Netlist, Inc.
Multi Mode Memory Module with Data Handlers

Abstract:

A memory module is operable in a computer system to communicate data with a system memory controller via a system memory bus. The memory module comprises a plurality of memory devices mounted on a circuit board, a data module mounted on the circuit board and coupled between the plurality of memory devices and the system memory bus, and a control circuit mounted on the circuit board and coupled to the data module, the plurality of memory devices, and the system memory bus. The data module includes a plurality of data handlers in a plurality of integrated circuits. The memory module is operable in any of a plurality of modes, including a first mode and a second mode. The plurality of memory devices in the first mode is accessed by the system memory controller for normal memory read or write operations. The plurality of memory devices in the second mode communicate data signals with the data module while the memory module is not being accessed by the system memory controller for normal memory read or write operations.