U.S. patent application number 15/987190 was filed with the patent office on 2019-11-28 for system and method of utilizing memory modules.
The applicant listed for this patent is Dell Products L.P.. Invention is credited to Stuart Allen Berke, Bhyrav M. Mutnury, Vadhiraj Sankaranarayanan.
Application Number | 20190361773 15/987190 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 68614573 |
Filed Date | 2019-11-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20190361773 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Berke; Stuart Allen ; et
al. |
November 28, 2019 |
System and Method of Utilizing Memory Modules
Abstract
In one or more embodiments, one or more systems, methods, and/or
processes may determine that a first memory unit (MU) and a second
MU of a first channel of a memory module are associated with an
issue; may configure a control device to utilize a third MU in
place of the first MU; and may configure the control device to
utilize a fourth MU, of a second channel of the memory module, in
place of the second MU. In one or more embodiments, multiple MUs of
the first channel, other than the first and second MUs, may store a
first portion of data; the fourth MU may store a second portion of
the data; the multiple MUs, other than the first and second MUs,
may provide the first portion of the data to a processor; and the
fourth MU may provide the second portion of the data to the
processor.
Inventors: |
Berke; Stuart Allen;
(Austin, TX) ; Sankaranarayanan; Vadhiraj;
(Austin, TX) ; Mutnury; Bhyrav M.; (Austin,
TX) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Dell Products L.P. |
Round Rock |
TX |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
68614573 |
Appl. No.: |
15/987190 |
Filed: |
May 23, 2018 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H03M 13/356 20130101;
G06F 11/1048 20130101; H03M 13/2906 20130101; G06F 11/1076
20130101 |
International
Class: |
G06F 11/10 20060101
G06F011/10; H03M 13/29 20060101 H03M013/29; H03M 13/35 20060101
H03M013/35 |
Claims
1. An information handling system, comprising: at least one
processor; a memory medium that is coupled to the at least one
processor, that includes instructions executable by the at least
one processor, and that includes one or more memory modules;
wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one
processor, cause the information handling system to: determine that
a first memory unit and a second memory unit of a first channel, of
a memory module of the one or more memory modules, are associated
with an issue; in response to determining that the first memory
unit and the second memory unit are associated with the issue:
configure a control device of the memory module to utilize a third
memory unit, of the first channel, in place of the first memory
unit; and configure the control device to utilize a fourth memory
unit, of a second channel of the memory module, in place of the
second memory unit; wherein the memory module is configured to:
receive at least a first portion of data via the first channel;
store the at least the first portion of the data via a plurality of
memory units of the first channel, other than the first memory unit
and the second memory unit; receive a second portion of the data
via the second channel; store the second portion of the data via
the fourth memory unit; receive a read command; and in response to
the memory module receiving the read command: provide the first
portion of the data to the at least one processor via the plurality
of memory units of the first channel, other than the first memory
unit and the second memory unit, via the first channel; and provide
the second portion of the data to the at least one processor via
the fourth memory unit and the second channel.
2. The information handling system of claim 1, wherein, before
determining that the first memory unit and the second memory unit
are associated with the issue, the third memory module was utilized
with error codes associated with the first channel and the fourth
memory module was utilized with error codes associated with the
second channel.
3. The information handling system of claim 2, wherein, to
configure the control device to utilize the third memory unit in
place of the first memory unit, the instructions further cause the
information handling system to configure a first multiplexer
coupled to the third memory module to provide a command address to
the third memory unit; and wherein, to configure the control device
to utilize the fourth memory unit in place of the second memory
unit, the instructions further cause the information handling
system to configure a second multiplexer coupled to the fourth
memory module to provide the command address to the fourth memory
unit.
4. The information handling system of claim 2, wherein, before
configuring the control device to utilize the fourth memory unit in
place of the second memory unit, the error codes associated with
the second channel were of a first strength; and wherein, after
configuring the control device to utilize the fourth memory unit in
place of the second memory unit, additional error codes associated
with the second channel are of a second strength, lesser than the
first strength.
5. The information handling system of claim 1, wherein the at least
one processor includes a memory controller; and wherein the memory
controller is configured to: receive the first portion of the data
from the first channel; receive the second portion of the data from
the second channel; combine the first portion of the data and the
second portion of the data; and provide the data to a processor
core of the at least one processor.
6. The information handling system of claim 5, wherein the
instructions further cause the information handling system to
configure an input/output director of the memory controller to
combine the first portion of the data and the second portion of the
data, in response to determining that the first memory unit and the
second memory unit are associated with the issue.
7. The information handling system of claim 6, wherein the memory
controller is further configured to receive the data from the
processing core; and wherein the input/output director is
configured to: provide the at least the first portion of data to
the memory module via the first channel; and provide the second
portion of data to the memory module via the second channel.
8. A method, comprising: determining that a first memory unit and a
second memory unit of a first channel of a memory module are
associated with an issue; in response to the determining that the
first memory unit and the second memory unit are associated with
the issue: configuring a control device to utilize a third memory
unit, of the first channel, in place of the first memory unit; and
configuring the control device to utilize a fourth memory unit, of
a second channel of the memory module, in place of the second
memory unit; the memory module receiving at least a first portion
of data via the first channel; a plurality of memory units of the
first channel, other than the first memory unit and the second
memory unit, storing the at least the first portion of the data;
the memory module receiving a second portion of the data via the
second channel; the fourth memory unit storing the second portion
of the data; the memory module receiving a read command; and in
response to the memory module receiving the read command: the
plurality of memory units of the first channel, other than the
first memory unit and the second memory unit, providing the first
portion of the data to a processor via the first channel; and the
fourth memory unit providing the second portion of the data to the
processor via the second channel.
9. The method of claim 8, wherein, before the determining that the
first memory unit and the second memory unit are associated with
the issue, the third memory module was utilized with error codes
associated with the first channel and the fourth memory module was
utilized with error codes associated with the second channel.
10. The method of claim 9, wherein the configuring the control
device to utilize the third memory unit in place of the first
memory unit includes configuring a first multiplexer coupled to the
third memory module to provide a command address to the third
memory unit; and wherein the configuring the control device to
utilize the fourth memory unit in place of the second memory unit
includes configuring a second multiplexer coupled to the fourth
memory module to provide the command address to the fourth memory
unit.
11. The method of claim 9, wherein, before the configuring the
control device to utilize the fourth memory unit in place of the
second memory unit, the error codes associated with the second
channel were of a first strength; and wherein, after the
configuring the control device to utilize the fourth memory unit in
place of the second memory unit, additional error codes associated
with the second channel are of a second strength, lesser than the
first strength.
12. The method of claim 8, further comprising: a memory controller
of the processor receiving the first portion of the data from the
first channel; the memory controller receiving the second portion
of the data from the second channel; the memory controller
combining the first portion of the data and the second portion of
the data; and the memory controller providing the data to a
processor core of the processor.
