Layered Memory Protocol for Separating Debug and Data I/O
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing memory systems face challenges in efficiently transferring debugging information without degrading data input/output operations, leading to performance issues and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A memory system with a layered protocol and data structure is implemented, featuring distinct queues and access points for data input/output and debugging information, allowing separate handling to minimize operational complexity and performance degradation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If debugging information is transferred using the same protocol as data input/output operations, then the system structure remains simple, but the data input/output performance degrades due to mixed traffic handling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the communication protocol into two distinct parts: a debug protocol for debugging information transfer and a data protocol for data input/output operations. This segmentation allows separate handling of debug traffic and data traffic, preventing debug operations from degrading data I/O performance while maintaining clear functional boundaries in the system architecture.
2Productivity
If a separate protocol is implemented for debugging information transfer, then data input/output performance is maintained, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal interface structure that can handle both debug protocol and data protocol operations through the same physical connection. The interface is designed to be multi-functional, accepting commands from either protocol type and routing them appropriately, thereby maintaining data I/O performance without requiring separate physical channels or excessive additional components.
3Device complexity
If debugging operations are performed concurrently with data operations in the same queue, then queue management remains simple, but debugging information transfer delays data input/output operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the command queue into separate queues: a debug queue for debugging information transfer and a data queue for data input/output operations. This segmentation ensures that debug operations and data operations are processed independently without interfering with each other, eliminating delays caused by mixed traffic while maintaining manageable queue structures through clear separation of concerns.
4Device complexity
If debugging information is transferred using existing data protocols, then no additional protocol overhead is introduced, but the debugging information may interfere with data operations and vice versa
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of adapting debugging information to fit existing data protocols, the patent inverts the approach by creating a dedicated debug protocol with appropriate commands and data structures designed specifically for debugging needs. This inversion ensures that debugging operations have optimized support without compromising data operation reliability, as each protocol is tailored to its specific purpose without interference from the other.
Data Source
AI summary
A memory system includes at least one memory device; and a controller coupled to the at least one memory device. The controller has a layered structure including plural service layers and including at least one component configured to provide communication between the plural service layers. An uppermost layer among the plural service layers parses whether a command input from an external device is related to data input and output or debugging information, and send, based on a parsing result, the command to a next layer among the plural service layers via one of multiple access points corresponding to multiple queues.