Memory Interface Read-After-Write Processing Without Memory Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing memory sub-systems face inefficiencies when handling read commands immediately after write commands to the same address, as this can lead to increased processing load on cache controllers and higher latency in data retrieval.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an interface in the memory sub-system that processes read commands by providing data from write commands without retrieving data from memory devices, thereby offloading work from cache controllers and reducing latency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If the cache controller processes read commands by retrieving data from memory devices, then data retrieval is performed, but processing latency increases and cache controller workload increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the read-after-write command processing function from the cache controller to a dedicated processing unit within the memory device. This separation removes the latency-critical path from the cache controller, allowing it to focus on other tasks while the extracted unit handles read commands by directly providing written data without memory device access.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary processing unit between the cache controller and memory device that acts as a mediator for read-after-write operations. This intermediary receives write commands, stores the data locally, and directly fulfills subsequent read commands for the same address, eliminating the need for cache controller intervention and reducing overall system latency.
2Reliability
If the cache controller handles all read commands, then data retrieval is ensured, but the processing load on the cache controller increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the command processing functionality by creating a dedicated read-after-write processing unit within the memory device. This segmentation divides the cache controller's responsibilities, with the dedicated unit handling specific read commands while the cache controller manages other operations, thereby reducing overall controller complexity and improving reliability through specialized processing.
Data Source
AI summary
An interface of a memory sub-system can receive a write command addressed to a first address and a read command addressed to a second address and can receive data corresponding to the write command. The interface can determine whether the first address matches the second address responsive to determining that the first address matches the second address, can drop the read command and the second address, and can provide the data to a host.