Memory Controller Buffer Partitioning for Mixed Host Messages
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing memory systems face challenges in efficiently processing various types of messages from external devices due to limited buffer capacity and the need for flexible management of different message types.
Innovation Solution
A memory system with a controller that includes a buffer divided into regions for storing different types of messages, allowing variable setting of starting points for these regions based on message frequency and processing requirements, thereby optimizing buffer usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a fixed buffer structure is used to store different message types, then the buffer management is simple, but the buffer usage efficiency deteriorates when message frequencies vary
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic buffer region allocation where the starting points of buffer regions for different message types can be adjusted based on message frequencies. The controller dynamically modifies the buffer structure by changing region starting positions to optimize storage efficiency for frequently occurring message types, resolving the contradiction between management simplicity and usage efficiency.
2Reliability
If the buffer size is increased to accommodate all message types, then message loss is prevented, but the resource allocation efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the buffer into multiple regions, each dedicated to storing specific message types. By segmenting the buffer and dynamically adjusting region starting points based on message frequencies, the system prevents message loss for high-priority message types while avoiding allocation of excessive buffer resources to low-frequency message types, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and resource efficiency.
3Ease of operation
If separate buffers are allocated for each message type, then message processing is simplified, but the overall buffer capacity utilization deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal buffer structure that can store multiple message types within a single buffer memory. By allowing dynamic adjustment of region starting points, the same buffer can adaptively serve different message types with varying frequencies, maintaining processing simplicity while significantly improving capacity utilization compared to fixed separate buffers.
Data Source
AI summary
A controller of a memory system may variably set a starting point of a header region, of a payload region, or both of a buffer storing messages received from a host device, so that it is possible to flexibly adjust the size of a region storing different types of messages using a limited buffer, and process the messages without omission, thereby improving an operating performance of the memory system.