Memory-Side Transaction Context Interface for Data Retrieval Latency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Computing systems face operational inefficiencies due to architectural limitations, particularly in data retrieval latency, which is exacerbated by slower communication between processing and memory sub-systems and the use of shared buses, leading to higher latency and reduced performance.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a memory-side transaction context memory interface system that predicts data access patterns using historical data access information and context parameters, allowing for adaptive control of data storage across hierarchical memory levels to reduce misses in lower memory levels and improve data retrieval efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If data is stored in lower memory levels (faster access), then data retrieval speed is improved, but memory capacity is limited and data retrieval latency increases when data is not cached
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a prefetch mechanism that proactively loads data into lower memory levels before it is actually requested by the processor. The system predicts future data access patterns and pre-fetches that data, so when the processor needs it, the data is already available in fast memory, eliminating latency. This resolves the contradiction by performing the data retrieval action in advance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the memory system into multiple hierarchical levels (fast cache memory and slower bulk storage) and uses selective data placement strategies. Different types of data are segmented and placed in appropriate memory levels based on their access patterns and importance, allowing the system to optimize for both speed and capacity by having frequently accessed data in fast memory while maintaining large capacity in slower memory.
2Device complexity
If shared buses are used for communication between processing and memory sub-systems, then device complexity is reduced, but communication bandwidth is limited and latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the communication interface into multiple parallel data paths or lanes between the processor and memory subsystem. Instead of using a single shared bus, the system employs multiple independent communication channels that can operate simultaneously, thereby increasing total bandwidth while keeping each individual path relatively simple. This resolves the contradiction by distributing the communication load across multiple segments.
3Quantity of substance
If memory capacity is increased to store more data, then data storage capability is improved, but data retrieval latency increases due to slower access to distant memory locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a hierarchical memory architecture that segments the large-capacity memory system into multiple levels of caching (L1, L2, L3 caches) plus bulk storage. Data is automatically placed in higher-level caches based on access patterns, so frequently accessed data resides in fast, small-capacity memory while less frequently accessed data is stored in slower, large-capacity memory. This segmentation allows the system to provide both large total capacity and fast retrieval for active data.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses prefetching to proactively load data from large-capacity storage into faster cache memory before it is needed by the processor. By performing this data movement in advance based on predicted access patterns, the system ensures that when the processor requests data from large-capacity storage, it is already available in fast cache, eliminating the latency that would otherwise result from accessing distant memory locations.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques for implementing and/or operating an apparatus, which includes a memory system coupled to a processing system via a memory bus. The memory system includes hierarchical memory levels and a memory controller. The memory controller receives a memory access request at least in part by receiving an address parameter indicative of a memory address associated with a data block from the memory bus during a first clock cycle and receiving a context parameter indicative of context information associated with current targeting of the data block from the memory bus during a second clock cycle, instructs the memory system to output the data block to the memory bus based on the memory address indicated in the address parameter, and predictively controls data storage in the hierarchical memory levels based at least in part on the context information indicated in the context parameter of the memory access request.