Buffer Component for Memory Module Signal Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
In fully buffered dual in-line memory modules, the variable number of memory components leads to different signal propagation times on bus lines, causing unreliable acceptance of command and address signals due to signal interference and load differences, which complicates the prediction of delay times and reduces access speed.
Innovation Solution
A buffer component with a control unit that applies address and command signals during a first clock period and the control signal during a second clock period, allowing for configuration based on signal line load, ensuring reliable signal acceptance and reducing access speed issues by operating at half the data rate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If control signals are transmitted separately via separate lines to groups of memory components while address and command signals are transmitted to all memory components via bus lines, then the load on bus lines varies depending on the number of memory components, but this leads to different signal propagation times and unreliable acceptance of command and address signals
Solution Approach 1:
The control signal is transmitted in advance before the address and command signals. By sending the control signal first to activate the memory component group, the receiving end is prepared to correctly accept the subsequent address and command signals, solving the problem of unreliable signal acceptance due to variable propagation times
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses clock cycles to periodically transmit different types of signals. Control signals are transmitted during one clock period, followed by address and command signals in subsequent clock periods. This periodic transmission structure organizes the signal flow and ensures proper timing despite varying propagation delays
2Reliability
If delay elements are provided to eliminate different propagation times of signals, then signal acceptance reliability may improve, but the delay time cannot be predicted exactly because the number of memory components is variable
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of delaying the address and command signals to match the control signal timing, the patent inverts the approach by transmitting the control signal first without delay, and then transmitting the address and command signals afterward. This eliminates the need for complex delay elements and makes the system adaptable to variable numbers of memory components
3Adaptability or versatility
If address and command signals are transmitted to all memory components via bus lines, then all memory components can receive the signals, but the bus lines have high load when many memory components are connected, causing signal interference and transmission at reduced clock frequency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the memory components into different groups, with each group receiving control signals through separate lines from the buffer component. This segmentation reduces the load on individual control signal lines and allows for more targeted signal transmission, reducing interference compared to transmitting signals to all memory components simultaneously
Data Source
AI summary
A buffer component for a memory module having a plurality of memory components includes item of access information in accordance with a data transmission protocol, the address, clock, control and command signals depending on the access information, a second data interface for driving a clock signal and address and command signals to the plurality of memory components and for driving a control signal to a group of the plurality of memory components in accordance with a signaling protocol, wherein an activation of the memory components and an acceptance of the address and command signals are effected in a manner dependent on the control signals, and a control unit which applies the address and command signals to the plurality of memory components during a first clock period of the clock signal and applies the control signal for activating the group of the plurality of memory components to the group of the plurality of memory components to be activated when address and command signals are present, in a succeeding second clock period of the clock signal, whereby the address and command signals present are accepted into the group of the plurality of memory components.