Bidirectional Memory Interface Configuration via Protocol Decoders
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing memory interface protocols are limited in their ability to define communications between devices due to constraints on the number of pins and hardware coupled to them, often resulting in directional limitations that restrict bidirectional data transfer.
Innovation Solution
Implementing multiple interface protocols within a single device using decoders and multiplexers to reroute signals, allowing for bidirectional communication by configuring transceivers, transmitters, and receivers to operate according to different protocols, thereby overcoming directional limitations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single interface protocol is used in memory devices, then the device complexity is reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but the adaptability to different communication standards and bidirectional data transfer capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multiple interface protocols (first and second protocols) within a single memory device, enabling the same device to communicate with different types of hosts using different protocols. This multi-functionality allows the memory device to serve universal communication needs without requiring separate devices for each protocol type.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the interface functionality by implementing separate protocol handling paths within the memory device. Different portions of the device can be configured to operate under different interface protocols, allowing independent optimization and management of each protocol stack while sharing common hardware resources.
2Productivity
If directional limitations are imposed on pins and transceivers, then the device complexity is reduced, but the productivity in terms of bidirectional data transfer is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic configurability of transceiver directionality. Transceivers can be configured to operate in different modes (transmit, receive, or bidirectional) depending on the interface protocol being used and the communication requirements. This dynamic adaptation enables full bidirectional data transfer capability while managing device complexity through software-controlled configuration.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the number of pins is constrained, then the device complexity and manufacturing cost are reduced, but the adaptability to support multiple interface protocols is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes existing pins multi-functional by allowing them to serve different purposes under different interface protocols. The same physical pin can be configured to carry different signal types (data, address, control) depending on which protocol is active, thereby supporting multiple interface standards without increasing the physical pin count.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the functional parameters of existing pins based on the selected interface protocol. By dynamically reconfiguring the electrical and logical characteristics of pins (such as their directionality, signal type, and timing parameters), the system achieves compatibility with various interface standards using the same physical infrastructure.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatuses and methods can be related to configuring interface protocols for memory. An interface protocol can define the commands received by a memory device utilizing transceivers, receivers, and/or transmitters of an interface of a memory device. An interface protocol used by a memory device can be implemented utilizing a decoder of signals provided via a plurality of transceivers of the memory device. The decoder utilized by a memory device can be selected by setting a mode register of the memory device.