13. The method of claim 12, further comprising: in response to the
determining that the first memory unit and the second memory unit
are associated with the issue, configuring an input/output director
of the memory controller to combine the first portion of the data
and the second portion of the data.
14. The method of claim 13, further comprising: the memory
controller receiving the data from the processing core; the
input/output director providing the at least the first portion of
data to the memory module via the first channel; and the
input/output director providing the second portion of data to the
memory module via the second channel.
15. A memory module, comprising: a plurality of memory modules
associated with a first channel; a first error correction code
memory unit associated with the first channel; a second error
correction code memory unit associated with a second channel; a
control device coupled to the plurality of memory modules, the
first error correction code memory unit, and the second error
correction code memory unit; wherein the memory module is
configured to: configure the control device to utilize the first
error correction code memory unit in place of a first memory unit
of the plurality of memory units; and configure the control device
to utilize the second error correction code memory unit in place of
the second memory unit; receive at least a first portion of data
via the first channel; store the at least the first portion of the
data via the plurality of memory units of the first channel, other
than the first memory unit and the second memory unit; receive a
second portion of the data via the second channel; store the second
portion of the data via the second error correction code memory
unit; receive a read command; and in response to receiving the read
command: provide the first portion of the data to the a processor
via the plurality of memory units of the first channel, other than
the first memory unit and the second memory unit, via the first
channel; and provide the second portion of the data to the
processor via the second error correction code memory unit and the
second channel.
16. The memory module of claim 15, wherein the control device
includes a plurality of multiplexers; wherein, to configure the
control device to utilize the first error correction code memory
unit in place of the first memory unit of the plurality of memory
units, the memory module is further configured to configure a first
multiplexer of plurality of multiplexers to provide a command
address to the first error correction code memory unit; and
wherein, to configure the control device to utilize the second
error correction code memory unit in place of the second memory
unit, the memory module is further configured to configure a second
multiplexer of plurality of multiplexers to provide the command
address to the second error correction code memory unit.
17. The memory module of claim 15, further comprising: a plurality
of error correction code memory units that include the second error
correction code memory unit and that are associated with the second
channel; and wherein, before configuring the control device to
utilize the second error correction code memory unit in place of
the second memory unit, error codes associated with the second
channel were of a first strength; and wherein, after configuring
the control device to utilize the second error correction code
memory unit in place of the second memory unit, additional error
codes associated with the second channel are of a second strength,
lesser than the first strength.
18. The memory module of claim 15, wherein the memory module is a
dual in-line memory module.
19. The memory module of claim 15, wherein the control device is
further configured to: receive a command address associated with
the data; and provide at least a portion of the command address to
the second error correction code memory unit.
20. The memory module of claim 15, wherein the control device
includes a plurality of multiplexers; wherein the control device is
further configured to: receive a first command address; and receive
a second command address; configure, based at least on the first
command address, a first multiplexer of plurality of multiplexers
to provide command addresses associated with the first channel to
the first error correction code memory unit; and configure, based
at least on the second command address, a second multiplexer of
plurality of multiplexers to provide the command addresses
associated with the first channel to the second error correction
code memory unit.
Description
BACKGROUND
Field of the Disclosure
[0001] This disclosure relates generally to information handling
systems and more particularly to utilizing memory modules of
information handling systems.
Description of the Related Art
[0002] As the value and use of information continues to increase,
individuals and businesses seek additional ways to process and
store information. One option available to users is information
handling systems. An information handling system generally
processes, compiles, stores, and/or communicates information or
data for business, personal, or other purposes thereby allowing
users to take advantage of the value of the information. Because
technology and information handling needs and requirements vary
between different users or applications, information handling
systems may also vary regarding what information is handled, how
the information is handled, how much information is processed,
stored, or communicated, and how quickly and efficiently the
information may be processed, stored, or communicated. The
variations in information handling systems allow for information
handling systems to be general or configured for a specific user or
specific use such as financial transaction processing, airline
reservations, enterprise data storage, or global communications. In
addition, information handling systems may include a variety of
hardware and software components that may be configured to process,
store, and communicate information and may include one or more
computer systems, data storage systems, and networking systems.
SUMMARY
[0003] In one or more embodiments, one or more systems, methods,
and/or processes may determine that a first memory unit and a
second memory unit of a first channel, of a memory module, are
associated with an issue; may configure a control device of the
memory module to utilize a third memory unit, of the first channel,
in place of the first memory unit; may configure the control device
to utilize a fourth memory unit, of a second channel of the memory
module, in place of the second memory unit; may receive at least a
first portion of data via the first channel; store the at least the
first portion of the data via multiple memory units of the first
channel, other than the first memory unit and the second memory
unit; may receive a second portion of the data via the second
channel; may store the second portion of the data via the fourth
memory unit; may receive a read command; may provide the first
portion of the data to a processor via the multiple memory units of
the first channel, other than the first memory unit and the second
memory unit, via the first channel; and may provide the second
portion of the data to the processor via the fourth memory unit and
the second channel.
[0004] In one or more embodiments, before determining that the
first memory unit and the second memory unit are associated with
the issue, the third memory module may have been utilized with
error codes associated with the first channel and the fourth memory
module may have been utilized with error codes associated with the
second channel. In one or more embodiments, before configuring the
control device to utilize the fourth memory unit in place of the
second memory unit, the error codes associated with the second
channel may have been of a first strength. In one or more
embodiments, after configuring the control device to utilize the
fourth memory unit in place of the second memory unit, additional
error codes associated with the second channel may be of a second
strength, lesser than the first strength. In one or more
embodiments, the processor may include a memory controller. For
example, the memory controller may receive the first portion of the
data from the first channel; may receive the second portion of the
data from the second channel; may combine the first portion of the
data and the second portion of the data; and may provide the data
to a processor core of the processor. In one or more embodiments,
the one or more systems, methods, and/or processes may further
configure an input/output director of the memory controller to
combine the first portion of the data and the second portion of the
data. For example, the memory controller may be further configured
to receive the data from the processing core.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] For a more complete understanding of the present disclosure
and its features/advantages, reference is now made to the following
description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings,
which are not drawn to scale, and in which:
[0006] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an information handling
system, according to one or more embodiments;
[0007] FIG. 2A illustrates an example of a memory module, according
to one or more embodiments;
[0008] FIG. 2B illustrates an example of a memory module coupled to
a processor, according to one or more embodiments;
[0009] FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate examples of channel data,
according to one or more embodiments;
[0010] FIG. 4 illustrates an example of a control device, according
to one or more embodiments;
[0011] FIG. 5 illustrates an example of a method of operating a one
or more components of an information handling system, according to
one or more embodiments;
[0012] FIG. 6 illustrates a second example of a method of operating
a one or more components of an information handling system,
according to one or more embodiments;
[0013] FIG. 7 illustrates a third example of a method of operating
a one or more components of an information handling system,
according to one or more embodiments; and
[0014] FIG. 8 illustrates another example of a method of operating
a one or more components of an information handling system,
according to one or more embodiments.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0015] In the following description, details are set forth by way
of example to facilitate discussion of the disclosed subject
matter. It should be apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the
field, however, that the disclosed embodiments are examples and not
exhaustive of all possible embodiments.
