Memory Controller Ready Signal Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing memory systems face inefficiencies in power-up sequences, where the controller waits for a set time after clock stabilization to access memory devices, leading to delayed access due to varying power-up times among volatile and non-volatile memory devices.
Innovation Solution
An integrated circuit design where each memory device outputs a 'ready' or 'not ready' signal on a shared data bus, allowing the controller to access memory devices only when all have completed their power-up sequences, eliminating the need for a fixed wait time after clock stabilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the controller waits for a fixed set time after clock stabilization before accessing memory devices, then all memory devices are ensured to have completed their power-up sequences, but the access time is delayed due to varying power-up times among different memory device types
Solution Approach 1:
Each memory device provides a ready signal to the controller through the shared data bus, creating a feedback mechanism. The controller monitors these ready signals to determine when all memory devices have completed their power-up sequences, allowing access to begin immediately rather than waiting for a fixed time period. This resolves the contradiction by providing reliable confirmation of power-up completion while minimizing unnecessary waiting time.
2Adaptability or versatility
If different memory device types (DRAM and non-volatile memory) are included in the same memory system, then functionality and storage capacity are improved, but the power-up sequence timing becomes variable requiring longer wait times
Solution Approach 1:
The shared data bus is designed to carry ready signals from different types of memory devices (DRAM and non-volatile memory) uniformly. Each memory device type implements the same ready signal interface, allowing the controller to handle diverse memory devices through a universal mechanism. This enables the system to support multiple memory device types without requiring type-specific wait times, as the controller simply monitors the ready signals from all devices regardless of type.
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated circuit includes a data bus and a first memory device coupled to the data bus. The first memory device is configured to provide a first signal in response to completing a power-up sequence of the first memory device. The integrated circuit includes a second memory device coupled to the data bus. The second memory device is configured to provide a second signal in response to completing a power-up sequence of the second memory device. The integrated circuit includes a controller configured to access the first memory device and the second memory device based on the first signal and the second signal.