Memory Controller Hint Queues for Lower-Latency Read Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing memory systems lack an efficient mechanism to generate hint information on data to be provided next, leading to suboptimal data transfer performance.
Innovation Solution
A memory controller with an initiation queue, completion queue, and data package generator that stores identification information for read data in progress and completion states, generating a data packet including hint information on subsequent read data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional data transfer mechanism is used, then data transfer occurs sequentially without prediction, but data transfer efficiency is low and latency is high
Solution Approach 1:
The memory controller performs preliminary action by generating hint information about upcoming read data requests before the actual data transfer occurs. The initiation queue stores identification information of read data requests that have been issued but not yet completed, allowing the system to predict and prepare for future data transfer needs, thereby improving efficiency and reducing latency
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback through the completion queue that stores identification information of completed read data requests. This feedback mechanism allows the memory controller to analyze patterns of data access and use this information to generate more accurate hints about future read requests, creating a continuous improvement loop for data transfer optimization
2Productivity
If hint information is added to data packets, then data transfer efficiency improves through prediction, but data packet structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The data packet structure is segmented into distinct components: a basic header containing essential data transfer information, and an optional hint header containing prediction information. This segmentation allows the hint information to be added without fundamentally redesigning the entire packet structure, maintaining compatibility while improving functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The hint header contains only the necessary prediction information (identification information of upcoming read data) rather than complete data copies. This partial action approach adds minimal overhead to the packet structure while still providing sufficient guidance for optimized data transfer, avoiding the excessive complexity that would result from including full data payloads in the hints
Data Source
AI summary
A memory controller includes: an initiation queue for storing identification information corresponding to read data of which preparation for transfer to outside the memory controller has started, in response to read requests received from the outside; a completion queue for storing identification information corresponding to read data of which preparation for transfer to the outside is complete; and a data package generator for generating hint information, based on information stored in the initiation queue and the completion queue, generating a data packet including the hint information and first read data of which preparation for transfer is complete, and transferring the data packet to the outside. The hint information may include information on second read data to be transferred to the outside subsequently to the first read data.