[0016] As used herein, a reference numeral refers to a class or
type of entity, and any letter following such reference numeral
refers to a specific instance of a particular entity of that class
or type. Thus, for example, a hypothetical entity referenced by
`12A` may refer to a particular instance of a particular
class/type, and the reference `12` may refer to a collection of
instances belonging to that particular class/type or any one
instance of that class/type in general.
[0017] In one or more embodiments, a memory module may include
multiple channels. For example, the multiple channels may be or
include independent multiple channels. For instance, the multiple
channels may be trained independently of one another. In one or
more embodiments, a memory module interface may be or include
multi-drop singled-ended interface. For example, a command address
and data lines may be single-ended. In one or more embodiments, a
high speed interface may be or include a point to point interface,
a differential pair interface and/or a serializer/deserializer
(SerDes) interface, among others. In one or more embodiments, a
memory unit of a memory module may be susceptible to noise (e.g.,
interference such as radio frequency interference, submolecular
particle interference, subatomic particle interference, etc.). For
example, as a size of a memory unit decreases, a susceptibility of
the memory unit to noise may increase. In one or more embodiments,
a memory unit of a memory module may be susceptible to aging. For
example, a memory unit may fail after an amount of time of
utilization. For instance, utilization of a memory unit may induce
wear-out of one or more junctions of the memory unit.
[0018] In one or more embodiments, one or more error corrections
codes (ECCs) may be utilized to increase a robustness of a memory
unit. For example, a memory module that includes multiple memory
units may receive data and an error correction code (ECC). For
instance, an ECC may decrease one or more losses of data integrity
as one or more memory units become more susceptible to noise and/or
other issues. In one or more embodiments, a processor provided
error detection and/or error correction may not be available if
there is a failure of multiple memory units on a channel of a
memory module. In one or more embodiments, if a failure of one or
more multiple memory units on a first channel of a memory module
occurs, one or more memory modules of a second channel, different
from the first channel, of the memory module may be utilized.
[0019] In one or more embodiments, it may be determined that a
memory unit of a memory module has or is associated with an issue.
For example, determining that the memory unit has or is associated
with an issue may include determining that the memory unit is
malfunctioning or has failed. In one or more embodiments, another
memory unit may utilized in place of the memory unit that has or is
associated with an issue. For example, the other memory unit may be
utilized with one or more error correction codes. For instance, the
other memory unit may be one of multiple memory units utilized with
one or more error correction codes. In one or more embodiments, if
the other memory unit is re-tasked with storing and/or providing
data, a strength of utilizing error correction codes may be
reduced. For example, the other memory unit may be or include a
first ECC memory unit of multiple ECC memory units. For instance,
the first ECC memory unit and a second ECC memory unit of the
multiple ECC memory units may be utilized with error correction
codes. In one or more embodiments, the first ECC memory unit and
the second ECC memory unit may be utilized with eight-bit error
correction codes. For example, if the first ECC memory unit is
re-tasked with storing and/or providing data, the second ECC memory
unit may be utilized with four-bit error correction codes. For
instance, a four-bit error correction code may be of a lesser
strength than an eight-bit error correction code. In one or more
embodiments, re-tasking an ECC memory unit with storing and/or
providing data may be performed during operation (e.g., run time)
of an information handling system. In one or more embodiments,
re-tasking an ECC memory unit with storing and/or providing data
may be performed during a next boot-up of an information handling
system.
[0020] Turning now to FIG. 1, an example of an information handling
system is illustrated, according to one or more embodiments. An
information handling system (IHS) 110 may include a hardware
resource or an aggregate of hardware resources operable to compute,
classify, process, transmit, receive, retrieve, originate, switch,
store, display, manifest, detect, record, reproduce, handle, and/or
utilize various forms of information, intelligence, or data for
business, scientific, control, entertainment, or other purposes,
according to one or more embodiments. For example, IHS 110 may be a
personal computer, a desktop computer system, a laptop computer
system, a server computer system, a mobile device, a tablet
computing device, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a consumer
electronic device, an electronic music player, an electronic
camera, an electronic video player, a wireless access point, a
network storage device, or another suitable device and may vary in
size, shape, performance, functionality, and price. In one or more
embodiments, a portable IHS 110 may include or have a form factor
of that of or similar to one or more of a laptop, a notebook, a
telephone, a tablet, and a PDA, among others. For example, a
portable IHS 110 may be readily carried and/or transported by a
user (e.g., a person). In one or more embodiments, components of
IHS 110 may include one or more storage devices, one or more
communications ports for communicating with external devices as
well as various input and output (I/O) devices, such as a keyboard,
a mouse, and a video display, among others. In one or more
embodiments, IHS 110 may include one or more buses operable to
transmit communication between or among two or more hardware
components. In one example, a bus of IHS 110 may include one or
more of a memory bus, a peripheral bus, and a local bus, among
others. In another example, a bus of IHS 110 may include one or
more of a Micro Channel Architecture (MCA) bus, an Industry
Standard Architecture (ISA) bus, an Enhanced ISA (EISA) bus, a
Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus, HyperTransport (HT)
bus, an inter-integrated circuit (I.sup.2C) bus, a serial
peripheral interface (SPI) bus, a low pin count (LPC) bus, an
enhanced serial peripheral interface (eSPI) bus, a universal serial
bus (USB), a system management bus (SMBus), and a Video Electronics
Standards Association (VESA) local bus, among others.
[0021] In one or more embodiments, IHS 110 may include firmware
that controls and/or communicates with one or more hard drives,
network circuitry, one or more memory devices, one or more I/O
devices, and/or one or more other peripheral devices. For example,
firmware may include software embedded in an IHS component utilized
to perform tasks. In one or more embodiments, firmware may be
stored in non-volatile memory, such as storage that does not lose
stored data upon loss of power. In one example, firmware associated
with an IHS component may be stored in non-volatile memory that is
accessible to one or more IHS components. In another example,
firmware associated with an IHS component may be stored in
non-volatile memory that may be dedicated to and includes part of
that component. For instance, an embedded controller may include
firmware that may be stored via non-volatile memory that may be
dedicated to and includes part of the embedded controller.
[0022] As shown, IHS 110 may include a processor 120, a volatile
memory medium 150, non-volatile memory media 160 and 170, an I/O
subsystem 175, and a network interface 180. As illustrated,
volatile memory medium 150, non-volatile memory media 160 and 170,
I/O subsystem 175, and network interface 180 may be communicatively
coupled to processor 120.
