Heterogeneous Memory System with NVRAM and DRAM Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional computer systems face challenges in increasing memory capacity without adversely affecting the form factor, as DRAM-based main memory is volatile, power-consuming, and limited in density, leading to high costs and bulkiness, especially in mobile devices.
Innovation Solution
A memory system comprising plural heterogeneous memories with different latencies, including a volatile DRAM for caching and a non-volatile NVRAM for system memory, where the NVRAM is accessed at a lower granularity and coupled to the processor through a common bus, allowing efficient data storage and retrieval while maintaining power efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If DRAM-based main memory is used to increase memory capacity, then memory capacity is improved, but power consumption increases and form factor increases
Solution Approach 1:
The memory system is segmented into two distinct memory types: volatile DRAM for frequently accessed data and non-volatile NVRAM for persistent storage. This segmentation allows the system to maintain high memory capacity while reducing overall power consumption by eliminating the need to continuously power DRAM modules, as NVRAM maintains data without power.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the fundamental parameter of memory persistence from volatile to non-volatile by incorporating NVRAM. This parameter change enables the memory system to maintain capacity while fundamentally altering the power consumption characteristics, as NVRAM does not require continuous power to maintain data.
2Quantity of substance
If DRAM-based main memory is used to increase memory capacity, then memory capacity is improved, but system volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The memory architecture is segmented to replace high-density DRAM modules with lower-density NVRAM chips that have smaller form factors. This segmentation allows the system to achieve equivalent or greater capacity through multiple small NVRAM devices rather than fewer large DRAM modules, thereby reducing overall system volume.
3Quantity of substance
If multiple DIMMs are used to increase storage capacity, then storage capacity is improved, but cost and volume increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses multiple small NVRAM chips in parallel to replicate the storage capacity that would otherwise require fewer large DRAM DIMMs. This copying approach allows the system to achieve high capacity through numerous small units rather than managing complex multi-DIMM configurations, simplifying the overall device architecture.
Data Source
AI summary
A memory system includes: a first memory device including a first memory and a first memory controller suitable for controlling the first memory to store data; a second memory device including a second memory and a second memory controller suitable for controlling the second memory to store data; and a processor suitable for executing an operating system (OS) and an application, and accessing data storage memory through the first and second memory devices.