TWI703450B - Motherboard supporting different types of memories - Google Patents

Abstract

A motherboard including a storage circuit, a first slot, a control circuit and a voltage generator circuit is provided. The storage circuit is configured to store a first boot code and a second boot code. The first slot is configured to be inserted by a first memory module and includes a first specific pin. The first memory module controls the voltage level of the first specific pin. The control circuit retrieves the first or second boot code according to the voltage level of the first specific pin. The voltage generator circuit generates a first operation voltage or a second operation voltage to the first slot according to the voltage level of the first specific pin.

Description

Motherboards supporting different types of memory

The present invention relates to a motherboard, and particularly relates to a motherboard supporting different types of memory.

With the advancement of technology, the types and functions of portable electronic devices are increasing. At present, most of the memory inside the portable electronic device is directly soldered to the motherboard inside the portable electronic device. When the memory is abnormal, the portable electronic device will not work normally, and users cannot replace the memory by themselves.

Furthermore, computer motherboards on the market provide multiple slots for users to insert multiple memory modules. However, each motherboard can only support a single memory module (such as DDR3). When the user inserts the correct memory module, the motherboard can operate normally. However, in the process of assembling a computer by itself, users are likely to purchase memory modules of different specifications (such as DDR4), and the new memory modules cannot be used on the motherboard.

Furthermore, in order to maintain the transmission speed of the memory module, users cannot insert the memory module into an adapter, and then insert the adapter (together with the memory module) into the slot on the motherboard. Will reduce the transmission speed of the memory module.

The present invention provides a motherboard supporting different types of memory, including a storage circuit, a first slot, a control circuit and a voltage generating circuit. The storage circuit stores a first activation code and a second activation code. The first slot is used for inserting a first memory module and has a first specific pin. The first memory module controls the voltage level of the first specific pin. The control circuit retrieves the first or second startup code according to the voltage level of the first specific pin. The voltage generating circuit generates a first operating voltage or a second operating voltage to the first slot according to the voltage level of the first specific pin. When the voltage level of the first specific pin matches a first preset value, the voltage generating circuit generates the first operating voltage and the control circuit captures the first startup code. When the voltage level of the first specific pin does not meet the first preset value, the voltage generating circuit generates the second operating voltage and the control circuit captures the second startup code.

In order to make the purpose, features and advantages of the present invention more comprehensible, embodiments are specifically listed below, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, for detailed description. The specification of the present invention provides different examples to illustrate the technical features of different embodiments of the present invention. Wherein, the configuration of each element in the embodiment is for illustrative purposes, and is not intended to limit the present invention. In addition, the part of the repetition of the drawing symbols in the embodiments is for simplifying the description and does not mean the relevance between different embodiments.

Figure 1A is a possible schematic diagram of the motherboard of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the motherboard 100A includes a control circuit 110A, a storage circuit 120, a voltage generation circuit 130, and a slot 140. The slot 140 is used to insert a memory module and has a specific pin _PS1 . The invention does not limit the type of memory module. In this embodiment, the socket 140 supports different types of memory. For example, the memory module may be DDR3, DDR3L, DDR4, LPDDR3, or LPDDR4. Taking LPDDR4 as an example, the conventional LPDDR4 is directly soldered on the motherboard. When LPDDR4 is abnormal, even if other components of the motherboard can still operate normally, the motherboard will not be able to maintain normal operation. Therefore, the user must replace the motherboard. However, when LPDDR4 is modularized and inserted into the slot 140, if an abnormality occurs on the motherboard, the user can know whether the abnormality is caused by the memory module by replacing the memory module with a new one, so modularization LPDDR4 can greatly improve the convenience of maintenance personnel in troubleshooting. In this embodiment, no matter what kind of memory module (DDR3, DDR3L, DDR4, LPDDR3 or LPDDR4) is inserted into the slot 140, the motherboard 100 can operate normally.

In the present embodiment, when different types of memory module into the slot 140, pin 140, the slot-specific P _S1 having different voltage levels. For example, when the first type of memory module (e.g., DDR4,) into the slot 140, pin P _S1 particular voltage level V _S1 may be a first level (e.g., 0V). When the second type of memory module (e.g., the LPDDR4) into the slot 140, pin P _S1 particular voltage level V _S1 may be a second level (e.g., 1V). When the memory module of the third type (e.g., DDR3) into the slot 140, pin P _S1 particular voltage level V _S1 may be a third level (e.g., 2V). Therefore, by determining the voltage level V _{S1 of the} specific pin P _S1 , the type of memory module inserted into the slot 140 can be known. In other embodiments, different memory modules when inserted into the slot 140, the memory module through a specific pin P _S1 outputs a detection series (Serial Presence Detect; SPD) data itself. Therefore, from the SPD data, the type of memory module can also be identified.

