Memory Controller Detecting Volatile Nonvolatile Memory Type
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing data transfer rate in semiconductor memory leads to short setup and hold times for input signals, requiring continuous activation of initial circuits, and the intermingling of nonvolatile and volatile memories in devices complicates effective performance utilization and power management, resulting in prolonged start-up times and increased power consumption.
Innovation Solution
A memory control device and method that detects whether a semiconductor memory is nonvolatile or volatile, allowing for distinct settings and power control, ensuring optimal performance and power management by mapping firmware to nonvolatile memory and managing power states accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the data transfer rate of semiconductor memory is improved, then the processing speed improves, but the setup times and hold times of input signals become short
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the memory controller adaptable to different memory types (volatile and non-volatile) through dynamic configuration. The controller detects the memory type and adjusts its control signals and timing parameters accordingly, allowing the system to optimize performance for each memory type rather than being constrained by fixed timing requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes parameters by modifying the control signals and timing parameters based on the detected memory type. For volatile memory, traditional refresh commands are used, while for non-volatile memory, different command sequences and timing are applied, enabling the system to achieve high-speed access without being limited by the short setup and hold times required for high-data-transfer-rate volatile memory
2Use of energy by moving object
If power is shut off to reduce power consumption, then energy savings are achieved, but data stored in volatile memory disappears and start-up time becomes long
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the memory system into two distinct types: volatile memory for temporary data storage and non-volatile memory for persistent data and firmware storage. This segmentation allows the system to shut off power to volatile memory for energy savings while relying on non-volatile memory to retain critical data and firmware, enabling fast start-up without data loss
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by storing the boot program and critical data in non-volatile memory before power shutdown. This ensures that when power is restored, the system can immediately execute the stored firmware and resume operations without needing to retrieve data from external storage, significantly reducing start-up time
3Adaptability or versatility
If nonvolatile memory and volatile memory are intermingled in memory slots, then memory expandability is improved, but effective performance utilization becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by implementing an automatic detection mechanism in the memory controller that identifies the type of memory installed in each slot. The controller autonomously determines whether each memory device is volatile or non-volatile and configures the system accordingly, eliminating the need for manual configuration and simplifying memory management despite the diversity of memory types
4Adaptability or versatility
If nonvolatile memory and volatile memory are intermingled in memory slots, then memory expandability is improved, but power management becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The memory controller automatically detects the presence and type of memory devices in each slot and independently manages power for each device. This self-service approach allows the system to optimize power consumption by controlling power supply to individual memory devices based on their volatility characteristics and current system needs, simplifying overall power management despite having multiple memory types
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by implementing independent power control for each memory device based on its specific characteristics. The controller can selectively power down non-volatile memory when not in use while keeping volatile memory powered for active operations, optimizing power distribution locally for each memory component rather than applying a uniform power management approach
Data Source
AI summary
A memory control device that is capable of making a nonvolatile memory of an information device exhibit the performance thereof certainly. A detection unit detects whether a data writable semiconductor memory is a nonvolatile memory or a volatile memory. A setting unit performs a setting to a volatile memory and performs a different setting to a nonvolatile memory that is detected with the detection unit.