Streaming memory controller

Abstract

A memory controller (SMC) is provided for coupling a memory (MEM) to a network (N). The memory controller (SMC) comprises a first interface (PI), a streaming memory unit (SMU) and a second interface (MI). The first interface (PI) is used for connecting the memory controller (SMC) to the network (N) for receiving and transmitting data streams (STl - ST4). The streaming memory unit (SMU) is coupled to the first interface (PI) for controlling data streams (STl - ST4) between the network (N) and the memory (MEM). The streaming memory unit (SMU) comprises a buffer (B) for temporarily storing at least part of the data streams (STl - ST4) and a buffer managing unit (BMU) for managing the temporarily storing of the data streams (STl - ST4) in the buffer (B). The second interlace (MI) is coupled to the streaming memory unit (SMU) for connecting the memory controller (SMC) to the memory (MEM) in order to exchange data with the memory (MEM) in bursts. The streaming memory unit (SMU) is provided to implement network services of the network (N) onto the memory (MEM).

Description

technical field [0001] The invention relates to a storage controller and method for connecting network and storage. Background technique [0002] The complexity of advanced mobile and portable devices has increased. The more demanding applications of such devices, the complexity, flexibility and programmability requirements increase the data exchange within the device. Devices implementing these applications are often composed of some functional or processing modules (herein referred to as subsystems). These subsystems are typically implemented as separate IC circuits, each with a different internal structure consisting of a local processor, bus, and memory. Alternatively, various subsystems can be integrated on one integrated circuit. At the system level, these subsystems communicate with each other through a top-level interconnect, which often provides certain services in real-time support. As an example of a subsystem, in a mobile phone architecture, where we may have...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Relatively high power consumption of external DRAM as a side effect of low latency, high bandwidth, and high speed optimization of the controller

[0011] However, the above network services are only available within the network

Network service guarantees cannot be satisfied once data is exchanged with any component outside the network

Images