Dual Speed Memory Module With Separate Clock Interfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current memory devices face challenges in efficiently managing data transfer between volatile and non-volatile memory components at different clock speeds, leading to potential latency issues and inefficiencies in data processing.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a dual speed memory system where memory devices are configured to operate at different clock speeds via distinct ports, allowing for seamless data transfer between volatile and non-volatile memory devices without introducing additional latency, using a dual in-line memory module (DIMM) with separate interfaces for each speed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If memory devices use a single clock speed for all data transfers, then device complexity is reduced, but latency increases when transferring data between volatile and non-volatile memory components with different speed requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The memory system is segmented into multiple independent memory devices (volatile memory device and non-volatile memory device), each operating at its own optimized clock speed. The system includes separate interfaces (first interface and second interface) that allow each memory device to operate independently at its optimal speed without being constrained by a unified clock signal, thereby reducing latency while maintaining manageable complexity through modular architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adapts to different clock speed requirements by implementing a dual-clock architecture where the first memory device operates at a first clock speed and the second memory device operates at a second clock speed. This dynamic approach allows each memory component to operate at its optimal speed, improving overall system performance and reducing transfer latency between components with different speed characteristics.
2Productivity
If memory devices operate at different clock speeds, then data transfer efficiency between volatile and non-volatile memory is improved, but synchronization complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The memory system divides data transfer operations into separate channels: a first interface for transferring data between the host and the first memory device at a first clock speed, and a second interface for transferring data between the first and second memory devices at a second clock speed. This segmentation allows each interface to operate independently at its optimal speed, improving data transfer efficiency while the modular structure keeps synchronization manageable by isolating clock domains.
Solution Approach 2:
The first memory device acts as an intermediary between the host and the second memory device. It receives data from the host via the first interface at the first clock speed, then transfers it to the second memory device via the second interface at the second clock speed. This intermediary role allows the system to bridge different clock domains efficiently, improving overall data transfer productivity while managing synchronization complexity through the mediator's buffer and control logic.
3Loss of time
If separate interfaces are used for different clock speeds, then latency is reduced in data transfers, but device complexity increases due to multiple ports and interfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements separate interfaces segmented by function and speed requirement: a first interface optimized for host communication at a first clock speed, and a second interface optimized for inter-memory device communication at a second clock speed. This segmentation reduces transfer latency by allowing each interface to operate at its optimal speed without compromise, while the clear functional separation keeps interface complexity manageable through well-defined roles.
Solution Approach 2:
The first memory device serves multiple functions: it acts as both a storage device for the host and as an intermediary device for data transfer to the second memory device. By making the first memory device multi-functional, the system reduces the need for additional dedicated interfaces and components, thereby reducing transfer latency while keeping interface complexity from increasing excessively.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure includes apparatuses and methods related to dual speed memory. A memory module can include a number of memory devices that coupled to a host via a number of first ports and coupled to a controller via a number of second ports. The memory module can be configured to transfer data on the first number of ports at a first clock speed and transfer data on the second number of ports at a second clock speed. 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 the first number of memory devices are configured to transfer data between the first number of memory devices and the host at a first clock speed via the first number of ports and the second number of memory devices are configured to transfer data between the first number of memory devices and the second number of memory devices at a second clock speed via the second number of ports.