[0023] In one or more embodiments, one or more of volatile memory
medium 150, non-volatile memory media 160 and 170, I/O subsystem
175, and network interface 180 may be communicatively coupled to
processor 120 via one or more buses, one or more switches, and/or
one or more root complexes, among others. In one example, one or
more of volatile memory medium 150, non-volatile memory media 160
and 170, I/O subsystem 175, and network interface 180 may be
communicatively coupled to processor 120 via one or more
PCI-Express (PCIe) root complexes. In another example, one or more
of an I/O subsystem 175 and a network interface 180 may be
communicatively coupled to processor 120 via one or more PCIe
switches.
[0024] In one or more embodiments, the term "memory medium" may
mean a "storage device", a "memory", a "memory device", a "tangible
computer readable storage medium", and/or a "computer-readable
medium". For example, computer-readable media may include, without
limitation, storage media such as a direct access storage device
(e.g., a hard disk drive, a floppy disk, etc.), a sequential access
storage device (e.g., a tape disk drive), a compact disk (CD), a
CD-ROM, a digital versatile disc (DVD), a random access memory
(RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), a one-time programmable (OTP)
memory, an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory
(EEPROM), and/or a flash memory, a solid state drive (SSD), or any
combination of the foregoing, among others.
[0025] In one or more embodiments, one or more protocols may be
utilized in transferring data to and/or from a memory medium. For
example, the one or more protocols may include one or more of small
computer system interface (SCSI), Serial Attached SCSI (SAS) or
another transport that operates with the SCSI protocol, advanced
technology attachment (ATA), serial ATA (SATA), a USB interface, an
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 1394
interface, a Thunderbolt interface, an advanced technology
attachment packet interface (ATAPI), serial storage architecture
(SSA), integrated drive electronics (IDE), or any combination
thereof, among others.
[0026] Volatile memory medium 150 may include volatile storage such
as, for example, RAM, DRAM (dynamic RAM), EDO RAM (extended data
out RAM), SRAM (static RAM), etc. One or more of non-volatile
memory media 160 and 170 may include nonvolatile storage such as,
for example, a read only memory (ROM), a programmable ROM (PROM),
an erasable PROM (EPROM), an electrically erasable PROM, NVRAM
(non-volatile RAM), ferroelectric RAM (FRAM), a magnetic medium
(e.g., a hard drive, a floppy disk, a magnetic tape, etc.), optical
storage (e.g., a CD, a DVD, a BLU-RAY disc, etc.), flash memory, a
SSD, etc. In one or more embodiments, a memory medium can include
one or more volatile storages and/or one or more nonvolatile
storages.
[0027] In one or more embodiments, network interface 180 may be
utilized in communicating with one or more networks and/or one or
more other information handling systems. In one example, network
interface 180 may enable IHS 110 to communicate via a network
utilizing a suitable transmission protocol and/or standard. In a
second example, network interface 180 may be coupled to a wired
network. In a third example, network interface 180 may be coupled
to an optical network. In another example, network interface 180
may be coupled to a wireless network.
[0028] In one or more embodiments, network interface 180 may be
communicatively coupled via a network to a network storage
resource. For example, the network may be implemented as, or may be
a part of, a storage area network (SAN), personal area network
(PAN), local area network (LAN), a metropolitan area network (MAN),
a wide area network (WAN), a wireless local area network (WLAN), a
virtual private network (VPN), an intranet, an Internet or another
appropriate architecture or system that facilitates the
communication of signals, data and/or messages (generally referred
to as data). For instance, the network may transmit data utilizing
a desired storage and/or communication protocol, including one or
more of Fibre Channel, Frame Relay, Asynchronous Transfer Mode
(ATM), Internet protocol (IP), other packet-based protocol,
Internet SCSI (iSCSI), or any combination thereof, among
others.
[0029] In one or more embodiments, processor 120 may execute
processor instructions in implementing one or more systems,
flowcharts, methods, and/or processes described herein. In one
example, processor 120 may execute processor instructions from one
or more of memory media 150-170 in implementing one or more
systems, flowcharts, methods, and/or processes described herein. In
another example, processor 120 may execute processor instructions
via network interface 180 in implementing one or more systems,
flowcharts, methods, and/or processes described herein.
[0030] In one or more embodiments, processor 120 may include one or
more of a system, a device, and an apparatus operable to interpret
and/or execute program instructions and/or process data, among
others, and may include one or more of a microprocessor, a
microcontroller, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application
specific integrated circuit (ASIC), and another digital or analog
circuitry configured to interpret and/or execute program
instructions and/or process data, among others. In one example,
processor 120 may interpret and/or execute program instructions
and/or process data stored locally (e.g., via memory media 150-170
and/or another component of IHS 110). In another example, processor
120 may interpret and/or execute program instructions and/or
process data stored remotely (e.g., via a network storage
resource).
[0031] In one or more embodiments, I/O subsystem 175 may represent
a variety of communication interfaces, graphics interfaces, video
interfaces, user input interfaces, and/or peripheral interfaces,
among others. For example, I/O subsystem 175 may include one or
more of a touch panel and a display adapter, among others. For
instance, a touch panel may include circuitry that enables touch
functionality in conjunction with a display that is driven by a
display adapter.
[0032] As shown, non-volatile memory medium 160 may include an
operating system (OS) 162, and applications (APPs) 164-168. In one
or more embodiments, one or more of OS 162 and APPs 164-168 may
include processor instructions executable by processor 120. In one
example, processor 120 may execute processor instructions of one or
more of OS 162 and APPs 164-168 via non-volatile memory medium 160.
In another example, one or more portions of the processor
instructions of the one or more of OS 162 and APPs 164-168 may be
transferred to volatile memory medium 150, and processor 120 may
execute the one or more portions of the processor instructions of
the one or more of OS 162 and APPs 164-168 via volatile memory
medium 150.
[0033] As illustrated, non-volatile memory medium 170 may include
information handling system firmware (IHSFW) 172. In one or more
embodiments, IHSFW 172 may include processor instructions
executable by processor 120. For example, IHSFW 172 may include one
or more structures and/or one or more functionalities of one or
more of a basic input/output system (BIOS), an Extensible Firmware
Interface (EFI), a Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI),
and an Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI), among
others. In one instance, processor 120 may execute processor
instructions of IHSFW 172 via non-volatile memory medium 170. In
another instance, one or more portions of the processor
instructions of IHSFW 172 may be transferred to volatile memory
medium 150, and processor 120 may execute the one or more portions
of the processor instructions of IHSFW 172 via volatile memory
medium 150.
