Optical Memory Expansion via Electro-Optic Interfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current computer systems face limitations in memory expansion due to electrical loading issues and high costs associated with adding DIMMs, which restrict the ability to increase memory capacity without redesigning the system to support growing memory demands.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an optical-based expansion memory system that uses optical/electronic interfaces to convert electronic signals to optical signals for transmission between a primary board and a memory expansion board, allowing for remote memory expansion without increasing costs on the motherboard, thereby optimizing thermal, packaging, and power considerations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If DIMMs are added to electrical DDR memory channels to increase memory capacity, then memory size increases, but electrical loading causes bus timing errors and requires reduced bus speed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electrical signal transmission with optical signal transmission for memory expansion. Optical interfaces convert electrical signals to optical signals for transmission across the backplane, eliminating electrical loading effects and allowing memory capacity expansion without compromising bus timing integrity or requiring speed reductions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces optical interfaces as intermediary devices between the processor and expanded memory. These interfaces convert electrical signals to optical signals for transmission, serving as a mediator that enables memory expansion while maintaining signal integrity and avoiding electrical loading issues
2Quantity of substance
If buffered memory design is used to expand memory capacity, then memory size increases, but power consumption and latency increase regardless of memory loading status
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic memory expansion where memory capacity can be provisioned on-demand without permanent buffer infrastructure. The optical interface enables flexible memory allocation, allowing the system to scale memory capacity dynamically based on actual needs rather than maintaining fixed buffer resources that consume power regardless of utilization
3Use of energy by stationary object
If direct-attached memory is used to reduce cost and power consumption, then power and cost decrease, but electrical loading limits the amount of memory that can be controlled by a single processor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electrical transmission with optical transmission to overcome the electrical loading limitations of direct-attached memory. This substitution enables memory capacity expansion beyond the constraints of electrical interfaces while maintaining the power efficiency and cost benefits of direct-attached memory architectures
4Quantity of substance
If more processors are added to increase memory capacity in direct-attached memory systems, then memory capacity increases, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments memory capacity across multiple DIMMs connected through optical interfaces to a single processor. This segmentation allows one processor to access expanded memory capacity without requiring multiple processors, thereby reducing system complexity while achieving the desired memory capacity increase
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution enables increased per-socket and per-core memory availability, mitigates latency issues, and allows memory expansion without incurring additional costs, making it suitable for high-volume, low-cost systems by distributing signaling through an optical bus.
Implementation Method 1
The first optical/electronic interface converts electronic signals to optical signals
Implementation Method 2
The second optical/electronic interface converts the optical signals to electronic signals
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to optical-based methods and expansion memory systems for disaggregating memory of computer systems. In one aspect, an expansion memory system comprises a first optical/electronic interface in electrical communication with a processor, a memory expansion board configured with memory, and a second optical/electronic interface attached to the memory expansion board. The first interface converts optical signals into electronic signals that are sent to the processor and converts electronic signals produced by the processor into optical signals. The second interface converts optical signals into electronic signals that are sent to the memory and converts electronic signals produced by the memory into optical signals. The optical signals are exchanged between the first and second interfaces. Embodiments also include methods for sending and receiving data in an expansion memory system.