Hybrid Memory Module Reusing DDR Sockets for SATA Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing enterprise servers face challenges in increasing memory capacity and storage performance due to incompatibility between volatile and non-volatile memory devices, requiring costly redesigns and limited space constraints, making it difficult to add non-volatile memory devices to volatile memory-based systems without replacing components.
Innovation Solution
A memory module design that reuses standard memory interfaces and hybrid bus architectures to support non-volatile memory devices by using a combination of card edge interfaces, solid state drive controllers, and power supply conversions, allowing concurrent access with volatile memory modules and expanding data throughput capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If non-volatile memory devices are added to existing volatile memory-based systems, then storage capacity and performance are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase due to required redesign
Solution Approach 1:
The memory module is designed with dual interface capability, allowing it to operate with both volatile and non-volatile memory devices through the same physical slot and control logic. The module includes detection circuitry that automatically identifies the memory type and configures the interface accordingly, enabling a single hardware design to support multiple memory technologies without requiring separate pathways or controllers for each type.
Solution Approach 2:
An interface controller is introduced as an intermediary component between the host system and the memory devices. This controller detects whether a volatile or non-volatile memory device is present and translates host requests into the appropriate protocol, shielding the host from the complexity of different memory types while enabling support for both through a unified interface.
2Productivity
If non-volatile memory devices are integrated into existing systems, then storage performance is enhanced, but ease of manufacture deteriorates due to incompatibility with standard interfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The interface parameters such as voltage levels, signal timing, and data protocols are made dynamically adjustable based on the detected memory type. The system can switch between volatile memory parameters (higher speed, different voltage) and non-volatile memory parameters (lower speed, different protocol) without hardware changes, allowing standard manufacturing processes to produce modules that adapt to different memory technologies through software/firmware configuration.
3Adaptability or versatility
If standard memory interfaces are reused for non-volatile memory, then adaptability is improved, but reliability may worsen due to interface incompatibility
Solution Approach 1:
The interface is designed to be dynamic rather than static, automatically adjusting its characteristics based on the connected memory type. The system includes real-time detection mechanisms that identify whether a volatile or non-volatile device is present and reconfigure the interface parameters accordingly, ensuring optimal and reliable operation for each memory type while maintaining the same physical interface standard.
Data Source
AI summary
A memory/storage module is provided that implements a solid state drive compatible with Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (SATA) or Serial Attached SCSI (SAS) signaling on a double-data-rate compatible socket. A detachable daughter card may be coupled to the memory module for converting a memory bus voltage to a second voltage for memory devices on the memory module. Additionally, a hybrid memory bus on a host system is provided that supports either DDR-compatible memory modules and/or SATA/SAS-compatible memory modules. In one example, the memory/storage module couples to a first bus (DDR3 compatible socket) to obtain voltage and/or other signals, but uses a second bus for data transfers. In another example, the memory module may repurpose/reuse electrical paths that typically carry non-data signals for data traffic to/from the memory/storage module. Such data traffic for the memory/storage module permits concurrent data traffic for other memory modules on the same memory bus.