Multi-Mode Memory Module Dynamic Bit Width Adaptation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Computer motherboards with different memory channel topologies require flexible memory module configurations to accommodate various signaling modes, but existing solutions struggle to efficiently manage data transfer across multiple memory modules with varying bit widths and burst lengths in point-to-point and multi-drop systems.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a memory module with a bypass module and a memory controller that dynamically adjusts data width settings and burst lengths by using dual C/A sub-channels and data group sub-channels, allowing operation in both full bit width and reduced bit width modes, and supporting multiple memory system topologies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If memory modules use fixed bit width configurations, then data transfer simplicity is improved, but adaptability to different memory channel topologies deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The memory module employs dynamic bit width adjustment capability, allowing it to switch between full bit width mode and reduced bit width mode based on the memory channel topology. This dynamic adaptability enables the same memory module to operate efficiently in both point-to-point and multi-drop configurations without requiring fixed hardware configurations, thereby resolving the contradiction between operational simplicity and system adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operational parameters of the memory module by adjusting bit width and burst length settings according to different memory channel topologies. By modifying these parameters dynamically, the system achieves compatibility with various topologies while maintaining optimized data transfer performance, thus resolving the contradiction between fixed configuration simplicity and adaptive versatility
2Adaptability or versatility
If memory modules support multiple data width modes, then adaptability to different topologies is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The memory module incorporates multi-functional control circuitry that can handle both point-to-point and multi-drop memory channel topologies through a unified design. The control circuit is capable of detecting the topology type and automatically configuring appropriate bit width and burst length parameters, eliminating the need for separate control circuits for different topologies. This universal approach reduces overall device complexity while maintaining full adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The memory module employs self-configuration capability where the control circuit automatically detects the memory channel topology and adjusts operational parameters without external intervention. This self-service mechanism simplifies the system by eliminating complex external configuration requirements and reduces the burden on external controllers, thereby managing device complexity while maintaining high adaptability
3Productivity
If burst length is increased for reduced bit width mode, then data transfer efficiency is improved, but access time variability increases
Solution Approach 1:
The memory module dynamically adjusts burst length based on the operational mode and memory channel topology. In reduced bit width mode, longer burst lengths are employed to compensate for narrower data paths and maintain data transfer efficiency. The system optimizes the balance between burst length and access time by selecting appropriate burst lengths for different operational scenarios, thereby improving productivity while managing access time variability through adaptive configuration
Data Source
AI summary
A memory module comprises an address buffer circuit, a command/address channel, and a plurality of memory components controlled by the address buffer circuit via the command/address channel. At least one memory component comprises a plurality of data ports, a memory core to store data, and a data interface. The data interface is capable of transferring data between the memory core and the data ports. The data interface supports a first data width mode in which the data interface transfers data at a first bit width and a first burst length via the data ports. The data interface also supports a second data width mode in which the data interface transfers data at a second bit width and second burst length via the data ports. The first bit width is greater than the second bit width and the first burst length is shorter than the second burst length.