Memory Module Routers for Independent Block Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional memory module systems face complexity and increased costs due to the need for numerous control signals and pins as memory capacity increases, leading to complicated circuit designs and inability to independently access memory blocks.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of routers within memory modules that compare channel and module IDs with stored values to selectively access memory blocks, reducing the number of control signals required and allowing independent or simultaneous access of memory blocks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the number of memory blocks is increased to extend capacity, then the storage capacity is improved, but the number of control signals and pins increases, making the controller circuit more complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The memory module is segmented into multiple independently accessible memory blocks, each with its own router. This allows the controller to access specific blocks without controlling all blocks through individual signals, reducing the overall control signal requirements while maintaining expanded capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
Routers are introduced as intermediary devices between the controller and memory blocks. These routers receive channel ID and module ID signals from the controller, perform local comparison and selection, and independently control access to their connected memory blocks. This intermediary layer eliminates the need for the controller to directly manage each memory block with separate control signals.
2Device complexity
If module selection signals are used to reduce control signals, then the number of control signals is reduced, but all memory blocks in the selected module are simultaneously selected, preventing independent access
Solution Approach 1:
Each memory block is equipped with its own router that can independently process control signals. This segmentation allows the system to use fewer module-level selection signals while maintaining the ability to independently access individual blocks within a module, as each router can be selectively activated based on channel ID and module ID comparisons.
Solution Approach 2:
The routers implement dynamic selection logic where the enable signal to each memory block is determined by real-time comparison of received channel ID and module ID with stored values. This dynamic control mechanism allows flexible independent access to any memory block while using a reduced set of control signals from the controller.
3Adaptability or versatility
If empty memory blocks are present in a module, then flexibility in memory configuration is improved, but the memory module system cannot operate with the conventional approach
Solution Approach 1:
The routers perform self-identification and self-enabling based on comparing their stored channel ID and module ID with the received signals from the controller. This self-service mechanism allows the system to automatically adapt to configurations with empty memory blocks, as routers corresponding to non-existent blocks simply remain disabled while others function normally, maintaining system operability.
Data Source
AI summary
A memory module and a memory module system are provided. The memory module system includes a plurality of memory modules each module comprising a plurality of memory blocks and a plurality of corresponding routers each storing a channel identification (ID) and a module ID corresponding to one or more memory blocks; and a controller configured to access the memory modules. During initialization, the controller reads and stores the channel ID and the module ID from each of the routers. The controller outputs a channel ID and a module ID that correspond to one or more memory blocks to be accessed.