Virtual SPD Data Management in Computer Memory Systems

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional DRAM memory modules require factory recall for updating Serial Presence Detection (SPD) data stored in EEPROM, limiting flexibility and efficiency in configuration management.

Innovation Solution

Storing SPD data in user-programmable memory as virtual SPD data, allowing updates without modifying system boot code, and utilizing a virtual SPD module with memory mapping I/O techniques to access and manage this data.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If SPD data is stored in EEPROM of memory module, then SPD data can be reliably stored, but updating SPD data requires factory recall which reduces flexibility and increases time loss

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility of SPD data updatingVSAvoidtime for factory recall

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a SPIROM (Serial Peripheral Interface Read-Only Memory) as an intermediary storage device between the system boot code and the SPD data. This SPIROM allows SPD data to be updated externally without modifying the system boot code or requiring factory recall, thus resolving the contradiction between reliable storage and update flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If SPD data is stored in EEPROM, then configuration information is preserved, but any update requires modifying system boot code which increases device complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveupdatability of SPD dataVSAvoidcomplexity of system boot code modification

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The SPIROM acts as a mediator that decouples the SPD data storage from the system boot code. The virtual SPD module reads SPD data from SPIROM during system initialization, allowing SPD data to be updated independently without any modification to the system boot code, thus reducing device complexity while maintaining updatability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If SPD data is stored in user-programmable memory separately from system boot code, then SPD data can be updated without modifying boot code, but requires additional memory interface which increases device complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of SPD data updatingVSAvoidcomplexity of memory interface

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes the existing SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface) bus, which is a universal interface already present in most modern computer systems for various purposes. By leveraging this existing multi-functional interface for SPD data storage and retrieval, the patent avoids adding dedicated hardware interfaces, thus maintaining ease of operation while minimizing increases in device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10915472B2Computer system with programmable serial presence detection data and memory module control method

Publication Date: 2021.02.09 VIA ALLIANCE SEMICON CO LTD

AI summary

A computer system with programmable serial presence detection (SPD) data is disclosed. The computer system uses a user-programmable memory to store virtual SPD data which includes the configuration information of the memory module. The virtual SPD data is stored separately from the system boot code of the computer system. A computing unit uses a memory driver to drive the memory module. The memory driver accesses the user-programmable memory through a virtual SPD module to acquire the configuration information of the memory module.