Memory Access Data Conversion via Mode Register Masking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing memory systems struggle to efficiently convert access data between different memory device sizes, leading to potential compatibility issues and reduced functionality when external memory systems are configured for specific sizes.
Innovation Solution
The proposed memory system employs a method to convert access data by using mask data and force data stored in a mode register, allowing the system to associate access data with a different memory device size than the external memory system is configured for.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the external memory system is configured for a specific memory device size, then the system can operate with standardized access data formats, but it cannot efficiently access memory devices of different sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mode register as an intermediary component that stores mask data and force data. This mode register acts as a mediator between the external memory system's access data and the actual memory device, enabling size adaptation without requiring complex conversion logic throughout the entire system. The mode register translates standardized access data into device-specific addressing schemes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters of access data by applying mask data and force data from the mode register. The mask data selectively clears specific bits of the access data, while the force data sets specific bits to required values. This parameter transformation enables the same access data format to work with memory devices of different sizes by dynamically adjusting address bits based on the target device's capacity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the system uses fixed access data formats for specific memory sizes, then data access is straightforward, but compatibility with different memory device sizes is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-configuring the mode register with mask data and force data before memory access operations. The mode register is programmed in advance with the appropriate conversion parameters for the target memory device size, so that when access data needs to be converted, the transformation rules are already in place and ready to be applied, maintaining operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The mode register serves as an intermediary that handles the complexity of format conversion, allowing the external memory system to continue using standardized access data formats while the mode register translates these into device-specific formats. This intermediary approach preserves ease of operation at the system level while enabling adaptability at the device level.
3Adaptability or versatility
If mask data and force data are used to convert access data, then compatibility with different memory sizes is achieved, but the processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The conversion process is segmented into two distinct operations: masking (clearing specific bits using mask data) and forcing (setting specific bits using force data). This segmentation breaks down the complex conversion task into simpler, more manageable operations that can be executed efficiently by hardware logic, reducing the overall processing complexity despite the added adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The mode register acts as an intermediary structure that organizes the mask data and force data in a standardized format, making the conversion process more systematic and less complex. By pre-organizing the conversion parameters in the mode register, the system avoids ad-hoc conversion logic and uses a consistent, predictable transformation process.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, apparatuses, and methods related to conversion of access data based on memory device size are described herein. An example apparatus can include a memory device, a mode register, an address decoder, and a memory controller. The memory device can include an array of memory cells. The memory controller can cause performance of a memory access. Performance of the memory access can include receiving access data associated with a first memory device size to access data stored in the memory device. The memory device can be a second memory device size. Performance of the memory access can further include accessing the data in the memory device that is the second memory device size using the access data.