Self-Copy Memory Interface for Autonomous Data Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional memory devices, including single-port and dual-port SDRAMs, lack a self-copy function, leading to low operation performance due to the need for external processors to directly access and transfer data between memory banks, which restricts multitasking and increases overhead, especially in systems like mobile communication terminals.
Innovation Solution
A memory device with a self-copy function that includes a memory interface capable of reading data from one bank and writing it to another bank via a self-copy data path, using self-copy information stored in the memory cell array, allowing for autonomous data transfer without processor intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If an external processor directly accesses the SDRAM to read data from one bank and write to another bank, then data transfer between banks can be performed, but the processor cannot perform other operations during data transfer, resulting in low operation speed and low operation performance
Solution Approach 1:
The SDRAM is equipped with a self-copy function that enables autonomous data transfer between banks without requiring continuous processor intervention. The memory device can automatically copy data from a source bank to a destination bank based on previously stored self-copy information, allowing the processor to perform other operations simultaneously and thereby improving overall operation speed and reducing processor idle time.
Solution Approach 2:
Self-copy information including source address, destination address, and data size is stored in advance in a predetermined area of the memory cell array. When a self-copy start request is received, the memory device retrieves this pre-stored information and automatically performs the data transfer, eliminating the need for the processor to continuously manage each transfer operation and enabling multitasking.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional dual-port SDRAM is used with shared memory area, then multiple processors can access the memory, but overhead increases due to reading and writing specific data from and to the hardware semaphore
Solution Approach 1:
The self-copy function enables autonomous data transfer between banks without requiring processor intervention for semaphore management. The memory device automatically handles data copying based on pre-stored self-copy information, eliminating the overhead associated with reading and writing semaphore data and reducing system complexity while maintaining multitasking capability.
3Productivity
If the application processor accesses the shared memory area every time data needs to be read, then data can be retrieved, but overhead in occupying the hardware semaphore increases, degrading overall performance
Solution Approach 1:
The application processor can utilize the self-copy function to automatically copy data from the shared memory area (first bank) to the application processor's dedicated memory area (second bank). This autonomous operation eliminates the need for the application processor to continuously access the shared memory area and occupy the hardware semaphore, thereby reducing overhead and improving overall system performance.
Solution Approach 2:
Self-copy information is stored in advance, allowing the memory device to automatically retrieve and copy data without requiring the application processor to initiate repeated access operations. This preliminary setup reduces semaphore occupation time and eliminates unnecessary processor waiting time.
Data Source
AI summary
A memory device with a self-copy function includes a memory cell array having first and second banks, and a memory interface. The memory interface reads data from a memory area of the first bank corresponding to a source address contained in previously set self-copy information and writes the read data to a memory area of the second bank corresponding to a destination address contained in the self-copy information via a self-copy data path when a self-copy signal is activated by an external self-copy start request.