[0034] In one or more embodiments, OS 162 may include a management
information exchange. In one example, the management information
exchange may permit multiple components to exchange management
information associated with managed elements and/or may permit
control and/or management of the managed elements. In another
example, the management information exchange may include a driver
and/or a driver model that may provide an OS interface through
which managed elements (e.g., elements of IHS 110) may provide
information and/or notifications, among others. In one instance,
the management information exchange may be or include a Windows
Management Interface (WMI) for ACPI (available from Microsoft
Corporation). In another instance, the management information
exchange may be or include a Common Information Model (CIM)
(available via the Distributed Management Task Force). In one or
more embodiments, the management information exchange may include a
combination of the WMI and the CIM. For example, WMI may be and/or
may be utilized as an interface to the CIM. For instance, the WMI
may be utilized to provide and/or send CIM object information to OS
162.
[0035] In one or more embodiments, processor 120 and one or more
components of IHS 110 may be included in a system-on-chip (SoC).
For example, the SoC may include processor 120 and a platform
controller hub (not specifically illustrated).
[0036] Turning now to FIG. 2A, an example of a memory module is
illustrated, according to one or more embodiments. As shown, a
memory module 210 may include memory units (MUs) 220A-220N and MUs
230A-230N coupled to a control device (CD) 240. In one or more
embodiments, MUs 220A-220N and MUs 230A-230N may be utilized to
store data. As illustrated, memory module 210 may include MUs 222A
and 222B and MUs 232A and 232B coupled to CD 240. In one or more
embodiments, CD 240 may be or include a register control device. In
one or more embodiments, memory module 210 may be or include a dual
in-line memory module (DIMM). For example, a memory unit (MU) of
memory module 210 may be or include random access memory. In one
instance, the random access memory may be or include dynamic
random-access memory (DRAM). In another instance, the random access
memory may be or include static random-access memory (SRAM).
[0037] In one or more embodiments, memory module 210 may include
multiple channels. As shown, a channel 250A of memory module 210
may include MUs 220A-220N. As illustrated, a channel 250B of memory
module 210 may include MUs 230A-230N. In one or more embodiments,
memory module 210 may include MUs that may be utilized with error
correction codes. In one example, MUs 222A and 222B may be utilized
with error correction codes associated with channel 250A. For
instance, channel 250A may include MUs 222A and 222B. In another
example, MUs 232A and 232B may be utilized with error correction
codes associated with channel 250B. For instance, channel 250B may
include MUs 232A and 232B. In one or more embodiments, an error
correction code may include a number of bits. For example, an error
correction code may include eight bits. In one instance, MUs 222A
and 222B may be utilized with an eight-bit error correction code
associated with channel 250A. In another instance, MUs 232A and
232B may be utilized with an eight-bit error correction code
associated with channel 250B.
[0038] Turning now to FIG. 2B, an example of a memory module
coupled to a processor is illustrated, according to one or more
embodiments. As shown, memory module 210 may be coupled to
processor 120. In one or more embodiments, volatile memory medium
150 may include one or more memory modules 210. As illustrated,
processor 120 may include processor cores 122A-122C and a memory
controller 260. As shown, memory controller 260 may include an I/O
director 270. As illustrated, memory controller 260 may be coupled
to processor cores 122A-122C.
[0039] As illustrated, MU 220A may store bits 3:0 of data
associated with channel 250A, MU 220B may store bits 7:4 of data
associated with channel 250A, MU 220C may store bits 11:8 of data
associated with channel 250A, other MUs may store bits 30:12 of
data associated with channel 250A, and MU 220N may store bits 31:28
of data associated with channel 250A. As shown, MU 230A may store
bits 3:0 of data associated with channel 250B, MU 230B may store
bits 7:4 of data associated with channel 250B, other MUs may store
bits 30:8 of data associated with channel 250B, and MU 230N may
store bits 31:28 of data associated with channel 250B.
[0040] In one or more embodiments, a MU 222 and a MU 232 may
receive data via respective channels 250A and 250B. In one example,
MUs 222A and 222B may receive data channel 250A. For instance, the
data may include error correction code data. In another example,
MUs 232A and 232B may receive data channel 250B. For instance, the
data may include error correction code data.
[0041] Turning now to FIGS. 3A and 3B, examples of channel data are
illustrated, according to one or more embodiments. As shown,
processor 120 may provide channel data 360A to channel 250A. As
illustrated, channel data 360A may include data portions 320A-320N
and ECCs 322A and 322B. In one example, data portions 320A-320N may
be provided to MUs 220A-220N, respectively. In another example,
ECCs 322A and 322B may be provided to MUs 222A and 222B,
respectively. In one or more embodiments, ECCs 322A and 322B may
form a single error correction code. For example, the single error
correction code may be an eight-bit error correction code. In one
instance, ECC 322A may be or include a first portion (e.g., a first
four bits) of the single error correction code. In another
instance, ECC 322B may be or include a second portion (e.g., a
second four bits) of the single error correction code.
[0042] As shown, processor 120 may provide channel data 360B to
channel 250B. As illustrated, channel data 360B may include data
portions 330A-330N and ECCs 332A and 332B. In one example, data
portions 330A-330N may be provided to MUs 230A-230N, respectively.
In another example, ECCs 332A and 332B may be provided to MUs 232A
and 232B, respectively. In one or more embodiments, ECCs 332A and
332B may form a single error correction code. For example, the
single error correction code may be an eight-bit error correction
code. In one instance, ECC 332A may be or include a first portion
(e.g., a first four bits) of the single error correction code. In
another instance, ECC 332B may be or include a second portion
(e.g., a second four bits) of the single error correction code.
[0043] In one or more embodiments, if a memory unit that stores
data fails or malfunctions, a memory unit that is utilized with an
error correction code may be utilized to store data. For example,
if MU 220B fails or malfunctions, a MU of MUs 222A and 222B may be
utilized to store data. In one or more embodiments, utilizing a
memory unit, which is utilized with an error correction code, to
store data may weaken a strength of an error correction code of a
channel. For example, if MU 222A is utilized to store data, a
strength of an error correction code of channel 250A may be
weakened. For instance, if MUs 222A and 222B are utilized with an
eight-bit error correction code associated with channel 250A, a
four-bit error correction code may be utilized and/or associated
with channel 250A. In one or more embodiments, a four-bit error
correction code may be of less strength than an eight-bit error
correction code.
[0044] If MU 220B fails or malfunctions, for example, MU 222A may
be utilized to store data in place of MU 220B. In one instance, ECC
322A may include data that may have been included via data portion
320B. In a second instance, data portion 320B may include data that
may have been included via data portion 320B as if MU 220B had not
failed or malfunctioned. In another instance, data portion 320B may
include "do not care" data (e.g., random data, unspecified data,
data that will be ignored, etc.). In one or more embodiments, ECC
322B may include an error correction code for data of channel data
360A. For example, ECC 322B may or include a four-bit error
correction code for data portions 320A, 320C-320N, and ECC 322A,
which may include data that would have been included via data
portion 320B if MU 222B had not failed or malfunctioned. In one or
more embodiments, utilizing a MU 222 in place of MU 220B may be
based at least on a distance. In one example, the distance may be
or include a physical distance. For instance, the physical distance
may be between MU 222 and CD 240. In another example, the distance
may be or include an electrical distance. For instance, the
electrical distance may be or include one or more lengths of one or
more couplings between MU 222 and CD 240.
