Nonvolatile Memory Point-to-Point Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Typical nonvolatile memory systems face signal integrity issues due to shared bus communication, which degrade as the number of connected elements increases, leading to reduced bandwidth and increased latency.
Innovation Solution
Implementing point-to-point communication channels using switches like multiplexers throughout the system, allowing memory controllers to adjust the number of active external interfaces based on host and interface speeds, and utilizing power islands to optimize communication and reduce power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a shared bus communication system is used to connect multiple memory controllers and memory dies, then the system can support multiple elements, but signal integrity deteriorates as the number of connected elements increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shared bus communication system is segmented into multiple point-to-point communication channels. Each memory controller is connected to memory dies through dedicated communication paths rather than a common shared bus, dividing the communication load and isolating signal interference between different channels.
Solution Approach 2:
Switches are introduced as intermediary devices between memory controllers and memory dies. These switches dynamically route communication signals through selected point-to-point channels, enabling flexible connectivity while maintaining signal integrity by avoiding direct shared bus connections.
2Productivity
If the number of active external interfaces is increased to improve communication capacity, then bandwidth increases, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the number of active external interfaces based on real-time communication demands. Memory controllers can activate or deactivate interfaces as needed, allowing bandwidth to scale with workload while minimizing power consumption during low-activity periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by adjusting the number of active communication interfaces according to system workload. This allows the communication capacity to be optimized for performance when needed while reducing power consumption during normal operation.
3Reliability
If switches are used to toggle between multiple communication channels for point-to-point communication, then signal integrity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The switches implemented in the system are multi-functional devices that can route communication signals between multiple memory controllers and multiple memory dies. Each switch serves as a universal routing element that can establish point-to-point connections dynamically, reducing the need for dedicated routing hardware for each connection.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for improved communications in a nonvolatile memory (“NVM”) system. The system can toggle between multiple communications channels to provide point-to-point communications between a host device and NVM dies included in the system. The host device can toggle between multiple communications channels that extend to one or more memory controllers of the system, and the memory controllers can toggle between multiple communications channels that extend to the NVM dies. Power islands may be incorporated into the system to electrically isolate system components associated with inactive communications channels.