Memory Interface Device Dynamic Channel Reconfiguration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing multi-chip packages for semiconductor memory devices face limitations in reliability and capacity due to differences in components based on storage capacity and speed, which restrict their adaptability and increase costs.

Innovation Solution

An interface device that dynamically adjusts the number of controller channels connected to memory channels based on a mode signal, allowing for flexible communication between memory devices and controllers, enhancing adaptability and reducing component variability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If different components are used for different storage capacities and speeds, then storage performance is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage capacity and speedVSAvoidcomponent variability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The interface device dynamically changes its operational mode based on a mode signal to adapt to different storage configurations. It can operate in first mode where all controller channels are connected to memory channels, or in second mode where some controller channels are disconnected, allowing the same physical device to serve different storage capacities and performance requirements without hardware changes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The interface device changes its operational parameters by selectively connecting or disconnecting controller channels based on the mode signal. This parameter change allows the device to adapt to different storage capacities and speeds using the same physical components, eliminating the need for different hardware configurations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If the same memory package is used for various applications, then adaptability is improved, but signal integrity may deteriorate due to increased parasitic elements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapplication compatibilityVSAvoidsignal integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The interface device extracts or removes certain controller channels from active connection when operating in second mode. By disconnecting unused controller channels, the device reduces the number of active signal paths and parasitic elements, thereby maintaining signal integrity while still providing adaptability for different storage configurations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The interface device acts as an intermediary between the memory controller and memory devices, selectively managing channel connections. It mediates the connection state based on mode signals, ensuring that only necessary channels remain connected, thus maintaining signal integrity while enabling versatile application support

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11500796B2Device for interfacing between memory device and memory controller, package and system including the device

Publication Date: 2022.11.15 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

An interface device between a plurality of memory devices and a memory controller includes processing circuitry configured to provide a plurality of controller channels for communicating with the memory controller, to provide a plurality of memory channels for communicating with the plurality of memory devices, and to connect each of the plurality of controller channels to at least one of the plurality of memory channels in a first mode and disconnect the plurality of controller channels from the plurality of memory channels in a second mode.