[0045] In one or more embodiments, if two memory units that store
data fail or malfunction, multiple memory units that are utilized
with an error correction code may be utilized to store data. For
example, if MUs 220A and 220B fail or malfunction, a MU of MUs 232A
and 232B may be utilized to store data. For example, a MU of MUs
222A and 222B may be utilized to store data, and a MU of MUs 232A
and 232B may be utilized to store data. For instance, a MU of MUs
222A and 222B may be utilized in place of MU 220B, and a MU of MUs
232A and 232B may be utilized in place of 220A. In one or more
embodiments, utilizing a memory unit, which is utilized with an
error correction code, to store data may weaken a strength of an
error correction code of a channel. For example, if MU 232A is
utilized to store data, a strength of an error correction code of
channel 250B may be weakened. For instance, if MUs 232A and 232B
are utilized with an eight-bit error correction code associated
with channel 250B, a four-bit error correction code may be utilized
and/or associated with channel 250B. In one or more embodiments, a
four-bit error correction code may be of less strength than an
eight-bit error correction code.
[0046] If MUs 220A and 220B fail or malfunction, for example, MU
222A may be utilized to store data in place of MU 222A and MU 232A
may be utilized in place of MU 220A. In one instance, ECC 320B may
include data that may have been included via data portion 320B. In
a second instance, data portion 320B may include data that may have
been included via data portion 320B as if MU 220B had not failed or
malfunctioned. In a third instance, data portion 320B may include
"do not care" data (e.g., random data, unspecified data, data that
will be ignored, etc.). In a fourth instance, ECC 332A may include
data that may have been included via data portion 320A. In a fifth
instance, data portion 320A may include data that may have been
included via data portion 320A as if MU 220A had not failed or
malfunctioned. In another instance, data portion 320A may include
"do not care" data (e.g., random data, unspecified data, data that
will be ignored, etc.). In one or more embodiments, ECC 322B may
include an error correction code for data of channel data 360A. For
example, ECC 322B may or include a four-bit error correction code
for data portions 320A, 320C-320N, and 3ECC 22A, which may include
data that would have been included via data portion 320B if MU 222B
had not failed or malfunctioned. In one or more embodiments, ECC
332B may include an error correction code for data of channel data
360B. For example, ECC 332B may or include a four-bit error
correction code for data portions 330A-330N.
[0047] Turning now to FIG. 4, an example of a control device is
illustrated, according to one or more embodiments. As shown, CD 240
may circuitry 410. As illustrated, CD 240 may include one or more
multiplexers (MUXes) 422A and 422B and MUXes 432A and 432B coupled
to circuitry 410. As illustrated, command address lines 424A and
424B may be coupled to MUX 422A, and command address lines 426A and
426B may be coupled to MUX 422B. As shown, command address lines
434A and 434B may be coupled to MUX 432A, and command address lines
436A and 436B may be coupled to MUX 432B. As illustrated, command
address lines 424A, 424B, 426A, 426B, 434A, 434B, 436A, and 436B
may be coupled to circuitry 410. In one or more embodiments,
command address lines 424A, 426A, 434B, and 436B may be associated
with command address 440A. For example, circuitry 410 may provide
command address 440A to one or more of command address lines 424A,
426A, 434B, and 436B. For instance, circuitry 410 may buffer
command address 440A. In one or more embodiments, command address
lines 424B, 426B, 434A, and 436A may be associated with command
address 440B. For example, circuitry 410 may provide command
address 440B to one or more of command address lines 424B, 426B,
434A, and 436A. For instance, circuitry 410 may buffer command
address 440B.
[0048] In one example, circuitry 410 may utilize MUX 422A to select
a command address line to utilize MU 222A with a data portion
associated with channel 250A or 250B. In one instance, circuitry
410 may utilize MUX 422A to select command address line 424A to
utilize MU 222A in place of a MU of MUs 220A-220N. In another
instance, circuitry 410 may utilize MUX 422A to select command
address line 424B to utilize MU 222A in place of a MU of MUs
230A-230N. In a second example, circuitry 410 may utilize MUX 422B
to select a command address line to utilize MU 222B with a data
portion associated with channel 250A or 250B. In one instance,
circuitry 410 may utilize MUX 422B to select command address line
426A to utilize MU 222B in place of a MU of MUs 220A-220N. In
another instance, circuitry 410 may utilize MUX 422B to select
command address line 426B to utilize MU 222B in place of a MU of
MUs 230A-230N. In a third example, circuitry 410 may utilize MUX
432A to select a command address line to utilize MU 232A with a
data portion associated with channel 250A or 250B. In one instance,
circuitry 410 may utilize MUX 432A to select command address line
434A to utilize MU 232A in place of a MU of MUs 220A-220N. In
another instance, circuitry 410 may utilize MUX 432A to select
command address line 434B to utilize MU 232A in place of a MU of
MUs 230A-230N. In another example, circuitry 410 may utilize MUX
432B to select a command address line to utilize MU 232B with a
data portion associated with channel 250A or 250B. In one instance,
circuitry 410 may utilize MUX 432B to select command address line
436A to utilize MU 232B in place of a MU of MUs 220A-220N. In
another instance, circuitry 410 may utilize MUX 432B to select
command address line 436B to utilize MU 232B in place of a MU of
MUs 230A-230N.
[0049] In one or more embodiments, circuitry 410 may receive
multiple command addresses. In one example, circuitry 410 may
receive a command address 440A. In another example, circuitry 410
may receive a command address 440B. In one or more embodiments,
circuitry 410 may configure one or more of MUXes 422A, 422B, 432A,
and 432B based at least on one or more command addresses. In one or
more embodiments, circuitry 410 may be or include one or more of a
complex logic device, a buffer, a FPGA, a processor, and an ASIC,
among others.
[0050] In one or more embodiments, a command address 440 may
include an address. In one or more embodiments, a command address
440 may include a command. In one or more embodiments, CD 240 may
provide one or more command addresses to one or more memory units.
In one example, CD 240 may provide command address 440A to one or
more of MUs 220A-220N, 222A, and 222B. In another example, CD 240
may provide command address 440B to one or more of MUs 230A-230N,
232A, and 232B. In one or more embodiments, CD 240 may receive a
command address, which may include an address, and CD 240 may route
the address to one or more memory units. In one example, CD 240 may
an address of command address 440A to one or more of MUs 220A-220N,
222A, and 222B. In another example, CD 240 may an address of
command address 440B to one or more of MUs 230A-230N, 232A, and
232B.
