Serial Memory System Scalability via Modular Command Protocol
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing memory systems face performance limitations and increased power consumption due to the configuration of multiple memory devices connected in parallel, leading to signal integrity issues, clock distribution challenges, and practical limits on the number of devices that can be connected, which restricts scalability and increases costs.
Innovation Solution
A memory system architecture with serially connected memory devices, where a controller communicates through a serial bitstream command packet and data packet, using a modular command protocol with separate strobe signals for commands and data, allowing for scalable and efficient operation with any number of memory devices without performance degradation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If multiple memory devices are connected in parallel to increase storage capacity, then the storage capacity is improved, but signal integrity deteriorates and power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the memory system into multiple channels, where each channel connects to a subset of memory devices. This segmentation allows the system to scale capacity by adding devices to existing channels or creating new channels, while maintaining signal integrity by limiting the number of devices per channel to a manageable level that avoids excessive capacitive loading and signal degradation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-dimensional parallel connection model to a multi-dimensional architecture with multiple channels. Each channel operates as an independent dimension, allowing the system to increase storage capacity by utilizing additional channel dimensions rather than overloading a single parallel connection dimension, thereby maintaining signal integrity.
2Quantity of substance
If multiple memory devices are connected in parallel to increase storage capacity, then the storage capacity is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the memory system into multiple channels, the patent enables independent power management for each channel. The controller can activate only the channels containing memory devices that need to be accessed, reducing overall power consumption while maintaining the ability to scale storage capacity by adding devices to any channel.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic channel activation where the controller can selectively enable or disable channels based on the current operational needs. This dynamic approach allows the system to optimize power consumption by activating only the necessary channels while preserving the full storage capacity potential when all channels are needed.
3Quantity of substance
If the number of memory devices is increased to meet ultra-high capacity demands, then the storage capacity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent organizes memory devices into multiple channels with standardized interfaces and control protocols. This segmentation creates modular units that can be independently managed, reducing system complexity by breaking down the management of large numbers of devices into smaller, standardized channel units rather than requiring complex point-to-point control for each device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universal channel interfaces and control mechanisms that can accommodate multiple memory devices across different channels using the same protocols and data structures. This universality reduces complexity by allowing the controller to manage diverse memory configurations through a single, standardized interface rather than requiring separate control logic for each device or channel.
4Quantity of substance
If more memory devices are connected to a channel, then the storage capacity is improved, but clock distribution becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the memory system into multiple channels, the patent limits the number of devices per channel to a level where clock distribution remains manageable. Each channel can be clocked independently with optimized timing, avoiding the complex clock distribution requirements that would arise from connecting too many devices to a single channel while still achieving high total capacity through multiple channels.
Data Source
AI summary
A memory system architecture has serially connected memory devices. The memory system is scalable to include any number of memory devices without any performance degradation or complex redesign. Each memory device has a serial input/output interface for communicating between other memory devices and a memory controller. The memory controller issues commands in at least one bitstream, where the bitstream follows a modular command protocol. The command includes an operation code with optional address information and a device address, so that only the addressed memory device acts upon the command. Separate data output strobe and command input strobe signals are provided in parallel with each output data stream and input command data stream, respectively, for identifying the type of data and the length of the data. The modular command protocol is used for executing concurrent operations in each memory device to further improve performance.