Method and apparatus for sending data from multiple sources over a communications bus

摘要

In a memory system, multiple memory modules communicate over a bus. Each memory module may include a hub and at least one memory storage unit. The hub receives local data from the memory storage units, and downstream data from one or more other memory modules. The hub assembles data to be sent over the bus within a data block structure, which is divided into multiple lanes. An indication is made of where, within the data block structure, a breakpoint will occur in the data being placed on the bus by a first source (e.g., the local or downstream data). Based on the indication, data from a second source (e.g., the downstream or local data) is placed in the remainder of the data block, thus reducing gaps on the bus. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed.

主权项

1. A method comprising:
receiving, by a first hub, downstream data from a second hub over a communications bus coupled to the first hub; receiving, by the first hub, local data from one or more memory storage units coupled to the first hub; and assembling the downstream data and the local data into a first section and a second section of a data block to be sent in a contiguous manner, wherein the second section is contiguous with an end of the first section, herein the downstream data is one of first source data or second source data, the local data is another one of the first source data and the second source data, wherein an indication of a lane identifier that corresponds with one of a last lane of the first section and a first lane of the second section is generated during a first processing period, wherein a first portion of the first source data is arranged within the data block during the first processing period, and wherein a remainder portion of the first source data is arranged within the first section of the data block during a second processing period.