Dual-Port DIMM Memory Transfer for Concurrent Volatile-Nonvolatile Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing memory systems face challenges in efficiently transferring data between volatile and non-volatile memory devices, particularly in dual in-line memory modules (DIMMs), leading to inefficiencies and potential bottlenecks in data operations.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a dual port system within DIMMs, where volatile and non-volatile memory devices are paired with separate ports for communication with the host and internal controller, allowing simultaneous data transfer and the use of ready/busy signals to manage command execution, enabling efficient data reconciliation and arbitration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single port is used for communication between memory devices and the host, then device complexity is reduced, but data transfer efficiency deteriorates due to sequential access limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The memory device is divided into multiple independent port interfaces (first port and second port) that can simultaneously handle different data transfer operations. The first port communicates with the host while the second port communicates with the controller, enabling parallel data paths and eliminating sequential access bottlenecks.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a single-dimension communication path to a multi-dimensional port structure. By adding the second port as an additional communication dimension, the system enables simultaneous data transfers between different entities (host and controller) without interfering with each other, effectively increasing throughput.
2Productivity
If simultaneous data transfer operations are implemented, then productivity is improved, but command execution management becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The controller acts as an intermediary between the host and memory devices, managing command execution and data reconciliation. The controller receives commands from the host via the first port, coordinates with memory devices through the second port, and handles the complexity of simultaneous operations, thereby simplifying the overall system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements ready/busy signals that provide feedback between the host, controller, and memory devices. These signals enable coordinated simultaneous operations by allowing the host to know when memory devices are ready for data transfer, preventing command conflicts and ensuring proper sequencing of concurrent operations.
3Speed
If separate ports are used for host and controller communication, then data transfer speed is improved, but arbitration and synchronization requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The controller serves as a mediator that manages arbitration and synchronization between the first port (host communication) and second port (memory device communication). It coordinates data flow, handles timing relationships, and ensures proper synchronization without requiring complex arbitration logic in the memory devices themselves.
Solution Approach 2:
Each port operates with a degree of independence, allowing simultaneous data transfers to proceed without constant intervention. The ready/busy signals enable self-synchronization, where the system automatically coordinates operations based on the current state of memory devices, reducing the need for active arbitration management.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure includes apparatuses and methods related to data transfer in memory. An example apparatus can include a first number of memory devices coupled to a host via a first number of ports and a second number of memory devices coupled to the first number of memory device via a second number of ports, wherein a first number of commands are executed to transfer data between the first number of memory devices and the host via the first number of ports and a second number of commands are executed to transfer data between the first number of memory device and the second number of memory device via the second number of ports.