Low-Power Memory Controller for Cross-Device Command Compatibility

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing memory systems face challenges in efficiently managing data input/output operations across memory devices with different internal configurations and operational characteristics, leading to inefficiencies and increased manufacturing costs due to the need for customized memory control sequence generators for each type of device.

Innovation Solution

A memory controller with a dedicated controller and a low-power core processor that includes a memory control sequence generator and a core-processor, enabling flexible command generation and response analysis to optimize data operations across diverse memory devices, leveraging a layered command structure for efficient data handling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If customized memory control sequence generators are designed for each memory device type, then data input/output performance is optimized for each device, but device complexity and manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata input/output performanceVSAvoidcontroller complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal memory controller that can control multiple types of memory devices (first memory device with first internal configuration and second memory device with second internal configuration) using a single controller design. The controller includes a core processor and memory control sequence generator that can adapt to different memory device types, eliminating the need for customized controllers for each device type while maintaining optimized data input/output performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If customized memory control sequence generators are designed for each memory device type, then data input/output performance is optimized for each device, but manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata input/output performanceVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal memory controller that can control multiple types of memory devices (first memory device with first internal configuration and second memory device with second internal configuration) using a single controller design. The controller includes a core processor and memory control sequence generator that can adapt to different memory device types, eliminating the need for customized controllers for each device type while maintaining optimized data input/output performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Device complexity

If a single memory controller design is used for multiple memory device types, then device complexity and manufacturing costs are reduced, but adaptability to different memory device configurations decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontroller complexityVSAvoidcompatibility with different memory devices

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic control mechanism where the core processor and memory control sequence generator can adapt their operation based on the connected memory device type. The controller dynamically adjusts control signals and sequences according to whether it is controlling a first memory device or a second memory device, enabling a single controller design to maintain high adaptability across different memory device configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the controller receives information about the connected memory device and adjusts its control behavior accordingly. This feedback enables the universal controller to automatically adapt to different memory device types without requiring manual reconfiguration, maintaining compatibility while reducing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS12412602B2Low-power memory system and memory controller with compatibility and an operation method thereof

Publication Date: 2025.09.09 SK HYNIX INC

AI summary

A memory system includes at least one memory chip including first information regarding internal configurations and operational characteristics, and a memory controller configured to perform a data input/output operation on the at least one memory chip. The memory controller includes a core-processor engaged with firmware configured to generate at least one first command for controlling an operation associated with the first information, a memory control sequence generator configured to generate at least one second command for controlling an operation performed on a memory chip which includes second information, and a core interface configured to, when the first information is included in the second information, handover, to the core-processor from the memory control sequence generator, a process for generating some of the at least one command associated with a part of the first information, the part not included in the second information.