Static information storage and retrieval – Addressing – Multiple port access
Reexamination Certificate
2000-03-13
2001-08-28
Elms, Richard (Department: 2824)
Static information storage and retrieval
Addressing
Multiple port access
C710S105000, C711S149000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06282144
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to memory technology, and more particularly to a multi-ported memory with an asynchronous and synchronous protocol.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
A current trend in the electronics industry is to develop applications which employ multiple cores within an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) design. Often such applications perform a large number of concurrent activities, with each activity being performed over a different “channel” of the ASIC design. To achieve the desired level of performance, channels often must operate asynchronously as well as concurrently.
One common element typically employed between channels is a memory device (e.g., a random access memory (RAM)). However, conventional RAMs are single port (or at most dual port) devices with a first-come-first serve protocol arbitrated by a memory controller. These type of limited port devices cannot support concurrent activities over multiple channels, particularly when asynchronous operations are involved. Accordingly, a need exists for a multi-ported memory with an asynchronous and synchronous protocol.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
To address the needs of the prior art, an inventive multi-ported memory with an asynchronous and synchronous protocol is provided. Specifically, a multi-port memory is provided that includes means for receiving synchronous memory requests, means for receiving asynchronous memory requests, mean s for processing the received synchronous and asynchronous memory requests simultaneously. Systems and methods that employ the multi-port memory are also provided. The inventive multi-port memory can support concurrent activities over multiple channels, including both synchronous and asynchronous operations.
Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, the appended claims and the accompanying drawings.
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Batson Kevin A.
Koch Garrett S.
Ventrone Sebastian T.
Elms Richard
Henkler Richard A.
International Business Machines - Corporation
Nguyen Vanthu
Schmeiser Olsen & Watts
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