IP Library Patent Application 11642727
Patent Application
App. No. 11/642,727

Memory controller

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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US None
App. No.
11/642,727
Abstract

Reference number 21 indicates a CPU, reference number 22 indicates a memory controller, and reference number 23 indicates a parameter set register group that has access parameters shared and used by banks. In the parameter set register group 23 , parameter sets S 0 to Sn having elements P 0 to Pn exist. Reference number 24 indicates an external memory group to be finally accessed. A parameter set selection register 27 selects a parameter set among the parameter sets S 0 to Sn of the parameter set register group 23 so as to be corresponded to each bank. The parameter set selection register 27 stores a unique identifier for each of banks B 0 to Bm, which select the parameter sets S 0 to Sn.

Claims (22)

1 . A memory controller that divides a memory space to be accessed by a CPU into a plurality of banks and accesses each bank on the basis of an access mode determined by a parameter set corresponding to each bank, the memory controller comprising:

a register that selects a parameter set corresponding to each bank from a parameter set register which stores the parameter set in the form of a table capable of being commonly used in each bank, and sets an access mode for each bank.

2 . The memory controller according to claim 1 ,

wherein the register stores an identifier of the parameter set corresponding to each bank.

3 . The memory controller according to claim 2 ,

wherein the register is set in a non-defined area in the memory space.

4 . The memory controller according to claim 1 ,

wherein the number of parameter sets are smaller than the number of banks.

5 . The memory controller according to claim 4 ,

wherein an initial value is the parameter set corresponding to a low speed mode.

6 . The memory controller according to claim 1 , further comprising:

a ROM that stores a parameter set of which utilization is estimated in advance.

7 . The memory controller according to claim 1 , further comprising:

a bandwidth detecting circuit that detects an access frequency of the CPU to the bank and selects the parameter set on the basis of the access frequency.

8 . The memory controller according to claim 1 , further comprising:

a bandwidth detecting circuit that detects an access frequency of the CPU to the bank and changes a set value of the parameter set selection register on the basis of the access frequency.

9 . The memory controller according to claim 1 , further comprising:

a power saving mode control circuit that, in a power saving mode, selects an access mode corresponding to the power saving mode.

10 . The memory controller according to claim 1 , further comprising:

an access mode sequencer that holds a sequence for switching an access mode to the bank in accordance with a predetermined event.

11 . The memory controller according to claim 10 , further comprising:

an event trigger register that detects an event and informs the access mode sequencer of timing for switching the bank.

Assignments (2)
CHANGE OF NAME Recorded Nov 24, 2008
From: MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.
To: PANASONIC CORPORATION
Reel/Frame 021897/0689 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Jun 19, 2007
From: ABE, SHINICHI
To: MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.
Reel/Frame 019450/0859 →