New Version of Sonics Memory Scheduler Eliminates Critical SoC Design Challenge for Convergence Applications
- MemMax Version 2.0 Removes Memory Performance Bottleneck
- Improves Bandwidth, Power Consumption and Area
The massive increase in data traffic, brought about by the convergence of communications and multimedia processing on a single SoC, is driving the need to improve the efficiency of external memory accesses to and from the SoC. MemMax adds intelligence to the memory subsystem so SoC designers can achieve higher bandwidth while accelerating development times and lowering risk. The availability of a C model version of MemMax also enables SoC architects to model the expected bandwidth before chip development begins.
"With the introduction of multiple processors on an SoC, and only one port to access memory, ensuring all processors have equitable access to memory presents a very complex data flow task," says Drew Wingard, Sonics' CTO. "MemMax is a royalty free, drop-in solution providing an alternative to developing costly and time consuming in-house solutions to address this problem."
Among the new features in MemMax 2.0 is support for version 2.0 of the Open Core Protocol International Partnership (OCP-IP) specification. Other features include asynchronous boundary crossing in the memory buffers of MemMax, and an increase in operating frequencies to 333 MHz based on eight threads at the memory interface. These features were added to meet the next generation requirements of embedded SoC design that will utilize leading edge DRAM technology such as DDR and DDR2.
A compelling advantage of adding MemMax to the memory subsystem design is the ability for SoC developers to utilize compiled RAMs and consolidate the flip-flop based buffers normally distributed among the various initiator cores of an SoC into a single buffer in MemMax. This reduces total SoC die area while improving performance and lowering overall power consumption.
MemMax has been adopted by digital TV appliance, gaming console, and multifunction printer SoC developers in conjunction with Sonics' SMART Interconnects. According to Wingard, "Today we are providing a clear migration path that supports customer SoC design requirements. MemMax 2.0 is ideal for existing and future high-bandwidth applications such as data aggregation and in-home networking and entertainment."
Availability
MemMax Version 2.0 and MemMax Version 2.0 with the C model are currently available. For further information contact 1.650.938.2500 or visit www.sonicsinc.com.
About Sonics
Sonics, Inc. is the premier supplier of SMART Interconnects that deliver high SoC design predictability and increased design efficiency. Major semiconductor and systems companies including Broadcom, Samsung, Texas Instruments and Toshiba have applied Sonics' SMART Interconnects in leading products in the wireless, digital multimedia and communications markets. Sonics is a privately-held company funded by Investar Capital, Smart Technology Ventures, TL Ventures, Easton Hunt Capital, JAFCO Ventures, and H&Q Asia-Pacific. For more information, see www.sonicsinc.com
|
Related News
- Mediatek Licenses Sonics' NoC and Memory Scheduler IP
- Sonics Improves NoC Concurrency Management for SoC Designs with Multi-Channel Memory Sub-systems, Addresses Place & Route Tool Restrictions
- Sonics Unveils Industry's First IP Solution to Solve Memory Bottlenecks and Increase Memory Bandwidth Utilization
- Sonics Combines DRAM Scheduler with Synopsys Protocol Controller For Integrated High-Performance Memory Subsystem
- Sonics Memory Scheduler Improves Memory Efficiencies in High-Bandwidth SoCs
Breaking News
- JEDEC® and Industry Leaders Collaborate to Release JESD270-4 HBM4 Standard: Advancing Bandwidth, Efficiency, and Capacity for AI and HPC
- BrainChip Gives the Edge to Search and Rescue Operations
- ASML targeted in latest round of US tariffs
- Andes Technology Celebrates 20 Years with New Logo and Headquarters Expansion
- Creonic Unveils Bold Rebrand to Drive Innovation in Communication Technologies
Most Popular
- Cadence to Acquire Arm Artisan Foundation IP Business
- AMD Achieves First TSMC N2 Product Silicon Milestone
- Why Do Hyperscalers Design Their Own CPUs?
- Siemens to accelerate customer time to market with advanced silicon IP through new Alphawave Semi partnership
- New TSN-MACsec IP core for secure data transmission in 5G/6G communication networks
![]() |
E-mail This Article | ![]() |
![]() |
Printer-Friendly Page |