The control circuit 110A according to a specific pin P _S1 of the voltage level V _S1, stored in the storage circuit 120 fetch boot code COD _A or COD _B, suitable for executing the boot program memory module. In this embodiment, the control circuit 110A includes a platform controller hub (PCH) 111. In this example, the platform path controller 111 may compare the voltage level V _S1 with a first preset value. When the voltage level V _S1 meets the first preset value, it means that the memory module in the slot 140 belongs to the first type (such as DDR4). Therefore, the platform path controller 111 retrieves the startup code COD _A. However, when the voltage level V _S1 does not meet the first preset value, it means that the memory module in the socket 140 belongs to the second type (such as LPDDR4). Therefore, the platform path controller 111 retrieves the boot code COD _B. In other embodiments, when the voltage level V _S1 does not meet the first preset value but meets a second preset value, it means that the memory module in the slot 140 belongs to the second type (such as LPDDR4). Therefore, the platform path controller 111 retrieves the boot code COD _B. In some embodiments, when the voltage level V _S1 does not meet the first and second preset values, but meets a third preset value, it means that the memory module in the slot 140 belongs to the third type (such as DDR3) . Therefore, the platform path controller 111 retrieves the boot code COD _C.

The storage circuit 120 is used to store startup codes required by different types of memories. The invention does not limit the number of boot codes stored in the storage circuit 120. In one possible embodiment, the storage circuit 120 is a non-volatile memory and has a single basic input output system (BIOS) for storing boot codes COD _A to COD _C. In other embodiments, the storage circuit 120 may have a plurality of storage elements. Each storage element has a basic input output system and a boot code.

In other embodiments, the control circuit 110A generates a signal S _A in accordance with a particular adjustment pin P _S1 of the voltage level V _S1, the command voltage generation circuit 130 for generating the operating voltage VA or VB to the slot 140. For example, when the voltage level V _S1 meets the first preset value, the control circuit 110A commands the voltage generating circuit 130 to generate the operating voltage VA through the adjustment signal S _A. When the voltage level V _S1 corresponds to a second predetermined value, the control circuit 110A through the adjustment signal S _A, the command voltage generation circuit 130 generates the working voltage VB. When the voltage level V _S1 meets a third preset value, the control circuit 110A commands the voltage generating circuit 130 to generate the third operating voltage.

In the present embodiment, the voltage generating circuit 130 provides the operating voltage according to the adjustment signal S _A to the slot 140, but not to limit the present invention. In other embodiments, the voltage generating circuit 130 is directly coupled to the specific pin _PS1 . In this embodiment, the voltage generating circuit 130 generates the operating voltage corresponding to the (VA or VB) is directly depending on the specific pin P _S1 of the voltage level V _S1. The invention does not limit the structure of the voltage generating circuit 130. Any, may voltage generation circuit 130 as a circuit structure in accordance with a control signal (such as S _A or V _S1) to generate a voltage.

When different types of memory modules are inserted into the slot 140, the voltage level V _S1 of the specific pin _PS1 of the slot 140 will change. By detecting the change of the voltage level V _{S1 of the} specific pin P _S1 , the type of the memory module can be known. According to the type of memory module, provide the appropriate working voltage (VA or VB) to the memory module, and select and execute the appropriate startup code (COD _A or COD _B ). Since the motherboard 100A can support different types of memory modules, the flexibility of the motherboard 100A is greatly improved.

Figure 1B is another possible schematic diagram of the motherboard of the present invention. FIG. 1B is similar to FIG. 1A, except that the control circuit 110B in FIG. 1B further includes a central processing unit (CPU) 112. The CPU 112 executes a boot process according to the boot code COD _A or COD _B , and reads the memory module in the slot 140. For example, when the voltage level V _{S1 of the} specific pin P _S1 meets the first preset value, the platform path controller 111 retrieves the startup code COD _A and provides the startup code COD _A to the central processing unit 112. In this example, the central processing unit 112 executes the boot code COD _A and reads the memory module in the slot 140. However, when the voltage level V _{S1 of the} specific pin P _S1 does not meet the first preset value (such as the second preset value), the platform path controller 111 retrieves the startup code COD _B and provides the startup code COD _B Give to the central processing unit 112. At this time, the central processing unit 112 executes the boot code COD _B and reads the memory module in the slot 140. In other embodiments, when a particular pin P _S1 of the voltage level corresponds to the third predetermined value V _S1, platform controller hub 111 to retrieve the boot code COD _C, and boot code COD _C to provide the central processor 112. The central processing unit 112 executes the boot code COD _C and reads the memory module in the slot 140. In other embodiments, the central processing unit 112 may be independent of the control circuit 110B.

