Memory Module Daisy-Chain Architecture for System Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Standardized memory modules optimized for low-end systems may be inefficient when used in larger systems, leading to potential losses in efficiency and increased costs due to the need for custom designs to meet different system requirements.
Innovation Solution
A memory module design featuring a daisy-chained configuration with hub re-drive chips and buffered memory chips, allowing for operation at full frequency and bus width, while also supporting reduced bus width and frequency modes, enabling efficient use of standardized modules across various system types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If standardized memory modules optimized for low-end systems are used in larger systems, then manufacturing costs are reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but system efficiency and performance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The memory module employs dynamic configuration capabilities where standardized modules can be flexibly arranged and reconfigured to match different system requirements. The daisy-chained architecture allows modules to be dynamically connected in sequences that optimize performance for both low-end and large-scale systems, enabling the same standardized module to adapt its operational characteristics based on system size and demands.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates universal memory modules that can function effectively across multiple system types. By designing modules with standardized interfaces and configurable operational modes, the same memory module can serve both low-end systems requiring cost-effectiveness and large-scale systems requiring high performance, eliminating the need for separate custom designs for different system categories.
2Productivity
If custom memory designs are created to meet different system requirements, then system efficiency is improved, but manufacturing costs and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The memory system is divided into multiple standardized modules that can be independently designed and manufactured. Each module contains complete functional capabilities and can operate autonomously or in coordination with other modules. This segmentation allows standardized production of individual modules while achieving customized system performance through different configurations and interconnections of these modular units.
3Quantity of substance
If more buses are used to access larger memory volumes, then memory capacity is improved, but power consumption and I/O port requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple memory modules are merged into a unified daisy-chained architecture where modules share common control signals and data pathways. Instead of requiring separate buses for each memory module, the daisy-chain configuration allows a single serial communication path to access multiple modules sequentially, reducing the total number of buses and I/O ports while maintaining access to large memory volumes.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from parallel bus architecture to a serial daisy-chain dimension. By organizing memory modules in a sequential chain rather than parallel connections, the system accesses larger memory volumes by extending the chain length rather than adding more simultaneous data pathways, thereby reducing power consumption and I/O port requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A design structure is provided for a memory module containing a first interface for receiving data access commands and a second interface for re-transmitting data access commands to other memory modules, the second interface propagating multiple copies of received data access commands to multiple other memory modules. The memory module is preferably used in a high-capacity memory subsystem organized in a tree configuration in which data accesses are interleaved. Preferably, the memory module has multiple-mode operation, one of which supports multiple replication of commands and another of which supports conventional daisy-chaining.