Memory Controller Request Signal Generation for Data Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional memory systems do not allow memory devices to request data from a host, limiting their ability to efficiently manage and transfer data between internal memory blocks.
Innovation Solution
A memory system comprising first and second memory devices, with a memory controller configured to store and generate request signals, and a host that receives these signals, enabling the memory system to request data from the host and transfer metadata between memory devices, thereby improving data access and management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the memory device operates in a conventional unidirectional access mode where only the host can request data, then the control structure is simple, but the data transfer efficiency and autonomy of the memory device are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The memory device is equipped with an autonomous request generation capability, allowing it to independently initiate data transfer requests to the host without waiting for external commands. This self-service mechanism enables the memory device to actively manage its own data operations, improving productivity while maintaining reasonable control complexity through dedicated request generation circuitry.
Solution Approach 2:
The control structure is made dynamic by enabling bidirectional communication where the memory device can both respond to host requests and initiate its own requests. This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt to different operational scenarios, such as autonomously requesting data during internal memory block operations, thereby improving data transfer efficiency without requiring a completely complex control architecture.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the memory device autonomously requests data from the host, then the data access flexibility is improved, but the protocol complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The protocol is segmented into distinct functional components: request generation logic within the memory device, interrupt signal transmission mechanism, and host-side request handling. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, providing data access flexibility while managing protocol complexity through modular design. The memory device generates structured requests containing necessary information, which the host processes through dedicated handling routines.
3Productivity
If the memory device can request data during internal memory block operations, then the overall system performance is improved, but the control logic becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The memory device prepares and queues data transfer requests in advance during internal memory block operations. By performing preliminary actions such as identifying needed data and formulating requests while waiting for internal operations to complete, the system improves overall performance without significantly increasing control logic complexity. The request generation occurs in parallel with or during idle periods of internal operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A memory system includes first and second memory devices, a memory controller configured to control the second memory device, to store a request signal to access the first memory device, and to generate an interrupt signal, and a host configured to receive the request signal in response to the interrupt signal.