Cadence Design Systems, Inc.
Variable channel multi-controller memory system

Abstract:

A multi-controller memory system includes a flexible channel memory controller coupled to at least first and second physical interfaces. The second physical interface is also coupled to an auxiliary memory controller. The physical interfaces may be coupled to separate memory modules. In a single-channel control mode, the memory controllers respectively control the memory modules coupled to the first and second physical interface. In a multi-channel control mode, the flexible channel memory controller controls both memory modules while the auxiliary memory controller is inactive. In a single-channel control mode, the memory controllers coordinate restricted memory control commands which access a resource shared by both modules, by one controller transmitting a request signal for the resource to the other controller, awaiting an acknowledgment signal from the other controller, and maintaining transmission of the request signal until the use of the resource is completed.