Hybrid NVRAM DRAM Memory System for Capacity and Power Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional computer systems face limitations in main memory capacity due to the high cost and volume of DRAM packages, which adversely affect the form factor, especially in mobile devices, and require multiple DIMMs to increase storage capacity, leading to power consumption issues with volatile DRAM-based memories.
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 directly writable, re-writable, and maintains data without power loss, with a multi-processor architecture that uses handshaking signals for data transfer between processors and memory controllers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If DRAM packages are used to increase memory capacity, then storage capacity is improved, but system volume and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines DRAM and NVRAM into a single hybrid memory package, allowing the system to achieve high memory capacity without proportionally increasing system volume. The NVRAM portion provides non-volatile storage while the DRAM portion provides high-speed caching, creating a dense integrated memory solution that improves capacity density.
Solution Approach 2:
The hybrid memory package serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides both volatile high-speed memory (DRAM) and non-volatile persistent storage (NVRAM) within a single package. This multi-functionality allows the system to replace multiple separate memory components, reducing overall system volume while maintaining or improving total memory capacity.
2Quantity of substance
If multiple DIMMs are used to increase storage capacity, then memory capacity is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging NVRAM and DRAM into a single hybrid package, the system reduces the number of separate memory modules required. The NVRAM portion can store data persistently without power, while the DRAM portion only needs to maintain cached data, overall reducing the continuous power consumption associated with multiple separate DRAM DIMMs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the persistent storage function from the volatile DRAM system by incorporating NVRAM. This allows data that would otherwise require continuous power to maintain in DRAM to be stored in the power-independent NVRAM portion, reducing the power consumption required to maintain memory capacity.
3Speed
If DRAM-based memory is used, then access speed is improved, but data loss occurs upon power removal
Solution Approach 1:
The hybrid memory package merges the high-speed access characteristics of DRAM with the data persistence capabilities of NVRAM. The system can use the DRAM portion for fast access to frequently used data while the NVRAM portion ensures data persistence, creating a unified memory system that provides both speed and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The hybrid memory package acts as an intermediary between the processor and persistent storage, providing a buffer (DRAM) for high-speed access while maintaining a persistent copy (NVRAM) for data safety. This intermediary structure allows the system to enjoy fast access speeds without sacrificing data persistence.
Data Source
AI summary
A memory system includes: a plurality of first memory devices directly or indirectly coupled to one another, each 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 multi-processor including a plurality of processors, each processor executing an operating system (OS) and an application to access a data storage memory through the first and second memory devices.