Memory Expander Sub-Module Power Isolation for Fault Repair
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing computing systems face challenges in efficiently managing power and repairing memory modules, leading to performance degradation when defects occur, as replacing the entire memory expander is often necessary.
Innovation Solution
A memory expander system with independent power management integrated circuits and a power controller that allows for individual power control and replacement of faulty memory sub-modules, enabling efficient power management and repair by isolating and replacing only the defective modules while maintaining operation of others.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the entire memory expander is replaced when a defect occurs, then system reliability is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to complete system downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The memory expander is divided into multiple independent memory sub-modules, each with its own power management integrated circuit. This segmentation allows individual sub-modules to be replaced without affecting the entire system, enabling hot-swappable repairs that maintain productivity while improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a repair mechanism where defective memory sub-modules are identified, isolated by stopping power supply to their dedicated power management circuits, and replaced individually. This allows the system to recover from failures without complete downtime, maintaining productivity while ensuring reliability.
2Productivity
If power is supplied to all memory sub-modules, then productivity is improved through full system operation, but loss of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power management system is segmented into multiple independent power management integrated circuits, each dedicated to a specific memory sub-module. This allows selective power supply to only the sub-modules that are currently needed, reducing energy loss while maintaining productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically controls power supply to memory sub-modules based on operational needs. Power management integrated circuits can stop or resume power supply to specific sub-modules periodically or on-demand, reducing energy consumption during idle periods while maintaining productivity when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A memory expander includes memory sub-modules, power management integrated circuits, a controller, and a power controller. The memory sub-modules store data, and each of the memory sub-modules includes one or more memories. The power management integrated circuits independently supply powers to the memory sub-modules, respectively. The controller communicates with an external device through an interface (e.g., compute express link (CXL)), controls operations of the memory sub-modules, and checks whether the memory sub-modules are abnormal. The power controller controls operations of the power management integrated circuits. In response to a first memory sub-module becoming abnormal, the power controller controls a first power management integrated circuit to block a first power supplied to the first memory sub-module.