External Memory Interface Address Translation for Dual Memory Types

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing memory interface controllers require duplicative circuitry to communicate with both volatile and non-volatile external memory devices, leading to large design area and cost inefficiencies.

Innovation Solution

An address protocol controller modifies addresses in access requests based on the type of external memory, allowing a single external memory interface controller to interface with both volatile and non-volatile memory types, reducing the need for additional circuitry.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a general-purpose memory interface controller is used to communicate with both volatile and non-volatile external memory devices, then the controller can interface with multiple memory types, but the design area increases due to large controller size

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvememory type compatibilityVSAvoidcontroller design area

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The memory interface controller is segmented into distinct modules: an address protocol controller that handles memory type identification and address modification, and a data protocol controller that manages data transfers. This segmentation allows the controller to support multiple memory types without requiring a complete duplicate interface for each type, reducing the overall design area while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The address protocol controller is designed as a universal component that can adapt to different memory types (volatile and non-volatile) through configuration-based address modification. Instead of creating separate specialized controllers for each memory type, this single universal controller can interface with multiple memory types by dynamically adjusting its address translation behavior based on the detected memory type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If distinct circuitry is provided in the interface controller for communicating with different types of external memory, then communication with various memory types is enabled, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvememory protocol supportVSAvoidinterface controller complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The controller employs dynamic address modification where the address translation behavior changes based on the detected memory type. The address protocol controller dynamically adjusts its operation mode (whether to modify addresses or pass them through) based on configuration information about the connected memory device, allowing a single static hardware design to perform multiple dynamic functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The address protocol controller acts as an intermediary layer between the processing core and the external memory device. It mediates the communication by translating between the processing core's address format and the memory device's expected address format, eliminating the need for separate specialized interface circuitry for each memory type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If a single external memory interface controller is used to interface with both volatile and non-volatile memory types, then the number of controllers is reduced, but additional circuitry is required to handle different memory protocols

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of controllersVSAvoidadditional circuitry area

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The address modification functionality and the data transfer functionality are merged into a single integrated controller. The address protocol controller works in tandem with the data protocol controller within the same hardware block, eliminating the need for separate dedicated controllers for volatile and non-volatile memory while minimizing additional circuitry through shared resources.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS20250298751A1Enhanced support for volatile and non-volatile external memory

Publication Date: 2025.09.25 TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INC

AI summary

In an example embodiment, a device includes an address protocol controller configured to receive an access request that includes an address associated with an external memory, and an external memory interface controller coupled to the address protocol controller and configured to couple to the external memory. The address protocol controller is configured to determine, based on a type of the external memory device, whether to generate a modified address associated with the address in the access request. Based on the external memory device being a first type, the address protocol controller is configured to provide the address to the external memory. Based on the external memory being a second type, the address protocol controller is configured to generate the modified address and provide the modified address to the external memory interface controller to access the external memory.