Shared terminal memory interface
AssigneeMarvell International Ltd.
InventorsSaeed Azimi, Po-Chien Chang
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A memory architecture for a disk drive system in which Synchronous Random Access Memory (SRAM) and Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM) functions are provided on separate integrated circuits, and an interface protocol for transmitting information between these two memory components are provided to improve performance of the system, as well as reduce pin count and cost. An integrated circuit memory includes a random-access memory. The random-access memory includes a first terminal for receiving selection information. The random-access memory includes a second terminal for selectively (i) receiving a command, or (ii) receiving or transmitting data in accordance with the selection information received by the first terminal.
Claims12
An integrated circuit memory, comprising:
- a random-access memory including:
- a first terminal for receiving a select signal that does not include address information;
- and
- a second terminal for receiving commands, data, and address information and for selectively (i) receiving a command, and (ii) receiving or transmitting data in accordance with the select signal received by the first terminal, wherein the command initiates at least one of reading the data from the random-access memory and writing the data to the random-access memory.
An integrated circuit memory, comprising:
- random-access memory means including:
- first terminal means for receiving a select signal that does not include address information;
- and
- second terminal means for receiving commands, data, and address information and for selectively (i) receiving a command, and (ii) receiving or transmitting data in accordance with the select signal received by the first terminal means, wherein the command initiates at least one of reading the data from the random-access memory and writing the data to the random-access memory.
A method of interfacing for a memory system, comprising the steps of:
- a.) receiving a select signal that does not include address information at a first terminal;
- and
- b.) selectively:
- (i) receiving a command at a second terminal for receiving commands, data, and address information, and
- (ii) receiving or transmitting data in accordance with the select signal received in step (a) at the second terminal,
- wherein the command initiates at least one of reading and writing the data at the first terminal.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.