Memory Controller Scheduling with Region-Specific Timing Profiles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional memory systems use worst-case timing parameters for memory access scheduling, leading to inefficiencies due to variations in memory cell access times and signal propagation delays across different regions of the memory, which are exacerbated by power reduction and process variations.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a memory controller that profiles region-specific memory timing parameters for each region of the memory, storing these in a timing data store, and schedules memory accesses based on these profiled parameters to optimize latency and power efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If worst-case timing parameters are used for memory access scheduling, then reliability is ensured, but latency increases and bandwidth is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by transitioning from uniform worst-case timing parameters applied across the entire memory subsystem to region-specific timing parameters. Each memory region is characterized by its own timing parameters (tRCD, tCL, tRP) that reflect actual local performance characteristics, allowing optimized scheduling decisions for each region while maintaining overall system reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the memory controller adaptive through continuous profiling of memory regions. The controller dynamically updates timing parameter profiles based on observed memory access patterns and performance characteristics, enabling it to adjust scheduling strategies in real-time to balance reliability with performance optimization.
2Reliability
If worst-case timing parameters are used for memory access scheduling, then reliability is ensured, but memory bandwidth is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by transitioning from uniform worst-case timing parameters applied across the entire memory subsystem to region-specific timing parameters. Each memory region is characterized by its own timing parameters (tRCD, tCL, tRP) that reflect actual local performance characteristics, allowing optimized scheduling decisions for each region while maintaining overall system reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the memory controller adaptive through continuous profiling of memory regions. The controller dynamically updates timing parameter profiles based on observed memory access patterns and performance characteristics, enabling it to adjust scheduling strategies in real-time to balance reliability with performance optimization.
3Loss of time
If region-specific timing parameters are profiled and used for scheduling, then latency is reduced and bandwidth is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by implementing a profiling phase that occurs before normal memory operations. During this preliminary phase, the memory controller characterizes each memory region and stores the timing parameters in a lookup table. This pre-computed information is then quickly retrieved during actual memory access scheduling, avoiding the need for complex real-time analysis while reducing latency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements copying by creating a simplified model of memory region characteristics through timing parameter profiles. Instead of managing complex real-time performance data, the system copies essential timing information (tRCD, tCL, tRP) into a structured lookup table, which simplifies the scheduling process while maintaining optimization benefits.
4Productivity
If region-specific timing parameters are profiled and used for scheduling, then memory access efficiency is improved, but manufacturing and implementation difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by implementing a profiling phase that occurs before normal memory operations. During this preliminary phase, the memory controller characterizes each memory region and stores the timing parameters in a lookup table. This pre-computed information is then quickly retrieved during actual memory access scheduling, avoiding the need for complex real-time analysis while reducing latency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements copying by creating a simplified model of memory region characteristics through timing parameter profiles. Instead of managing complex real-time performance data, the system copies essential timing information (tRCD, tCL, tRP) into a structured lookup table, which simplifies the scheduling process while maintaining optimization benefits.
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated circuit device includes a memory controller coupleable to a memory. The memory controller to schedule memory accesses to regions of the memory based on memory timing parameters specific to the regions. A method includes receiving a memory access request at a memory device. The method further includes accessing, from a timing data store of the memory device, data representing a memory timing parameter specific to a region of the memory cell circuitry targeted by the memory access request. The method also includes scheduling, at the memory controller, the memory access request based on the data.