Memory Module Buffer for External Signal Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current memory systems lack the capability for external monitoring of data and command/address signals transmitted between a control unit and memory modules, hindering external apparatuses' ability to effectively monitor and manage these transactions.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a buffer and monitoring terminal within the memory module to buffer and store data and command/address signals, allowing for the generation of module data and command/address, and transmitting stored data as monitoring data through a monitoring terminal to an external apparatus.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a memory module is designed without external monitoring capability, then the device complexity is low, but external apparatuses cannot monitor data and command/address signals
Solution Approach 1:
A monitoring terminal is introduced as an intermediary component within the memory module to capture and transmit data and command/address signals to external monitoring apparatuses. This terminal acts as a mediator between the internal signal transmission paths and external monitoring devices, enabling monitoring functionality without fundamentally redesigning the memory module's core architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The buffer unit is enhanced to perform multiple functions: it buffers data signals for normal memory operations and simultaneously buffers command/address signals for monitoring purposes. This multi-functional approach allows the memory module to provide both standard memory functionality and external monitoring capability through a single integrated component.
2Adaptability or versatility
If data and command/address signals are transmitted directly without buffering, then the transmission speed is high, but external monitoring of these signals is not enabled
Solution Approach 1:
The signal transmission path is segmented into separate functional paths: one path handles high-speed data transmission to semiconductor memory devices, while another path through the buffer unit captures command/address signals for monitoring. This segmentation allows the monitoring function to be added without interfering with the primary high-speed data transmission path.
Solution Approach 2:
The buffer unit serves as an intermediary that captures command/address signals during transmission and holds them temporarily, allowing external monitoring apparatuses to access these signals without blocking or slowing down the primary data transmission process. The buffer acts as a non-intrusive mediator between the fast internal signals and external monitoring devices.
3Reliability
If monitoring terminals are added to enable external monitoring, then external apparatuses can monitor data, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The buffer unit is designed to perform both its traditional function of buffering data signals for memory operations and an additional function of buffering command/address signals for monitoring. By making the buffer multi-functional, the patent avoids adding separate dedicated monitoring components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while still achieving reliable data monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The monitoring functionality is integrated into the existing buffer unit, allowing the buffer to serve itself by capturing command/address signals as part of its normal operation. This self-service approach eliminates the need for separate monitoring hardware that would independently increase device complexity, as the buffer leverages its existing structure and timing capabilities to enable monitoring.
Data Source
AI summary
Memory modules and memory systems having the same are provided. A memory module may include command/address terminals, data terminals, at least one monitoring terminal, a buffer, and a plurality of semiconductor memory devices. The buffer may be configured to receive and buffer data applied through the data terminals and a command/address applied through the command/address terminals to generate buffered write data and a buffered command/address. The buffer may be configured to buffer the buffered write data and the buffered command/address to generate module data and a module command/address, and store and then transmit at least one portion of the buffered write data as monitoring data through the at least one monitoring terminal. The plurality of semiconductor memory devices may be configured to receive and store the module data in response to the module command/address.