Memory Controller Command Visualization via Raster Image

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for analyzing and debugging electronic systems with memory controllers rely on text logs and waveforms, which are not intuitive for evaluating performance or identifying inefficiencies in command sequencing.

Innovation Solution

A method that visualizes memory controller commands as a raster image, where commands are ordered by time of issue and distinguished by type, with block length representing command duration, allowing for intuitive evaluation of sequencing efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If text logs or waveform interfaces are used to analyze memory controller operation, then detailed signal data is provided, but the interface is not intuitive for evaluating performance or debugging

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommand sequencing informationVSAvoidintuitiveness of analysis interface

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a visual copy or representation of the command sequence data in the form of a raster image. Instead of displaying raw text logs or waveforms, the system generates a graphical representation where commands are depicted as blocks arranged in temporal sequence, making the data more intuitive to interpret while preserving all necessary information for analysis

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical/text-based interface (text logs and waveform displays) with a visual/image-based interface. By substituting the display mechanism from text/waveform to raster image, the system achieves more intuitive visualization of command sequencing while maintaining complete data fidelity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Loss of time

If traditional waveform displays are used, then signal timing data is presented, but performance evaluation and debugging efficiency are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedebugging timeVSAvoiddesigner analysis efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the traditional one-dimensional waveform display (time-based linear plot) into a two-dimensional raster image representation. Commands are displayed as blocks with spatial arrangement indicating temporal sequence, adding a visual dimension that makes timing relationships and command patterns immediately apparent, thereby reducing debugging time and improving analysis efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS10290287B1Visualizing operation of a memory controller

Publication Date: 2019.05.14 XILINX INC

AI summary

Visualizing operations of a memory controller includes reading, using a processor, a plurality of commands of a memory controller from a data store, wherein the commands are associated with times of issue. Blocks are displayed for the plurality of commands upon a display device as a raster image. The blocks are ordered according to the times of issue of the commands represented by the blocks. The blocks are visually distinguished according to command type within the raster image.