[0051] In one or more embodiments, CD 240 may be configured to
receive a first command address. For example, the first command
address may configure MUX 422 to provide command addresses
associated with channel 250A to MU 222. In one or more embodiments,
CD 240 may be configured to receive a second command address. For
example, the second command address may configure MUX 432 to
provide command addresses associated with channel 250A to MU 232.
For instance, the first command address and the second command
address may respectively configure MUXes 422 and 432 to provide
addresses associated with channel 250A to respective MUs 222 and
232.
[0052] Turning now to FIG. 5, an example of a method of operating a
one or more components of an information handling system is
illustrated, according to one or more embodiments. At 510, an
instance of two memory unit malfunctions may be identified. For
example, IHSFW 172 may identify an instance of two memory unit
malfunctions. In one or more embodiments, the two memory unit
malfunctions may occur on a same channel. For example, the two
memory unit malfunctions may occur on channel 250A. At 515, it may
be determined that determined that one channel is operational. For
example, IHSFW 172 may determine that determined that one channel
is operational. For instance, it may be determined that channel
250B is operational.
[0053] At 520, a memory module mode may be set. For example, IHSFW
172 may set a memory module mode. In one or more embodiments,
setting a memory module mode may include utilizing other memory
units in place of the two memory units that were identified as
malfunctioning. For example, MUs 222A and 232A may be utilized in
place of two of MUs 220A-220N. At 525, interfaces of channels of
the memory module may be trained. For example, memory controller
260 may be trained. In one instance, training memory controller 260
may include configuring I/O director 270 to provide at least a
portion of data, associated with channel 250A, to channel 250B. In
another instance, training memory controller 260 may include
configuring I/O director 270 to receive at least a portion of data,
associated with channel 250A, from channel 250B. In one or more
embodiments, I/O director 270 may include a multiplexer layer. For
example, the multiplexer layer may be configured to provide at
least a portion of data, associated with channel 250A, to channel
250B. In one or more embodiments, I/O director 270 may include a
communication fabric. For example, the communication fabric may be
configured to provide at least a portion of data, associated with
channel 250A, to channel 250B.
[0054] Turning now to FIG. 6, a second example of a method of
operating a one or more components of an information handling
system is illustrated, according to one or more embodiments. In one
or more embodiments, method elements 610-620 may be performed in
accordance with method elements 510, 520, and 525,
respectively.
[0055] In one or more embodiments, the method illustrated with
reference to FIG. 5 may be performed at a boot time. In one or more
embodiments, the method illustrated with reference to FIG. 6 may be
performed at run time.
[0056] Turning now to FIG. 7, a third example of a method of
operating a one or more components of an information handling
system is illustrated, according to one or more embodiments. At
710, it may be determined that a first memory unit and a second
memory unit of a first channel of a memory module are associated
with an issue. For example, it may be determined that MUs 220A and
220B of channel 250A of memory module 210 are associated with an
issue. In one or more embodiments, determining that that the first
memory unit and the second memory unit are associated with the
issue may include determining that the first memory unit and the
second memory unit have malfunctioned or have failed. In one
example, the first memory unit may have malfunctioned or may have
failed. In another example, the second memory unit may have
malfunctioned or may have failed.
[0057] In one or more embodiments, a message may be provided in
response to determining that the first memory unit and the second
memory unit are associated with the issue. In one example, the
message may be or include illuminating a light emitting diode
(LED). For instance, the LED may be blinked. In a second example,
the message may be or include information that may be provided to
an operating system. For instance, the message may be provided to
OS 162 via one or more of WMI and CIM, among others. In another
example, the message may be or include information that may be
provided to a service entity of an information handling system. For
instance, a text message, an email, and/or another information
carrying medium and/or method may be utilized in providing
information associated with the issue to a service entity of IHS
110.
[0058] At 715, a control device may be configured to utilize a
third memory unit, of the first channel, in place of the first
memory unit. For example, CD 240 may be configured to utilize MU
222A in place of MU 220A. In one or more embodiments, configuring
the control device to utilize the third memory unit, of the first
channel, in place of the first memory unit may include configuring
one or more MUXes of CD 240. For example, configuring CD 240 to
utilize MU 222A, of channel 250A, in place of MU 220A may include
configuring MUX 422A. For instance, MUX 422A may be configured from
providing at least portions of respective error correction codes to
providing at least portions of data to MU 422A. In one or more
embodiments, utilizing a MU 222 in place of MU 220A may be based at
least on a distance. In one example, the distance may be or include
a physical distance. For instance, the physical distance may be
between MU 222 and CD 240. In another example, the distance may be
or include an electrical distance. For instance, the electrical
distance may be or include one or more lengths of one or more
couplings between MU 222 and CD 240.
[0059] At 720, the control device may be configured to utilize a
fourth memory unit, of a second channel of the memory module, in
place of the second memory unit. For example, CD 240 may be
configured to utilize MU 232A in place of MU 220B. In one or more
embodiments, configuring the control device to utilize the fourth
memory unit, of the second channel, in place of the second memory
unit may include configuring one or more MUXes of CD 240. For
example, configuring CD 240 to utilize MU 232A, of channel 250B, in
place of MU 220B may include configuring MUX 432A. For instance,
MUX 432A may be configured from providing at least portions of
respective error correction codes to providing at least portions of
data to MU 432A. In one or more embodiments, method elements 715
and 720 may be performed in response to determining that the first
memory unit and the second memory unit are associated with the
issue. In one or more embodiments, utilizing a MU 232 in place of
MU 220B may be based at least on a distance. In one example, the
distance may be or include a physical distance. For instance, the
physical distance may be between MU 232 and CD 240. In another
example, the distance may be or include an electrical distance. For
instance, the electrical distance may be or include one or more
lengths of one or more couplings between MU 232 and CD 240.
[0060] At 725, the memory module may receive at least a first
portion of data via the first channel. For example, memory module
210 may receive at least a first portion of data via channel 250A.
In one instance, memory module 210 may receive thirty-two bits of
data via channel 250A. In another instance, memory module 210 may
receive twenty-eight of the thirty-two bits of data via channel
250A. In one or more embodiments, some of the data may include "do
not care" data (e.g., random data, unspecified data, data that will
be ignored, etc.). For example, a portion of the data that may have
been provided to MU 220B may be or include "do not care" data
(e.g., random data, unspecified data, data that will be ignored,
etc.).
[0061] At 730, multiple of memory units of the first channel, other
than the first memory unit and the second memory unit, may store
the at least the first portion of the data. For example, MUs
220C-220N may store the at least the first portion of the data. At
735, the memory module may receive a second portion of the data via
the second channel. For example, memory module 210 may receive a
second portion of the data via channel 250B. At 737, the fourth
memory unit may store the second portion of the data. For example,
MU 232A may store the second portion of the data.
