Intel Corporation

Micron Technology Incorporated

Jim M Dodd

John B Halbert

Randy M Bonella

Chung Lam

Michael W Williams

Paul A LaBerge

James A McCall

Providing electrical isolation between the chipset and the memory data is disclosed. The disclosure includes providing at least one buffer in a memory interface between a chipset and memory modules. Each memory module includes a plurality of memory ranks. The buffers allow the memory interface to be split into first and second sub-interfaces. The first sub-interface is between the chipset and the buffers. The second sub-interface is between the buffers and the memory modules. The method also includes interleaving output of the buffers, and configuring the buffers to properly latch the data being transferred between the chipset and the memory modules. The first and second sub-interfaces operate independently but in synchronization with each other.

Buffering and interleaving data transfer between a chipset and memory modules

Buffering data transfer between a chipset and memory modules is disclosed. The disclosure includes providing and configuring at least one buffer. The buffers are provided in an interface between a chipset and memory modules. The buffers allow the interface to be split into first and second sub-interfaces. The first sub-interface is between the chipset and the at least one buffer. The second sub-interface is between the at least one buffer and the memory modules. The buffers are then configured to properly latch the data being transferred between the chipset and the memory modules. The first and second sub-interfaces operate independently but in synchronization with each other.

Buffering data transfer between a chipset and memory modules

A configuration register used to adjust a clock or request signal with respect to the other. Specifically, a look-up table is provided in the memory controller. The look-up table is filled at bootup such that it contains test information from a master look-up table in the system BIOS, for instance. The look-up table in the memory controller stores current test data correlative to optimal sampling times for the current configuration. Adjustable delay elements or adjustable load elements may be used to change the relative sampling time of the request signal correlative to the values stored in the memory controller look-up table.

Write clock and data window tuning based on rank select

A plurality of memory modules interface through a daisy-chain providing a point-to-point connection for each memory module. The first and the last memory module in the daisy chain each connect to a separate memory controller port forming a ring circuit. A distinct set of signals connect the memory modules in each direction. A junction circuit in each memory module provides line isolation, a coupling to the adjoining memory modules in the daisy chain, or in the case of the first and last memory module in the daisy chain, a memory module and a memory controller, and a data synchronization circuit. Each junction circuit provides as well as voltage conversion so that the memory devices on a memory module operate at a different voltage than the memory controller, and multiplexing/de-multiplexing so that a lesser number of lines interface with each junction circuit.

Memory module employing a junction circuit for point-to-point connection isolation, voltage translation, data synchronization, and multiplexing/demultiplexing

Providing electrical isolation between the chipset and the memory data is disclosed. The disclosure includes providing at least one buffer in a memory interface between a chipset and memory modules. Each memory module includes a plurality of memory ranks. The at least one buffer allows the memory interface to be split into first and second sub-interfaces. The first sub-interface is between the chipset and the buffer. The second sub-interface is between the buffer and the memory modules. The method also includes interleaving output of the memory ranks in the memory modules, and configuring the at least one buffer to properly latch data being transferred between the chipset and the memory modules. The first and second sub-interfaces operate independently but in synchronization with each other.

Buffer to multiply memory interface

A memory containing a plurality of memory banks and a plurality of sense amplifiers. Also, the memory device contains a multiplexer and logic. The logic receives a refresh request for one of the plurality of memory banks and instructs the multiplexer to select one of the plurality of sense amplifiers in response to the refresh request.

Growing community of inventors

Shingle Springs, CA, United States of America

Jim M Dodd