Memory Device Restock Entries to Prevent Head of Line Blocking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Memory devices face head of line (HOL) blocking issues when inserting additional commands or data into sequences of entries, which prevents other entries from being transmitted to their respective destinations due to the later entry remaining on the serial link until its destination is open.
Innovation Solution
A memory device system that includes a scheduler, processor, and path controller to identify and manage entries with the same destination by marking them for restocking, allowing new entries to be added without blocking the HOL, by sending the restock entry back to the source queue and processing the pass-through entry when the destination is idle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If additional commands or data are inserted into the sequence of entries, then the functionality and adaptability of the memory device are improved, but head of line blocking occurs which prevents other entries from being transmitted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the sequence of entries by identifying entries with the same destination and creating separate processing groups. When an entry is inserted, the system divides the sequence into segments before the insertion point and after it, allowing independent processing of each segment. This prevents a single insertion from blocking the entire transmission stream.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary identification of entries with matching destinations before insertion occurs. By pre-marking these entries and determining the insertion impact in advance, the system can prepare the segmentation strategy beforehand, allowing smooth insertion without disrupting ongoing transmissions.
2Reliability
If entries with the same destination are kept on the serial link until destination is open, then data integrity for the destination is maintained, but head of line blocking prevents other entries from being processed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the serial link processing by creating virtual channels or groups based on destination. Entries for the same destination are grouped together but can be processed in parallel with other groups. This segmentation allows the system to maintain data integrity for each destination while preventing blocking of other destinations' entries.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension of processing by adding destination-based grouping and prioritization layers over the traditional sequential processing. This multi-dimensional approach allows entries to be organized and processed along destination lines rather than strictly in insertion order, reducing waiting time while maintaining integrity.
3Ease of operation
If the memory device processes entries in strict sequence, then processing simplicity is maintained, but inserting additional entries causes head of line blocking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary analysis of the entry sequence to identify entries with the same destination before insertion operations. By pre-determining which entries can be grouped and how segmentation should occur, the system maintains simple processing logic while enabling flexible insertion of additional entries without causing blocking.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary processing layer that sits between the strict sequential processor and the insertion operations. This intermediary layer handles the segmentation and routing logic, allowing simple sequential processing to continue while adapting to insertion requirements through the mediating segmentation mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of a memory device, a storage system, and a memory device are provided. The method includes receiving a set of entries, where the set of entries includes a first entry from a source queue and addressed to a first destination and a second entry addressed to a second destination, determining to add a third entry associated with the first entry and addressed to the first destination to the set of entries, selecting one of the first entry and the third entry as a restock entry and the other of the first entry and the third entry as a pass-through entry, sending the restock entry to the source queue, and sending the second entry and the pass-through entry to a serial link connected to the first destination and the second destination.