I/O Module in Memory Socket for Serial Data Expansion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional processing platforms face limitations in expanding I/O functionality due to compartmentalization of memory, I/O, and storage, which restricts the integration and efficiency of data transfer operations.
Innovation Solution
An I/O module is designed to operate in a memory module socket, incorporating a serial-presence detection device, system management bus I/O device, clock generator, and serial data controller to communicate serial data using PCIe, SATA, USB, or Infiniband, and provide I/O functionality, potentially including storage or processing capabilities, thereby enhancing I/O operations within the host system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If memory, I/O and storage are compartmentalized in separate modules, then each module can be independently designed and manufactured, but the I/O functionality of the platform is limited and data transfer efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines memory module functionality with I/O capabilities by integrating an I/O module within the memory module structure. The I/O module includes an I/O device, controller, and buffer memory that work together to enable direct memory access and serial data communication, merging storage, processing, and I/O functions into a single integrated unit that can be installed in existing memory sockets.
Solution Approach 2:
The memory module is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously - it serves as both a memory module for the host system and an I/O module for expanded functionality. The I/O module can interface with various I/O devices and support different communication protocols, making the single module universally applicable for both memory operations and I/O operations.
2Productivity
If data transfer passes through the host system, then the host system maintains control, but data transfer efficiency and speed are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a buffer memory and controller as intermediary components within the I/O module. The buffer memory temporarily stores data during transfer operations, while the controller manages data flow between the I/O device, buffer, and host system memory, enabling efficient direct memory access without requiring constant host system intervention for every data operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The data transfer path is segmented into distinct functional components - the I/O device, buffer memory, and controller - that can operate semi-independently. This segmentation allows data to be buffered and preprocessed locally before being transferred to the host system, improving overall transfer efficiency while maintaining host control.
3Adaptability or versatility
If I/O functionality is expanded through separate PCI devices, then I/O capabilities are increased, but the platform requires additional slots and increases system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The I/O module is designed to provide multiple I/O capabilities within a single module that fits existing memory sockets. The I/O device can support various communication protocols and interface types, expanding I/O functionality without requiring additional physical slots or increasing system configuration complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of expanding I/O functionality horizontally by adding more PCI slots and devices, the patent adds I/O capabilities vertically by integrating them within the memory module structure. This dimensional approach allows multiple functions to coexist within the same physical footprint, avoiding additional system complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of an I/O module, processing platform, and method for extending a memory interface are generally described herein. In some embodiments, the I/O module may be configured to operate in a memory module socket, such as a DIMM socket, to provide increased I/O functionality in a host system. Some system management bus address lines and some unused system clock signal lines may be reconfigured as serial data lines for serial data communications between the I/O module and a PCIe switch of the host system.