Multi-Format Memory Objects With Near-Memory Data Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing memory systems face challenges in maintaining consistency and efficiency when handling data in multiple formats, leading to difficulties in processing and managing data formats that are used differently at various times, which can result in increased latency and reduced performance.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a memory system that supports multi-format data objects by using mapping and conversion functions during allocation, allowing for simultaneous processing and conversion of data formats, thereby maintaining consistency and improving system performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If data is stored in a single format in memory, then memory management is simple, but data processing efficiency decreases when multiple formats are needed
Solution Approach 1:
The memory system is designed to handle multiple data formats (compressed, uncompressed, encrypted, etc.) through a universal interface. The buffer and conversion circuitry enable the same memory structure to serve multiple format requirements without requiring separate storage systems for each format type.
Solution Approach 2:
A buffer is introduced as an intermediary component between the memory array and the processing units. This buffer temporarily holds data in various formats and enables format conversion, allowing processing units to access data in their required format without direct memory management complexity.
2Loss of time
If data format conversion is performed remotely from memory, then memory structure remains simple, but latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The memory system performs format conversion in parallel with data retrieval operations. Conversion circuitry begins transforming data formats while the data is being transferred from the memory array to the processing units, effectively preparing data in advance and reducing overall access latency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a temporal dimension to data access by implementing pipelined operations where data retrieval, buffering, and format conversion occur simultaneously in different stages. This multi-dimensional processing approach reduces the total time required for data access while managing complexity through structured parallelism.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple formats are supported simultaneously, then data processing versatility improves, but consistency management becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The memory system implements status tracking and control logic that monitors data format conversions and maintains coherence information. This feedback mechanism ensures that when data is converted between formats, the system tracks the transformations and maintains consistency across different format representations, preventing data corruption or inconsistency.
4Use of energy by moving object
If data conversion is performed far from memory, then memory design is simpler, but energy efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Format conversion circuitry is distributed locally within the memory system architecture, positioned close to where data is stored and accessed. This local conversion approach eliminates the need to transfer data over long distances for format transformation, reducing energy consumption associated with data movement while enabling efficient in-situ conversion.
Data Source
AI summary
To implement a multi-format data object in memory, a device can receive an allocation request for a data object that includes a set of data elements. This allocation request includes respective details for a set of formats for the data object, such as details for a first format in the set of formats including. The details can include memory address information and a mapping between a first data element of the data object in the first format to a second data element in a second format in the set of formats. The details can also include identification of a conversion function configured to convert the first data element to the second data element. The device can provide access to the second format of the data object from the first format of the data object in the memory based on the mapping data structure or the conversion data structure.