Enhanced memory module architecture
First Claim
1. A memory module comprising:
- a printed circuit assembly having connector pads at one edge of said assembly; and
a plurality of memory devices mounted on said assembly and electrically coupled to said connector pads wherein said printed circuit assembly is adapted to support both synchronous and asynchronous types of said memory devices.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A memory module architecture that supports Flash and static memory devices in addition to dynamic memory devices. The module architecture of the present invention preferably redefines standard application of chip select signals on existing module architectures to provide requisite signaling to support Flash and static RAM devices. Use of serial presence detect signaling features of standard memory modules is also modified to provide desired identity and parameters of such an enhanced module. Extending the range of supported memory devices in an otherwise standard memory module reduces the need for special designs to accommodate different and evolving types of memory and is therefore particularly applicable to embedded systems where a variety of memory types are often utilized. A further aspect of the present invention provides for a support structure to immobilize the loose edge of the memory module opposite the electrical edge connector of the module to further enhance the module'"'"'s resistance to vibration and mechanical shock by immobilizing the module with respect to rotation about the key in the socket connector.
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Citations
33 Claims
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1. A memory module comprising:
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a printed circuit assembly having connector pads at one edge of said assembly; and
a plurality of memory devices mounted on said assembly and electrically coupled to said connector pads wherein said printed circuit assembly is adapted to support both synchronous and asynchronous types of said memory devices. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A system comprising:
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a system board;
a memory bus adapted for exchanging signals between a memory controller and both synchronous and asynchronous memory devices;
a memory controller on said system board coupled to said memory bus wherein said memory controller is capable of generating signals for control of both synchronous and asynchronous memory devices and wherein said memory controller is capable of multiplexing said signals on said memory bus;
a first socket connector on said system board for receiving a first memory module wherein said first socket connector is coupled to said memory controller through said memory bus; and
a first memory module inserted in said first socket connector and electrically coupled to said memory controller wherein said first memory module includes a plurality of synchronous or asynchronous memory devices. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21)
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22. The system of claim 17
wherein said first memory module includes a plurality of asynchronous Flash memory devices, and wherein said second memory module includes a plurality of asynchronous static random access memory devices.
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22-1. A system comprising:
- a system board;
a socket connector on said system board for receiving a memory module wherein said socket connector includes a key;
a memory module having a connector edge inserted in said socket connector and having an opposing edge opposite said connector edge wherein said memory module has a notch mated to said key when said memory module is inserted in said socket connector; and
a memory module retainer adapted to substantially immobilize said opposing edge with respect to rotation about said key.
- a system board;
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28. A system comprising:
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a system board;
a socket connector on said system board for receiving a memory module wherein said socket connector includes a key;
a memory module having a connector edge inserted in said socket connector and having an opposing edge opposite said connector edge wherein said memory module has a notch mated to said key when said memory module is inserted in said socket connector; and
memory module retainer means adapted to substantially immobilize said opposing edge with respect to rotation about said key.
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Specification