Write data mask method and system

摘要

A method and system for performing byte-writes are described, where byte-writes involve writing only particular bytes of a multiple byte write operation. Embodiments include mask data that indicates which bytes are to be written in a byte-write operation. No dedicated mask pin(s) or dedicated mask line(s) are used. In one embodiment, the mask data is transmitted on data lines and store in response to a write_mask command. In one embodiment, the mask data is transmitted as part of the write command.

主权项

1. A method, comprising:
transmitting a data mask comprising a plurality of bits indicating corresponding bytes of multiple bytes of data to be written in a write operation from a first system component to a second system component as a portion of a write command over an address/command line of an interface for coupling the first system component and the second system component, wherein the data is transmitted in a plurality of consecutive bursts during a time period when the write command is a write_mask command.