Nonvolatile Memory Module SPD Storage Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional memory modules relying on volatile DRAM devices for storing serial presence detect (SPD) information are prone to failure, leading to operational issues and increased manufacturing costs due to the need for additional EEPROM components.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a nonvolatile memory module with multiple nonvolatile memory devices, such as MRAM, to store and manage SPD information, eliminating the need for EEPROM and ensuring module functionality even if one device fails, by distributing or duplicating SPD information across multiple devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If volatile DRAM devices are used to store SPD information, then the memory module can operate, but the module is prone to failure and requires additional EEPROM components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the SPD information storage function with the nonvolatile memory devices that are already part of the memory module. Instead of using separate volatile DRAM devices or additional EEPROM components, the SPD information is stored directly in the nonvolatile memory devices (MRAM, PRAM, RRAM, FRAM, or flash memory) that constitute the memory module, thereby eliminating the need for additional components and reducing structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The nonvolatile memory devices are made multi-functional by enabling them to serve both as the primary memory storage devices and as the SPD information storage medium. This universal approach allows the same hardware components to perform multiple functions, eliminating the need for dedicated SPD storage components and simplifying the overall module architecture.
2Reliability
If multiple nonvolatile memory devices store SPD information, then the module becomes more reliable, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the SPD information storage across multiple nonvolatile memory devices within the memory module. Each device can store SPD information independently, and the memory module controller is designed to read from and write to specific devices based on their individual capabilities and status, thereby distributing the reliability burden across multiple segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The memory module controller automatically manages the SPD information storage and retrieval process across multiple devices without requiring external intervention. The controller identifies which devices are capable of storing SPD information and performs read/write operations accordingly, making the system self-configuring and self-managing.
3Ease of manufacture
If SPD information is stored in nonvolatile memory devices, then manufacturing costs are reduced by eliminating EEPROM, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring SPD information increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages the inherent characteristics of nonvolatile memory devices (MRAM, PRAM, RRAM, FRAM, or flash memory) to store SPD information using parameters native to these devices, such as resistance states, magnetic states, or charge states. The memory module controller is designed with detection capabilities specifically tailored to read these parameters, thereby maintaining ease of detection while utilizing nonvolatile storage.
Data Source
AI summary
A memory system is provided, which includes a nonvolatile memory module including a plurality of nonvolatile memory devices, and a memory module controller configured to control the nonvolatile memory module. At least two nonvolatile memory devices of the plurality of nonvolatile memory devices are configured to store serial presence detect (SPD) information. The memory module controller is configured to read the SPD information from the nonvolatile memory module and to set a communication mode with the nonvolatile memory module based on the read SPD information.