Socket Interposer for Hybrid DRAM and Flash Memory Configurations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional server motherboards are limited in the types and amounts of memory they can provide, which can hinder the performance of server applications optimized for different memory types, such as flash memory or combinations of DRAM and flash.
Innovation Solution
A socket interposer with on-board memory sockets and connectors configured to fit existing memory sockets, allowing for the addition of memory modules with different types, such as DRAM or flash, to enhance memory flexibility and performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If conventional DRAM DIMM memory modules are used, then low latency memory access is achieved, but memory type flexibility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
A socket interposer is introduced as an intermediary component between the CPU and memory modules. The interposer contains a first socket interface that connects to the CPU and a second socket interface that connects to memory modules, enabling the system to access different memory types (DRAM, flash, etc.) while maintaining compatibility with existing CPU sockets. This mediator allows flexible memory type selection without compromising the established CPU- memory interface.
2Adaptability or versatility
If memory modules with different types are provided, then memory flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The socket interposer is designed with universal compatibility, where a single interposer component can support multiple memory types through its second socket interface. The interposer acts as a multi-functional adapter that can accommodate different memory module types (DRAM DIMM, flash memory, etc.) without requiring separate specialized interfaces for each memory type, thereby reducing overall system complexity despite supporting diverse memory options.
Data Source
AI summary
Exemplary embodiments include a socket interposer having a first plurality of connectors, at least one of on-board memory socket and a memory. The first plurality of connectors is configured to fit with a first form factor of a memory socket on a server board. The at least one on-board memory socket includes at least a second plurality of connectors and has a second form factor configured for a memory module having a first memory type. The memory has a second memory type different from the first memory type of the memory module.