[0062] At 740, the memory module may receive a read command. For
example, memory module 210 may receive a read command. In one or
more embodiments, module 210 may receive a read command via one or
more command addresses. In one example, module 210 may receive
command address 440A that includes the read command. In another
example, module 210 may receive command address 440B that includes
the read command. In one or more embodiments, the read command may
include an address associated with the data.
[0063] At 745, the multiple memory units of the first channel,
other than the first memory unit and the second memory unit, may
provide the first portion of the data to a processor via the first
channel. For example, MUs 220C-220N may provide the first portion
of the data to processor 120 via channel 250A. At 750, the fourth
memory unit may provide the second portion of the data to the
processor via the second channel. For example, MU 232A may provide
the second portion of the data to processor 120 via channel 250B.
At 755, a memory controller of the processor may receive the first
portion of the data from the first channel. For example, memory
controller 260 may receive the first portion of the data from
channel 250A.
[0064] At 760, the memory controller may receive the second portion
of the data from the second channel. For example, memory controller
260 may receive the second portion of the data from channel 250B.
At 765, the memory controller may combine the first portion of the
data and the second portion of the data. For example, memory
controller 260 may combine the first portion of the data and the
second portion of the data. For instance, I/O director 270 may
combine the first portion of the data and the second portion of the
data. In one or more embodiments, I/O director 270 may be
configured to combine the first portion of the data and the second
portion of the data. For example, I/O director 270 may be
configured to combine the first portion of the data and the second
portion of the data in response to determining that the first
memory unit and the second memory unit are associated with the
issue. At 770, the memory controller may provide the data to a
processing core of the processor. For example, memory controller
260 may provide the data to a processor core of processor cores
122A-122C.
[0065] Turning now to FIG. 8, another example of a method of
operating a one or more components of an information handling
system is illustrated, according to one or more embodiments. At
810, an address may be received. For example, a control device of a
memory module may receive an address. For instance, CD 240 of
memory module 210 may receive an address. At 815, a first portion
of the address may be provided to a first memory unit of the memory
module. For example, CD 240 may provide a first portion of the
address to MU 220B. At 820, first data associated with the address
may be received. For example, a first channel of the memory module
may receive first data associated with the address. For instance,
channel 250A may receive first data associated with the
address.
[0066] At 825, at least a portion of the first data may be stored.
For example, the first memory unit may store at least a portion of
the first data. For instance, MU 220B may store may store at least
a portion of the first data. At 830, the first data may be provided
to a processor via the first channel. For example, channel 250A may
provide the first data to processor 120. At 835, it may be
determined that the first memory unit has an issue. For example, it
may be determined that MU 220B has an issue. In one or more
embodiments, determining that the first memory unit has an issue
may include determining that the first memory unit is
malfunctioning or has failed.
[0067] At 840, the control device may be configured to utilize a
second memory unit of the memory module in place of the first
memory unit. In one example, CD 240 may be configured to utilize MU
222A in place of MU 220B. In another example, CD 240 may be
configured to utilize MU 232A in place of MU 220B. In one or more
embodiments, configuring the control device to utilize the second
memory unit in place of the first memory unit may include
configuring one or more MUXes of the control device. In one
example, configuring CD 240 to utilize MU 222A in place of MU 220B
may include configuring MUX 422A. In another example, configuring
CD 240 to utilize MU 232A in place of MU 220B may include
configuring MUX 432A. In one or more embodiments, one or more MUXes
may be configured to route data to and/or from the second memory
unit. For example, the second memory unit may be a memory unit of a
second channel of the memory device. For instance, MU 232A may be a
memory unit of channel 250B, and one or more MUXes may be
configured to route data to and/or from MU 232A.
[0068] At 845, the address may be received. For example, the
control device may receive the address (e.g., the address received
at 810). For instance, CD 240 may receive the address. At 850, the
first portion of the address may be provided to the second memory
unit. In one example, CD 240 may provide the first portion of the
address to MU 222A. In another example, CD 240 may provide the
first portion of the address to MU 232A.
[0069] At 855, second data associated with the address. For
example, channel 250A may receive the second data associated with
the address. In one or more embodiments, the second data may be
different from the first data. In one or more embodiments, the
second data may be the first data. In one or more embodiments,
receiving the second data associated with the address may include
receiving an error correction code associated with the second data.
For example, the error correction code may be or include a four-bit
error correction code. For instance, channel 250A may have received
eight-bit error correction codes before it was determined that MU
220B had the issue. At 860, a first portion of the second data may
be received. For example, a second channel of the memory module may
receive a first portion of the second data. For instance, channel
250B may receive a first portion of the second data.
[0070] At 865, the first portion of the second data may be stored.
For example, the second memory unit may store the first portion of
the second data. In one instance, MU 222A may store the first
portion of the second data. In one instance, MU 232A may store the
first portion of the second data. At 870, a second portion of the
second data may be provided to the processor. For example, channel
250A may provide a second portion of the second data to processor
120. For instance, the second portion of the data may include data
from MUs 220A and 220C-220N. At 875, the first portion of the
second data may be provided to the processor. In one example,
channel 250B provide the second portion of the second data to
processor 120. For instance, MU 232A may provide the second portion
of the second data to processor 120. In another example, channel
250A provide the second portion of the second data to processor
120. For instance, MU 222A may provide the second portion of the
second data to processor 120. In one or more embodiments, method
elements 840-875 may be performed after determining that the first
memory unit has the issue.
[0071] In one or more embodiments, one or more of the method and/or
process elements and/or one or more portions of a method and/or
processor elements may be performed in varying orders, may be
repeated, or may be omitted. Furthermore, additional,
supplementary, and/or duplicated method and/or process elements may
be implemented, instantiated, and/or performed as desired,
according to one or more embodiments. Moreover, one or more of
system elements may be omitted and/or additional system elements
may be added as desired, according to one or more embodiments.
[0072] In one or more embodiments, a memory medium may be and/or
may include an article of manufacture. For example, the article of
manufacture may include and/or may be a software product and/or a
program product. For instance, the memory medium may be coded
and/or encoded with processor-executable instructions in accordance
with one or more flowcharts, systems, methods, and/or processes
described herein to produce the article of manufacture.
[0073] The above disclosed subject matter is to be considered
illustrative, and not restrictive, and the appended claims are
intended to cover all such modifications, enhancements, and other
embodiments which fall within the true spirit and scope of the
present disclosure. Thus, to the maximum extent allowed by law, the
scope of the present disclosure is to be determined by the broadest
permissible interpretation of the following claims and their
equivalents, and shall not be restricted or limited by the
foregoing detailed description.
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