Wavelength division multiplexed memory module, memory system and method

• US 20040257890A1
• Filed: 07/15/2004
• Published: 12/23/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 09/09/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: JEDDELOH, JOSEPH M., LEE, TERRY R.
• Original Assignee: JEDDELOH, JOSEPH M., LEE, TERRY R.
• Inventors: Jeddeloh, Joseph M., Lee, Terry R.
• Granted Patent: US 7,106,611 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 365/200
• CPC Class Codes: G11C 5/063 Voltage and signal distribution in integrated semi-conductor memory access lines, e.g. word-line, bit-line, cross-over resistance, propagation delay

Abstract

A computer system includes a controller linked to a plurality of memory modules each of which has an optical memory hub and several memory devices coupled to the memory hub. The controller communicates with the memory hubs by coupling optical signals to and from the memory hubs using an optical communication path, such as one or more optical waveguides. In one example of the invention, the memory modules transmit and receive optical signals having different wavelengths. In another example of the invention, the memory modules receive optical signals corresponding to memory command and address signals at different wavelengths, but they transmit and receive optical signals corresponding to memory commands at the same wavelength.

Claims

1. A memory module, comprising:

an insulative substrate;

a plurality of memory devices mounted on the substrate, each of the memory devices having a plurality of electrical input and output terminals including electrical terminals outputting read data signals, electrical terminals inputting write data signals; and

electrical terminals inputting command and address signals;

an optical memory hub mounted on the substrate, the optical memory hub having an optical input/output port and a plurality of electrical input and output terminals including electrical terminals outputting write data signals, electrical terminals inputting read data signals, and electrical terminals outputting command and address signals, the optical memory hub being operable to receive optical input signals coupled to the optical port and to apply corresponding electrical signals to the electrical terminals of the optical memory hub, the optical memory hub being further operable to receive electrical signals at the electrical terminals of the optical memory hub and to apply optical output signals to the optical port, at least some of the optical signals coupled to or from the optical port of the optical memory hub being at different wavelengths; and

electrical conductors formed on the substrate, the electrical conductors coupling the electrical terminals of the optical memory hub to the electrical conductors of the memory devices.

2-69. -69 (Canceled)