Dual-Port Memory Module for Composable Capacity Sharing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing computing systems face challenges in dynamically changing memory capacity requirements without replacing DIMMs, necessitating improved memory capacity composability, expansion, and sharing for composable computing.
Innovation Solution
A dual-port RAM module with high-speed SerDes-based redundant access ports allows software-configurable memory access to multiple CPUs or compute nodes, providing enhanced memory capacity composability and expansion through sharing and improved performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single-port DRAM DIMM is used for attachment to a memory controller or CPU, then the device complexity is reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but the memory capacity composability and ability to serve multiple compute nodes is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The memory module is segmented into multiple independent memory banks that can be independently accessed through different ports. Each port can be configured to access specific portions of the memory capacity, enabling flexible allocation and composability while maintaining manageable complexity through modular organization
Solution Approach 2:
The dual-port memory module is designed to serve multiple functions: it can be attached to a single CPU as a conventional DIMM or to multiple compute nodes simultaneously, providing memory capacity composability, expansion, and sharing. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by making the device adaptable to different configurations without proportionally increasing complexity
2Quantity of substance
If memory capacity is increased by adding more DIMMs, then the total storage capacity is improved, but the ability to dynamically change memory capacity without replacing DIMMs deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The memory module incorporates dynamic configuration capabilities through software-configurable port assignments and memory bank allocations. This allows the memory capacity to be dynamically changed and reallocated between compute nodes without physical replacement of DIMMs, resolving the contradiction between having fixed capacity and needing dynamic adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows changing of operational parameters such as port activation, memory bank assignment, and capacity allocation through software configuration. This enables dynamic adjustment of memory capacity utilization without altering the physical hardware configuration, achieving both increased capacity and flexibility
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple access ports are provided for memory sharing, then the memory capacity composability and expansion are improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The dual-port memory module architecture nests multiple functional layers: memory banks are organized in a hierarchical structure where subsets of banks can be assigned to different ports. This nested organization enables memory sharing and composability while maintaining a manageable manufacturing process by reusing standard memory components and controller logic
Data Source
AI summary
An efficient structure and methodology are provided for implementing a dual-port memory module to provide improved memory capacity composability, expansion and sharing. This dual-port memory module uses high-speed SerDes or Optical based redundant access ports for connection to one or more CPUs or compute nodes, where each access port may access part or all of the module's memory capacity under configuration. This provides improvement for memory capacity composability, expansion through memory sharing and improved memory access performance and reliability for composable computing applications.