Heterogeneous Volatile Memory Chips Bandwidth Power Trade-off

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current memory devices using homogeneous memory chips are inadequate for applications requiring both high bandwidth and low power consumption, as they fail to optimize bandwidth and power efficiency simultaneously.

Innovation Solution

A memory device comprising heterogeneous volatile memory chips with different bandwidth capabilities, where a first volatile memory chip operates at a first bandwidth and a second volatile memory chip operates at a second, higher bandwidth, connected through distinct channels to an SoC, allowing for flexible usage in applications needing varying performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If homogeneous memory chips are used, then device complexity is reduced and manufacturing is simplified, but the ability to simultaneously optimize bandwidth and power consumption is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebandwidth and power consumption optimizationVSAvoidmemory chip heterogeneity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple heterogeneous memory chip types (e.g., HBM and GDDR) within a single memory device package, allowing the system to simultaneously access memory at different bandwidth levels and power consumption characteristics through a unified interface

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a single memory chip type is used, then manufacturing precision requirements are simplified, but the ability to support varying application performance needs is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapplication performance supportVSAvoidmemory chip fabrication

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The memory device is segmented into multiple independent memory chip modules, each capable of being manufactured with standard precision for its specific type, while the overall device provides diversified performance through the combination of different chip types

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS10559550B2Memory device including heterogeneous volatile memory chips and electronic device including the same

Publication Date: 2020.02.11 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

A memory device includes a first volatile memory chip that includes a first volatile memory cell array storing first data and that receives or outputs the first data at a first bandwidth, and a second volatile memory chip that includes a second volatile memory cell array storing second data and that receives or outputs the second data at a second bandwidth different from the first bandwidth.