Variable Media Memory Allocation for Slot Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional memory systems are limited by the need for separate physical connections for each memory device with a fixed media type, restricting the ability to use multiple memory devices with different media types for various operational modes and requiring multiple slots in a host system.
Innovation Solution
A memory system that includes multiple memory devices with different media types, allowing configuration for various operational modes within a single physical connection slot, with portions of memory devices allocatable for high performance and high capacity storage, enabling flexible data management and migration based on user-defined criteria.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate physical connections are used for each memory device with fixed media type, then each memory device can be reliably connected, but the number of connection slots required increases and deployment flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple memory devices with different media types (volatile memory device and non-volatile memory device) into a single memory system that occupies one connection slot in the host system. This merging approach maintains reliable connections while reducing the number of slots required from multiple to one.
Solution Approach 2:
The memory system is designed to provide multiple functions within a single connection slot by integrating different types of memory devices that can operate in various operational modes (memory mode, storage mode, multi-storage mode). This universal design allows the system to adapt to different operational requirements without requiring separate dedicated slots for each function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple memory systems with different media types are used for various operational modes, then operational versatility is improved, but the number of physical connections and slots required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges volatile and non-volatile memory devices into a single memory system that supports multiple operational modes (memory mode for volatile memory, storage mode for non-volatile memory, and multi-storage mode combining both). This consolidation provides operational versatility equivalent to having separate memory systems while requiring only one physical connection slot.
Solution Approach 2:
The memory system dynamically switches between different operational modes based on the operational mode indication received from the host system. The controller can change the operational mode at runtime, allowing the system to adapt its behavior (memory operations or storage operations) without requiring physical reconfiguration or additional connection slots.
3Stability of the object's composition
If fixed amounts of media type are allocated for each operational mode, then operational stability is maintained, but flexibility in allocating memory resources is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic memory allocation where the controller can adjust the amount of memory allocated to different operational modes based on host system needs. The controller receives operational mode indications and data movement instructions to dynamically transfer data between volatile and non-volatile memory portions, allowing flexible resource allocation while maintaining stable operation within each mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (allocation ratios between memory and storage portions) based on the operational mode. In memory mode, the volatile memory portion is allocated for high-speed operations; in storage mode, the non-volatile memory portion is allocated for capacity storage; in multi-storage mode, both are allocated and coordinated. These parameter changes enable flexible allocation while maintaining operational stability through defined mode transitions.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a single memory system uses multiple memory devices with different media types, then deployment flexibility and resource utilization are improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the memory system into distinct functional portions: a volatile memory device portion for high-speed memory operations and a non-volatile memory device portion for storage operations. The controller manages these segments separately based on operational mode, handling memory operations for the volatile portion and storage operations for the non-volatile portion. This segmentation simplifies the management of internal complexity by providing clear functional boundaries.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller acts as an intermediary that manages the complexity of coordinating multiple memory devices with different media types. It receives commands from the host system, determines the appropriate operational mode, and routes operations to the appropriate memory device portion. This intermediary role abstracts the internal complexity from the host system while enabling flexible deployment across different operational scenarios.
Data Source
AI summary
A processing device receives a first instruction specifying that first data is to remain on a first memory device of a plurality of memory devices, the first memory device comprising a first media having a first media type. The processing device further receives a second instruction specifying, based on one or more criteria, that second data is to be moved from the first media having the first media type to a second memory device of the plurality of memory devices, the second memory device comprising a second media having a second media type that is different than the first media type. The processing device further controls the first and second data in the plurality of memory devices based on the first instruction and the second instruction.