External Hybrid Memory Interface for Host RAM Expansion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic devices often have limited RAM, and existing methods for expanding RAM, such as virtual RAM and physical RAM slots, are inefficient or impractical due to latency issues and size constraints.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid memory system that allows a host to access both non-volatile storage and volatile memory, utilizing a protocol manager and converter to switch between PCIe and DDR transactions, enabling dynamic RAM expansion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If virtual RAM is used to expand memory capacity, then the available RAM increases, but the access speed decreases due to higher latency of non-volatile storage
Solution Approach 1:
The memory system is segmented into two distinct types: volatile memory (RAM) for high-speed temporary storage and non-volatile storage for persistent storage. The system allows selective access to either memory type based on performance requirements, enabling fast access to volatile memory when needed while maintaining the ability to use non-volatile storage for capacity expansion.
Solution Approach 2:
A controller acts as an intermediary between the host and the memory systems, managing the selection and coordination of volatile and non-volatile memory accesses. The controller translates host memory requests into appropriate operations on the underlying memory subsystem, optimizing the balance between speed and capacity.
2Quantity of substance
If a memory socket or RAM slot is added to enable physical RAM expansion, then the available RAM increases, but the device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the functions of memory expansion and storage expansion into a single integrated interface. The host can connect to both volatile and non-volatile memory through the same interface, eliminating the need for separate memory sockets and physical RAM slots, thereby avoiding additional device size.
Solution Approach 2:
The memory interface is designed to be universal, supporting multiple memory types (volatile and non-volatile) through a single connection point. This multi-functional interface allows the system to provide RAM expansion without requiring dedicated physical RAM slots, maintaining compact device form factor.
3Quantity of substance
If non-volatile storage is used as virtual RAM, then the available memory capacity increases, but the number of program/erase cycles is depleted faster
Solution Approach 1:
Different memory types are assigned different functional roles based on their characteristics: volatile memory is used for high-speed temporary storage where write intensity is high but total volume is small, while non-volatile storage is used for persistent storage where durability is critical. This local differentiation optimizes the use of program/erase cycles by concentrating intensive writing operations in the volatile memory layer.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically allocates memory resources based on access patterns and workload requirements. The controller can adaptively select between volatile and non-volatile memory based on the specific memory operation being performed, optimizing the distribution of program/erase cycles to extend the lifespan of the non-volatile storage.
Data Source
AI summary
Technology for a hybrid memory system that allows host access both non-volatile storage and volatile memory (e.g., RAM). The hybrid memory system may send a command to the host requesting that the host select a mode of access that may include a first mode in which the host has access to only the volatile memory and a second mode in which the host has access to at least the non-volatile storage. While in a mode in which the host has access to the volatile memory, the hybrid memory system may analyze data packets received from the host to determine whether a data packet is a request to access the volatile memory or the non-volatile storage. Responsive to a determination that the host is seeking access to the volatile memory the hybrid memory system converts the packet from the host to a packet suitable to access the volatile memory.