Parallel Comparator Memory Management Unit for Fast Address Translation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current memory management systems require complex and time-consuming processes for translating virtual addresses to physical addresses, consuming excess power and resources.
Innovation Solution
A memory management unit (MMU) with parallel comparators that concurrently compare virtual addresses to predetermined addresses, using logic to determine and provide physical addresses, allowing for rapid processing and reduced power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If traditional memory management translation methods are used, then virtual addresses can be translated to physical addresses, but the process is complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the address translation process into distinct components: a translation buffer for cached translations, a comparison logic for matching virtual addresses, and a translation generation unit for creating physical addresses. This segmentation allows each component to operate independently and efficiently, improving overall translation speed while managing complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-loading commonly accessed virtual-to-physical address mappings into a translation buffer before they are needed. When a virtual address is accessed, the system first checks the buffer for a cached translation, avoiding the need for complex real-time translation calculations and significantly speeding up the process.
2Use of energy by moving object
If traditional memory management translation methods are used, then virtual addresses can be translated to physical addresses, but excessive power is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
By pre-caching address translations in the translation buffer, the system avoids performing power-intensive translation operations for frequently accessed addresses. The buffer stores previously translated mappings, allowing the system to retrieve physical addresses directly without re-executing complex translation algorithms, thus reducing power consumption while maintaining high translation efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates simplified copies of address translation data in the translation buffer, storing essential mapping information in a condensed format. This copying approach allows rapid retrieval of physical addresses without reproducing the full complexity of the original translation process, reducing both power consumption and processing time for subsequent memory accesses.
3Adaptability or versatility
If virtual addressing is used to support different physical memory types, then compatibility is improved, but address translation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal translation buffer that can cache mappings for multiple types of physical memory (DRAM, SRAM, Flash, etc.). The translation system is designed to handle diverse memory types through a unified interface, where the buffer stores generic virtual-to-physical mappings without needing to understand the specific characteristics of each memory type, thus maintaining compatibility while managing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The translation buffer acts as an intermediary layer between the virtual addressing system and various physical memory types. It absorbs the complexity of address translation for different memory technologies, presenting a simplified interface to the CPU while handling the diverse requirements of underlying memory devices, thereby improving adaptability without exposing translation complexity to the rest of the system.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for managing memory is disclosed. The system includes a computer memory array and a memory management unit accessible to the memory array. The memory management unit includes a plurality of parallel comparators. The comparators receive a virtual memory address and perform a comparison of the virtual memory address to a plurality of predetermined addresses. The memory management unit also includes logic responsive to outputs of each of the comparators to determine a physical memory address of an element within the memory array.