Memory Controllers, Systems, and Methods Supporting Multiple Request Modes

A method of operation in a memory system, the method comprising:

• determining mode, selected from a first mode, in which a first memory is used for a memory access, the first memory having first and second sections of memory cells, and a second mode, in which a selective one of the first memory or a second memory is used for the memory access;
• sending first memory transaction requests to the first memory via a first set of request lines, irrespective of mode;
• and
• sending second memory transaction requests via a second set of request lines, either to the first memory or to the second memory, if present, dependent on the determined mode.

A memory system, comprising:

• a memory controller;
• a first memory having two sections of memory cells;
• and
• first and second request links;
• where the memory system supports two modes, including
• a first mode where the controller is to communicate memory transaction requests to individual sections of the first memory via respective ones of the first request link and the second request link, and
• a second mode supporting a configuration where a second memory is also present, the controller to communicate memory transaction requests to the first memory over the first request link and to the second memory over the second request link, respectively.

An apparatus, comprising:

• means for determining mode, selected from a first mode, in which a first memory is used for a memory access, the first memory having first and second sections of memory cells, and a second mode, in which one of the first memory or a second memory is used for the memory access;
• means for sending first memory transaction requests to the first memory via a first set of request lines, irrespective of mode;
• and
• means for sending second memory transaction requests via a second set of request lines, either to the first memory or to the second memory, if present, dependent on memory system operating mode.