Memory Module Address Buffer for Dynamic Error Mode Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
In memory modules comprising multiple semiconductor devices, inefficient addressing operations consume system resources and diminish performance due to varying address schemes based on the number and type of devices, leading to suboptimal data storage and access.
Innovation Solution
A memory module with a mode register set circuit to generate an enable signal for error modes and an address buffer to compare received address signals with stored predetermined signals, allowing for dynamic adjustment of addressing schemes and enabling fail data writing to specific memory cells during error conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If multiple semiconductor memory devices are incorporated in a memory module to provide large data storage, then data storage capacity is improved, but addressing complexity increases and system resources are consumed for managing different addressing schemes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-storing predetermined address signals in the address buffer before actual data writing operations. The address buffer holds these reference addresses ready for comparison, so when data needs to be written, the system can immediately compare incoming addresses with stored ones and determine whether to write fail data without complex real-time address management calculations.
Solution Approach 2:
The address buffer acts as an intermediary component between the memory controller and the memory cells. It receives and stores predetermined address signals, then compares incoming address signals against these stored values. This intermediary structure simplifies the addressing scheme by providing a reference layer that automatically determines whether addresses match, eliminating the need for complex addressing management logic in the memory controller.
2Reliability
If address verification is performed to ensure accurate data storage, then data storage reliability is improved, but system resources are consumed and performance may be diminished
Solution Approach 1:
The address buffer performs self-service by automatically comparing incoming address signals with its stored predetermined addresses and generating enable signals based on match results. This self-comparison mechanism eliminates the need for external verification circuits or complex controller logic to check address validity, providing reliable address verification while consuming minimal system resources and maintaining high performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the address verification function from the main memory controller operations and places it in the dedicated address buffer. By separating this verification task into a specialized component that continuously holds predetermined addresses and performs automatic comparison, the system achieves reliable address checking without burdening the overall system resources, as the verification occurs in parallel rather than sequentially.
3Productivity
If dynamic addressing scheme adjustment is implemented to optimize data storage, then addressing efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by enabling the address buffer to operate in multiple modes: it can store predetermined addresses for verification, compare incoming addresses dynamically, and generate enable signals based on real-time comparison results. This dynamic operation allows the addressing scheme to adapt efficiently to different data storage needs while maintaining a relatively simple device structure, as the buffer naturally transitions between states based on incoming signals rather than requiring complex control logic.
Data Source
AI summary
A memory module comprises a plurality of semiconductor memory devices each comprising a mode register set (MRS) circuit configured to generate an enable signal corresponding to an error mode of the semiconductor memory device in response to an MRS command received from a command decoder, and an address buffer configured to store a predetermined address signal, to receive an address signal and corresponding data from an external device, and to compare the address signal received with the predetermined address signal in response to the enable signal. As a consequence of determining that the address signal received from the external device is the same as the predetermined address signal stored in the address buffer, data different from the corresponding data received from the external device is written to a memory cell corresponding to the predetermined address signal.