Speculative Read Buffering for Lower-Latency Memory Expansion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Computing systems face limitations in storage capacity and performance due to increasing data volumes, leading to bandwidth bottlenecks and latency issues in data processing, especially in high-density workloads like big data and machine learning.

Innovation Solution

A memory system supporting speculative read operations, including a read buffer and hazard control unit, to manage data access and reduce latency by temporarily storing data from speculative read requests, optimizing data processing through a CXL-based interface and near data processing (NDP) architecture.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If a memory expansion device or shared memory device is used to store significant amounts of data, then the storage capacity is improved, but the data access latency and bandwidth bottlenecks increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage capacityVSAvoiddata access latency
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements speculative read operations where the memory system proactively reads data before the host actually requests it. The controller predicts which data will be needed and loads it into the read buffer in advance, so when the host issues a read request, the data is already ready, eliminating latency and reducing access time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a read buffer as an intermediary component between the memory device and the host. This buffer temporarily stores data that has been read from the memory device, acting as a mediator that decouples the memory access timing from the host request timing, thereby reducing latency and improving data access efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If speculative read operations are implemented to reduce latency, then data processing efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata processing efficiencyVSAvoidmemory system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The memory system performs self-optimization by automatically detecting memory access patterns and autonomously executing speculative read operations without requiring complex external control. The controller monitors host memory requests, predicts future access needs, and independently manages the read buffer, enabling the system to improve its own performance with minimal external intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent dynamically adjusts operational parameters based on real-time conditions. The controller modifies speculative read strategies, read buffer management policies, and data caching decisions based on observed memory access patterns, workload characteristics, and system state, allowing the system to adapt to changing conditions and optimize performance without fixed complex architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Speed

If read buffer is used to store speculative read data, then data transmission speed is improved, but memory bandwidth consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission speedVSAvoidmemory bandwidth consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors memory access patterns and feedback from host requests to refine speculative read predictions. By analyzing actual access behavior and adjusting future speculative reads accordingly, the system minimizes unnecessary data transfers and optimizes bandwidth usage while maintaining high data transmission speed for legitimate access patterns.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS20260037129A1Storage device supporting speculative read operation
Publication Date: 2026.02.05 SK HYNIX INC
  • US20260037129A1 patent drawing
  • US20260037129A1 patent drawing
  • US20260037129A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A memory system receives data output from at least one memory device based on a speculative read request input from a host, stores the received data in a read buffer based on information about a residual time input along with the speculative read request, and outputs first data among the data stored in the read buffer to the host. The first data is stored in the read buffer based on the speculative read request and linked to a read request input from the host after the speculative read request.