NMP-DIMM Adaptive Read Latency Synchronization for Data Integrity
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing NMP-DIMM systems face issues with varying read latencies due to differences in DRAM configurations, leading to potential data corruption and loss during read operations, as the host device cannot accurately determine and synchronize these latencies across different boards and power cycles.
Innovation Solution
The NMP-DIMM system employs an adaptive latency module that synchronizes read latencies by determining a synchronized read latency value based on individual read latencies of memory units and the configuration space, using latency handlers to introduce path delays and ensure deterministic data paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If hardcoding the latency value is used to manage read operations, then the system can operate with a simple fixed counter mechanism, but data integrity cannot be ensured due to latency variations across power cycles and boards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a static hardcoded latency value to a dynamic latency detection and adjustment mechanism. The system now measures actual read latencies during initialization and power-up sequences, then dynamically adjusts the latency counter value to match observed conditions. This dynamic approach ensures the latency management adapts to variations across different boards and power cycles while maintaining deterministic operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the system measures actual read latencies from DRAM and configuration space accesses, then uses this measured information to adjust the latency counter value. The host device receives latency information from the NMP-DIMM system and uses this feedback to synchronize its read operations, ensuring data integrity while maintaining operational simplicity.
2Ease of operation
If the host device accesses configuration space with fixed latency assumptions, then the access mechanism remains simple, but data corruption or loss occurs when latencies differ from expected values
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary latency measurement and characterization during initialization sequences before normal read operations begin. The system measures read latencies from DRAM and configuration space during power-up and training sequences, storing these measured values for use during subsequent operations. This preliminary action ensures that when the host device performs read operations, it uses accurate latency values that have already been validated, preventing data corruption while keeping the access mechanism simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the latency parameter from a fixed hardcoded value to a dynamically determined value based on measured conditions. The system now uses different latency values for different operational contexts (DRAM reads versus configuration space reads), and adjusts these values based on observed performance characteristics. This parameter adaptation allows the system to maintain simple access mechanisms while avoiding data corruption through accurate latency synchronization.
3Ease of manufacture
If DRAM read latency is determined by simulation and hardcoded, then the implementation process is simplified, but the latency value becomes inaccurate due to manufacturing differences and interface variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the NMP-DIMM system to automatically determine and characterize its own latency characteristics during initialization sequences, eliminating the need for external simulation and manual hardcoding. The system performs self-measurement of read latencies from DRAM and configuration space during power-up and training sequences, then uses these self-determined values for subsequent operations. This self-service approach ensures accurate latency values that reflect actual manufacturing variations and interface characteristics while keeping the manufacturing process simple.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
A method of operating a Near Memory Processing-Dual In-line Memory (NMP-DIMM) system, the method including: determining, by an adaptive latency module of the NMP-DIMM system, a synchronized read latency value for performing a read operation upon receiving a Multi-Purpose Register (MPR) read instruction from a host device communicatively connected with the NMP-DIMM system, wherein the MPR read instruction is received from the host device for training the NMP-DIMM system, wherein the synchronized read latency value is determined based on one or more read latency values associated with one or more memory units of the NMP-DIMM system; and synchronizing, by the adaptive latency module, one or more first type data paths and a second type data path in the NMP-DIMM system based on the determined synchronized read latency value.