Figure 1C is another possible schematic diagram of the motherboard of the present invention. FIG. 1C is similar to FIG. 1A except that the control circuit 100C in FIG. 1C includes a voltage adjustment element 113. The voltage adjustment element 113 generates a setting signal S _S according to the adjustment signal S _A. The voltage generating circuit 130 generates a working voltage VA or VB according to the setting signal S _S. In a possible embodiment, the setting signal S _S may be a current signal or a level signal. In other embodiments, the voltage adjusting element 113 may provide the setting signal S _S to the voltage generating circuit 130 through a system management bus 114. In other embodiments, the voltage adjustment element 113 may be independent of the control circuit 110C. In some embodiments, the central processing unit 112 in FIG. 1B may be disposed in or outside the control circuit 110C. In this example, the central processing unit reads the memory module of the slot 140 according to the boot code issued by the platform path controller 111, and performs a boot procedure suitable for the memory module.

Figure 2A is another possible schematic diagram of the motherboard of the present invention. In this embodiment, the motherboard 200A includes a control circuit 210A, a storage circuit 220, a voltage generation circuit 230, and a slot 240. The control circuit 210A determines whether the memory module has been inserted into the slot 240 according to the voltage level V _{S1 of the} specific pin P _S1 . When a memory module is inserted into the slot 240, the control circuit 210A in accordance with the voltage level V _S1, determine the type of memory module, and retrieve the appropriate code from the power storage circuit 220 according to the determination result, and sends an adjustment signal S _A , To command the voltage generating circuit 230 to generate a suitable operating voltage for the slot 240. Since the characteristics of the control circuit 210A, the voltage generating circuit 230, and the slot 240 are similar to those of the control circuit 110B, the voltage generating circuit 130, and the slot 140 in FIG. 1B, they will not be described again.

In this embodiment, the storage circuit 220 includes storage elements 221 and 222. The storage component 221 stores the boot code COD _A and has a first basic input output system. The storage component 222 stores the boot code COD _B and has a second basic input output system. In this embodiment, the storage elements 221 and 222 are independent of each other. When the control circuit 210A reads the storage element 221, the storage element 222 does not operate. When the control circuit 210A reads the storage element 222, the storage element 221 does not operate. In other embodiments, the storage circuit 220 has more storage elements for storing more boot codes. In some embodiments, the storage circuit 220 can replace the storage circuit 120 in FIGS. 1A to 1C.

Figure 2B is another possible schematic diagram of the motherboard of the present invention. FIG. 2B is similar to FIG. 2A, except that the control circuit 210B in FIG. 2B includes a switch circuit 213. The switch circuit 213 provides paths 214 and 215. The path 214 is coupled between an output terminal 216 and the storage element 221. The path 215 is coupled between the output terminal 216 and the storage element 222. In this embodiment, the switch circuit 213 conducts the path 214 or 215 according to the voltage level V _{S1 of the} specific pin P _S1 to provide the startup code COD _A or COD _B to the output terminal 216.

For example, when the voltage level V _{S1 of the} specific pin P _S1 meets a first preset value, the switch circuit 213 conducts the path 214 to provide the startup code COD _A to the output terminal 216. When the voltage level V _{S1 of the} specific pin P _S1 does not meet the second preset value, the switch circuit 213 conducts the path 215 to provide the startup code COD _B to the output terminal 216. In other embodiments, when the storage circuit 220 has more storage elements, the switch circuit 213 provides more paths for transmitting different startup codes to the output terminal 216. In other embodiments, the switch circuit 213 may be applied to the control circuit 210A in FIG. 2A.

Platform controller hub 211 is coupled to the output terminal between the voltage generating circuit 216 and 230, and generate an adjustment signal S _A in accordance with the output terminal 216 of the boot code. For example, when the switch circuit 213 is turned on path 214, the platform controller hub 211 generates the adjustment signal S _A in accordance with the boot code COD _A, a command to an output voltage generating circuit 230 to the operating voltage V _A slot 240. When the switch circuit 213 is turned on path 215, the platform controller hub 211 generates the adjustment signal S _A in accordance with the boot code COD _B, a command to the voltage generating circuit 230 outputs the operating voltage V _B to the slot 240.

In other embodiments, the control circuit 210B further has a central processing unit (not shown). In this example, the central processing unit is used to execute the boot code received by the platform path controller 211. In some embodiments, the central processing unit is independent of the control circuit 210B.

