Hybrid Memory Address Mapping for Fast Low-Power Read/Write

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Solution Overview

Problem

Volatile memory has high power consumption during data reading/writing, while non-volatile memory has long delays and low read/write performance.

Innovation Solution

A hybrid memory system combining volatile and non-volatile storage media, with a storage controller managing data access between them, optimizing data processing based on processor frequency and address types.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If volatile memory is used for data storage, then read/write speed is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveread/write speedVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The memory system is segmented into volatile memory region and non-volatile memory region, allowing the system to use volatile memory for frequent access (high speed) and non-volatile memory for persistent storage (low power), thus resolving the contradiction between speed and power consumption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically switches between volatile and non-volatile memory based on power state and access patterns, using volatile memory during active operation for high speed and transitioning to non-volatile memory during low-power states to reduce consumption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Use of energy by moving object

If non-volatile memory is used for data storage, then power consumption is reduced, but read/write delay increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidread/write delay

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Data is pre-loaded from non-volatile memory to volatile memory during system initialization or idle periods, so that frequently accessed data is already in the fast volatile memory when needed, reducing read/write delay while maintaining power efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system maintains continuous operation by keeping frequently accessed data in volatile memory while using non-volatile memory for persistent storage, ensuring that useful actions (data access) continue without interruption or excessive delays

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Productivity

If volatile memory is used, then read/write performance is improved, but data loss occurs upon power loss

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveread/write performanceVSAvoiddata persistence

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system merges volatile and non-volatile memory into a unified hybrid memory system, combining the high performance of volatile memory with the data persistence of non-volatile memory, thus achieving both improved read/write performance and data reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The storage controller acts as an intermediary between the processor and the hybrid memory system, managing data placement and retrieval between volatile and non-volatile regions to ensure data persistence while maintaining high performance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS12481451B2Data read/write method and hybrid memory

Publication Date: 2025.11.25 HONOR DEVICE CO LTD

AI summary

A data read/write method and a hybrid memory are disclosed, and relate to the field of terminals, so as to improve read/write performance and reduce power consumption. The hybrid memory includes a storage controller, a volatile storage medium, and a non-volatile storage medium. The storage controller may receive a read/write instruction from a processor, where the read/write instruction carries a first address (the first address may be a physical address or a logical address); and if the first address corresponds to a storage space of the volatile storage medium, the storage controller may perform data read/write processing in the storage space of the volatile storage medium; or if the first address corresponds to a storage space of the non-volatile storage medium, the storage controller may perform data read/write processing in the storage space of the non-volatile storage medium.