Non-Volatile Memory Controller Using Context Property Allocation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Computer systems face performance limitations due to the high power consumption and expense of volatile DRAMs, while non-volatile memories offer lower access speeds and finite program/erase cycles, making them inefficient for main memory applications.
Innovation Solution
A computer system incorporating a non-volatile memory device and a memory controller that utilizes context property information to manage allocation regions, optimizing memory usage and access speeds by allocating regions based on properties such as effective period, access type, and security, thereby enhancing memory efficiency and reducing wear leveling operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by stationary object
If non-volatile memory is used for main memory, then power consumption is reduced and data retention is improved, but access speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the non-volatile memory into multiple allocation regions with different properties (first region with first property, second region with second property). By allocating specific regions for different access patterns and performance requirements, the system optimizes both power consumption and access speed locally within the memory structure, rather than treating the entire memory uniformly.
Solution Approach 2:
The memory controller dynamically manages allocation regions based on context property information, adjusting which regions are active and how they are accessed. This dynamic management allows the system to adapt to varying performance needs while maintaining power efficiency, resolving the contradiction between static power savings and dynamic access speed requirements.
2Quantity of substance
If non-volatile memory is used for main memory, then cost is reduced and density is improved, but program/erase cycle life is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the non-volatile memory into multiple allocation regions (first allocation region, second allocation region, etc.), each with different properties and usage patterns. This segmentation allows different regions to be optimized for different purposes, distributing wear across multiple regions and extending the overall program/erase cycle life while maintaining high density.
Solution Approach 2:
The memory controller manages allocation regions by allocating and deallocating them based on context property information. When regions become worn or less needed, they can be recovered and reallocated to different uses, extending the functional lifespan of the memory device while maintaining its density advantages.
3Productivity
If context property information is used to manage allocation regions, then memory access efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary classification of memory regions based on context property information before actual memory operations. By pre-establishing allocation regions with specific properties and managing their allocation in advance, the memory controller simplifies subsequent access operations and improves efficiency without requiring complex real-time decisions during data access.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer system includes a main memory device and a processor. The main memory device includes a non-volatile memory and a memory controller to control the non-volatile memory. The processor is connected to the main memory device, executes an application program loaded to the non-volatile memory, and provides the memory controller with a command including context property information of an allocation region. The memory controller receives the command and controls the non-volatile memory based on the context property information.