Read-Enabling Window Control for Multi-Rank Memory Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multi-rank memory systems face limitations in performance improvement due to variations in data and strobe signal timing across memory ranks, necessitating time-consuming training processes that degrade performance and increase costs.
Innovation Solution
A read-enabling window generation module that automatically detects preambles and postambles in data strobe signals to dynamically adjust read enabling windows, eliminating the need for training and reducing read-to-read timing variations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the memory controller uses fixed time gaps between read enabling windows, then timing simplicity is maintained, but performance is limited due to inability to accommodate signal timing variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic read enabling windows that can be independently adjusted for each memory rank based on detected signal timing characteristics. The memory controller monitors the actual timing of data and strobe signals from each rank and adjusts the corresponding read enabling window positions and durations accordingly, allowing optimal performance without excessive time gaps while accommodating variations between ranks.
2Measurement precision
If training processes are performed to adjust read enabling window timing, then timing precision is improved, but system performance degrades due to time loss and complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The memory controller performs self-calibration by automatically detecting the timing characteristics of data and strobe signals from each memory rank and adjusting its own read enabling windows accordingly. This self-service approach eliminates the need for external training processes or manual calibration, achieving precise timing alignment without the time loss and complexity associated with traditional training methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback by monitoring the actual arrival timing of data and strobe signals from each memory rank and using this information to dynamically adjust the read enabling window positions. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures optimal timing alignment is maintained without requiring periodic re-training, as the controller adapts in real-time based on observed signal characteristics.
3Reliability
If periodic re-training is performed to cover voltage/temperature variation, then timing accuracy is maintained, but productivity is reduced due to repeated time loss
Solution Approach 1:
The memory controller continuously monitors signal timing characteristics and automatically adjusts read enabling windows in real-time to compensate for voltage, temperature, and process variations. This continuous feedback mechanism maintains timing accuracy without requiring periodic re-training interruptions, as the system adapts dynamically to changing conditions while maintaining full productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The read enabling windows are implemented as dynamic, adjustable time intervals that can be independently modified for each memory rank based on real-time signal timing measurements. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the system to maintain optimal timing alignment under varying operating conditions without the need for periodic re-training, thereby preserving both reliability and productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are herein disclosed that relate to generating read enabling windows in a multi-rank memory system that includes a memory controller connected to a plurality of memory ranks via a shared physical channel. The systems and methods disclosed herein provide for opening and closing read enabling windows for a memory controller in response to processing of data strobe signals output by a memory rank connected to the memory controller. By processing of the data strobe signals, a preamble can be detected that precedes a data transmission from a memory rank to the memory controller and a post-amble that follows the data transmission can also be detected. Detection of the preamble triggers opening of the read enabling window, and detection of the post-amble triggers closing of the read enabling window.