Dynamic Memory Bank Reassignment After Controller Failure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing memory access methods for nonvolatile memories in microprocessors and microcontrollers are inefficient, as they require complex control sequences and cannot handle simultaneous, independent memory accesses by multiple units without causing interference or requiring redundant memory controllers, which are costly and lack fault tolerance.
Innovation Solution
A method and chip design that dynamically assign memory controllers to memory banks based on the operating state, allowing each bank to be read and written independently by multiple controllers, with flexible assignments during runtime to enable simultaneous and independent access without the need for redundant controllers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple memory controllers are provided to enable simultaneous independent memory accesses, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic assignment of memory banks to memory controllers at runtime based on operational requirements. The memory bank assignment is not fixed but can be changed during operation, allowing the system to adapt the number and configuration of active memory controllers according to the specific access patterns needed, thereby enabling simultaneous independent accesses only when necessary while keeping the system simple during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes memory controllers universal by enabling each controller to access any memory bank through dynamic assignment rather than dedicated one-to-one mapping. This multi-functionality allows a smaller number of memory controllers to perform the work of multiple dedicated controllers when simultaneous independent accesses are required, improving productivity without proportionally increasing device complexity.
2Reliability
If memory banks are assigned to specific memory controllers, then reliability is improved through fault tolerance, but adaptability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic reassignment of memory banks to memory controllers based on runtime conditions and failure states. When a memory controller fails, the system automatically detects the failure and reassigns the previously controlled memory banks to other functional memory controllers, maintaining reliability through fault tolerance while preserving adaptability through the ability to reconfigure assignments dynamically.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the memory system by dynamically adjusting which memory controllers are active and which memory banks they control. This parameter change approach allows the system to transition between different operational configurations, maintaining reliability by activating redundant controllers when needed while preserving adaptability through flexible parameter adjustment without requiring a fixed assignment structure.
3Reliability
If redundant memory controllers are provided for fault tolerance, then reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes memory controllers universal and multi-functional, allowing each controller to serve multiple memory banks through dynamic assignment. This eliminates the need for dedicated one-to-one mapping between controllers and banks, reducing the total number of controllers required. The system achieves fault tolerance by having controllers that can take over multiple banks when needed, rather than requiring redundant dedicated controllers for each bank, thereby improving reliability while reducing manufacturing cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic configuration where memory controllers can be reassigned to different memory banks based on operational needs and failure states. This dynamic approach allows the system to achieve fault tolerance with fewer controllers by having them perform multiple functions at different times, rather than requiring static redundant controllers for each bank, thus reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A chip, including: a plurality of memory banks; a plurality of memory controllers configured to control access to the plurality of memory banks; and a memory access system configured to: detect a failure of a first memory controller of the plurality of memory controllers; and in response to detecting the failure, reassign at least one memory bank previously assigned to the first memory controller to at least one other memory controller of the plurality of memory controllers that remains operational. Correspondingly, a method is provided in which the memory access system detects a controller failure, performs the reassignment of the associated memory bank or banks, and thereafter controls access through the newly assigned controller.