Multi-Channel Memory Interface for Mixed DDR Types
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current memory systems face challenges in efficiently managing multi-channel memory modules that combine different memory types, such as DDR4/DDR5 or LPDDR4/LPDDR5, due to the need for multiple memory controllers, which increases power, performance, and area (PPA) costs.
Innovation Solution
A multi-channel memory hardware interface that couples two or more memory controllers to a single memory physical layer (PHY) interface, enabling the combination and interconnection of memory protocol signals to support multiple memory types through a single PHY, thereby reducing the need for separate controllers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If two separate memory controllers are used to support multi-channel memory modules with different memory types, then the memory channels can operate independently, but the power, performance, and area (PPA) impact increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple memory controller channels into a single memory controller by implementing a multi-channel memory interface that couples two or more memory controller channels to a single memory physical layer interface. This merging approach allows the system to support multiple memory types (DDR4/DDR5, LPDDR4/LPDDR5) while reducing the number of separate controllers needed, thereby decreasing PPA impact.
Solution Approach 2:
The memory controller is designed with multi-functionality to handle different memory types through a single interface. The interface can selectively couple different memory controller channels to the memory physical layer interface based on the memory type being accessed, enabling one controller to perform the functions previously requiring multiple separate controllers.
2Adaptability or versatility
If two separate memory controllers are used to support multi-channel memory modules, then independent operation of memory channels is achieved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple memory controller channels into a single controller with a unified physical layer interface, the patent reduces the total power consumption associated with having multiple separate controllers. The interface selectively activates only the necessary channels for the current memory type being accessed, avoiding the continuous power overhead of multiple independent controllers.
3Device complexity
If a single memory PHY interface is used for multi-channel memory modules with different data widths, then area is reduced, but the interface must handle variable data widths
Solution Approach 1:
The memory interface is designed dynamically to adapt its data width based on the active memory channel. The interface can selectively couple different numbers of data bits from different memory controller channels to the single memory physical layer interface, allowing it to handle variable data widths (e.g., 72-bit DDR4 channel combined with 40-bit DDR5 channels) while maintaining a unified interface structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The interface parameters, particularly data width, are changed based on which memory channel is active. The system can reconfigure the data path width dynamically depending on whether DDR4 or DDR5 channels are being accessed, allowing a single PHY interface to accommodate multiple data width requirements without requiring separate dedicated interfaces for each width.
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments provide for a multi-channel memory interface capable of supporting a multi-channel memory module (e.g., DIMM) that combines different memory types, such as DDR4/DDR5, DDR5/LPDDR5, or LPDDR4/LPDDR5, through a single physical layer (PHY) interface.