Memory Interface Circuit Timing Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for larger, faster, and higher performance memory systems with improved user features while maintaining low power consumption, small form factor, and backward compatibility.
Innovation Solution
A memory system that includes a memory controller and an interface circuit capable of adjusting signal timing between the memory controller and memory modules, allowing for the insertion of additional logic to enhance performance without physical changes, and modifying timing parameters to meet specific requirements such as delays, thereby improving reliability, accessibility, and serviceability functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional logic is inserted into the memory system to improve performance and functionality, then reliability and power management are enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
An interface circuit is introduced as an intermediary component between the memory controller and memory modules. This interface circuit contains additional logic that can perform reliability enhancement functions and power management operations without requiring modification of the existing memory controller or memory modules, thus improving reliability while isolating the added complexity to a dedicated intermediary component.
Solution Approach 2:
The memory system is segmented into distinct functional components: the memory controller, the interface circuit with additional logic, and the memory modules. This segmentation allows the additional logic to be isolated in the interface circuit, enabling reliability improvements without increasing the complexity of the core memory controller or memory modules.
2Productivity
If signal timing is adjusted to meet specific requirements and delays, then performance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The interface circuit dynamically adjusts timing parameters of signals transmitted between the memory controller and memory modules. By modifying signal timing characteristics such as delays and clock cycles, the system can optimize performance for different operating conditions without requiring physical changes to the memory system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The interface circuit introduces dynamic timing adjustment capabilities, allowing signal timing to be flexibly modified based on operational requirements. This dynamic adjustment enables performance optimization while concentrating the complexity in the interface circuit's timing control logic rather than distributing it throughout the entire memory system.
3Productivity
If the memory system is enhanced with additional features and higher performance, then productivity increases, but ease of manufacture decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The interface circuit is designed as a universal component that can provide multiple functions including timing adjustment, reliability enhancement, and power management. This multi-functionality allows a single component to deliver enhanced performance features without requiring multiple separate additions, thereby maintaining ease of manufacture while achieving high productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
By placing additional logic in the interface circuit intermediary, the patent enables performance enhancements without requiring modifications to the memory controller or memory modules, which are typically standardized components. This approach maintains ease of manufacture for the core components while still achieving advanced functionality through the intermediary interface circuit.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method are provided for adjusting the timing of signals associated with a memory system. A memory controller is provided. Additionally, at least one memory module is provided. Further, at least one interface circuit is provided, the interface circuit capable of adjusting timing of signals associated with one or more of the memory controller and the at least one memory module.