Memory Controller Reordering Read Write Requests for Access Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
In computing systems, memory controllers face inefficiencies in managing memory requests, leading to suboptimal performance due to improper scheduling of read and write requests, resulting in underutilization of memory circuits and adverse effects on system performance such as delayed data retrieval and software execution.
Innovation Solution
A memory controller system that includes a write request queue and scheduled request buffer, which determines current memory access efficiency by comparing clock cycles used during read and write turns to a specified efficiency, reordering requests to prioritize read requests over write requests and scheduling partial write requests between read and write turns to optimize memory access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the memory controller processes write requests immediately, then write operations are completed faster, but read operations are delayed and memory access efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The memory controller dynamically adjusts the scheduling of read and write requests based on current memory access efficiency metrics. The controller monitors clock cycle utilization and adapts its request processing strategy in real-time, switching between prioritizing reads and batching writes depending on observed performance characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The memory controller implements periodic scheduling of write requests at defined turn boundaries rather than continuous processing. By organizing memory operations into discrete read turns and write turns, the controller creates predictable periodic patterns that improve overall memory access efficiency while maintaining acceptable write throughput.
2Speed
If the memory controller prioritizes read requests over write requests, then data retrieval speed improves, but write operations experience delays
Solution Approach 1:
The memory controller performs preliminary actions by queuing write requests in advance during read turns. Write requests are buffered and prepared for execution, allowing the controller to maintain a backlog of write operations that can be processed efficiently during designated write turns without impacting read performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The memory controller maintains continuous useful action by ensuring that both read and write operations are continuously processed over time, just at different rates and priorities. The controller balances the throughput of reads and writes across multiple turns, ensuring that neither operation type starves while maintaining high overall memory utilization.
3Ease of operation
If the memory controller processes memory requests in strict FIFO order, then request fairness is maintained, but memory circuit utilization is suboptimal
Solution Approach 1:
The memory controller segments the request processing stream into distinct read turns and write turns, creating separate processing channels for different request types. This segmentation allows the controller to apply different scheduling strategies to reads and writes independently, optimizing memory circuit utilization for each operation type while maintaining overall fairness through structured turn-based execution.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a memory circuit and a memory controller circuit. The memory controller circuit may include a write request queue. The memory controller circuit may be configured to receive a memory request to access the memory circuit and determine if the memory request includes a read request or a write request. A received read request may be scheduled for execution, while a received write request may be stored in the write request queue. The memory controller circuit may reorder scheduled memory requests based on achieving a specified memory access efficiency and based on a number of write requests stored in the write request queue.