DIMM Termination Resistance Programming for Signal Integrity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing memory systems face sub-optimal performance due to standard termination values for memory modules, which may not be optimal for specific DIMMs, leading to issues with signal integrity and power dissipation.

Innovation Solution

An interface circuit is used to select a single termination resistance value for memory modules based on resistance-setting commands from the memory controller, allowing for optimal on-die termination resistance that can differ between read and write operations, and can be chosen from a look-up table to improve signal quality and reduce power dissipation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If standard termination resistance values are used for memory modules, then device compatibility and ease of manufacture are improved, but signal integrity and electrical performance deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of manufactureVSAvoidsignal integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic termination resistance selection by allowing the memory module to programmatically configure different termination resistance values based on operating conditions. The system transitions from fixed standard values to dynamically adjustable values, enabling optimization of signal integrity for specific DIMMs while maintaining compatibility through programmable interfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the termination resistance parameter from fixed standard values to programmable variable values. By allowing configuration of different resistance values (e.g., 24 ohms, 48 ohms, or other values) based on specific DIMM requirements, the system optimizes electrical performance while maintaining ease of manufacture through standardized programmable interfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If standard termination resistance values are used for memory modules, then device compatibility is improved, but power dissipation increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice compatibilityVSAvoidpower dissipation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically selects termination resistance values to optimize power dissipation based on operating conditions. By transitioning from fixed standard values to programmable values, the system can reduce power consumption for specific DIMMs while maintaining compatibility through standardized interfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the termination resistance parameter from fixed to programmable, enabling optimization of power dissipation. By allowing configuration of different resistance values based on specific DIMM requirements, the system reduces energy loss while maintaining device compatibility through programmable interfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If customized termination resistance values are selected for specific DIMMs, then signal integrity and electrical performance are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical performanceVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (programmable termination circuitry and configuration interface) that enables customized termination resistance values without significantly increasing overall system complexity. This intermediary layer allows specific DIMMs to be optimized while maintaining standard interfaces, balancing customization needs with system simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Ease of operation

If standard termination resistance values are used, then ease of operation is improved, but noise and signal quality deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoidnoise

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts termination resistance values to minimize noise and improve signal quality for specific DIMMs. By transitioning from fixed standard values to programmable values, the system reduces harmful noise factors while maintaining ease of operation through automated or simplified configuration processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the termination resistance parameter from fixed to programmable, enabling optimization of signal quality and noise reduction. By allowing configuration of different resistance values based on specific DIMM requirements, the system reduces noise while maintaining ease of operation through standardized interfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS8169233B2Programming of DIMM termination resistance values

Publication Date: 2012.05.01 GOOGLE LLC

AI summary

Systems, methods, and apparatus, including computer program products, for providing termination resistance in a memory module are provided. An apparatus is provided that includes a plurality of memory circuits; an interface circuit operable to communicate with the plurality of memory circuits and to communicate with a memory controller; and a transmission line electrically coupling the interface circuit to a memory controller, wherein the interface circuit is operable to terminate the transmission line with a single termination resistance that is selected based on a plurality of resistance-setting commands received from the memory controller.