface each for coupling a second external interface, wherein the second external interface is a memory interface in accordance with a predetermined memory interface standard, and the second interface is configurable to match the predetermined memory interface standard; and a data rebuild unit coupled between the at least one first interface and the at least one second interface, wherein the data rebuild unit is configured to rebuild data such that data can be transmitted in respective formats between the at least one first interface and the at least one second interface.