Figure 3 is another possible schematic diagram of the motherboard of the present invention. Figure 3 is similar to Figure 1A, except that the motherboard 300 includes slots 340 and 350. The slot 340 is used for inserting a first memory module, and has a specific pin _PS1 . The slot 350 is used for inserting a second memory module, and has a specific pin _PS2 . In a possible embodiment, the slots 340 and 350 have a tenon 341 and 351 respectively. In this example, the position of the tenon 341 relative to the slot 340 is the same as the position of the tenon 351 relative to the slot 350 to prevent the user from inserting different types of memory modules into the slots 340 and 350. When the user inserts different types of memory modules into the slots 340 and 350 (for example, the user inserts a DDR4 memory module into the slot 340 and inserts an LPDDR4 memory module into the slot 350), the motherboard 300 stops operating. The present invention does not limit the number of slots. In other embodiments, the motherboard 300 may have other numbers of slots.

The control circuit 310 includes a platform path controller 311. Platform controller hub 311 determines whether a memory module is inserted into the slot 340 and pin 350 depending upon the particular P _S1 of the voltage level V _S1 P _S2 and specific pin voltage level V _S2. For example, when the memory module has not been inserted into the slots 340 and 350, the voltage levels V _S1 and V _S2 meet an initial value. When the memory module is inserted into the slots 340 and/or 350, the voltage levels V _S1 and/or V _S2 will change. At this time, the platform path controller 311 determines the type of the memory module according to the voltage levels V _S1 and V _S2 . Since the platform path controller 311 judges the type of the memory module in the same manner as the platform path controller 111 in FIG. 1A, it will not be repeated.

In this embodiment, when the first memory module is inserted into the slot 340 and the second memory module is inserted into the slot 350, if the voltage level V _{S1 is} different from the voltage level V _S2 , it indicates the type of the first memory module Different from the type of the second memory module. For example, the first memory module may be a DDR4 memory module, and the second memory module is an LPDDR4 memory module. Thus, the platform controller hub 311 may suspend the operation of, or the voltage generating circuit 330 to suspend the output operation voltage through slots 340 and 350 to adjust the command signal S _A. In a possible embodiment, the platform path controller 311 may not retrieve the startup code COD _A or COD _B. In other embodiments, the platform path controller 311 may read the boot code (such as COD _A ) of the first memory module according to a set value, and instruct the voltage generating circuit 330 to output an appropriate operating voltage to the slot 340, but Does not output any working voltage to the slot 350. After the boot operation is completed, the platform path controller 311 sends out a warning message to inform the user that the type of the memory module is different, so that the user can replace or remove it immediately.

However, when the voltage level V _{S1 is the} same as the voltage level V _S2 , it means that the type of the first memory module is the same as the type of the second memory module. Therefore, the platform path controller 311 retrieves the appropriate startup code (such as COD _A ) from the storage circuit 320. In one possible embodiment, the platform path controller 311 provides the boot code to a central processing unit (not shown). The central processing unit may be integrated in the control circuit 310 or independent of the control circuit 310. In this example, the central processing unit reads the first and/or second memory modules according to the boot code provided by the platform path controller 311 to execute a boot process.

In some embodiments, the control circuit 310 may further include a switch circuit (not shown). The switch circuit determines whether the voltage level V _S1 is the same as the voltage level V _S2 . When the voltage level V _{S1 is the} same as the voltage level V _S2 , the switch circuit provides the startup code COD _A or COD _B to the platform path controller 311 according to the voltage level V _S1 . In other embodiments, the control circuit 310 further includes a voltage regulation element (not shown), for processing adjustment signal S _A, and generates a setting signal (not shown). In this example, the voltage generating circuit 330 provides operating voltages to the slots 340 and 350 according to the setting signal.

In this embodiment, the voltage generating circuit 330 uses different pins to couple the sockets 340 and 350, but it is not intended to limit the invention. In other embodiments, the voltage generating circuit 330 is coupled to the sockets 340 and 350 with the same pin. Since the characteristics of the voltage generating circuit 330 are similar to those of the voltage generating circuit 130 in FIG. 1A, the description is omitted. In addition, the characteristics of the storage circuit 320 are similar to the characteristics of the storage circuit 120 in FIG. 1A, and therefore will not be repeated. In other embodiments, the storage circuit 220 in FIG. 2A can replace the storage circuit 320 in FIG. 3.

When different types of memory modules 340 and 350 into the slot, the slot-specific pin 340 and 350 and the P _S1 P _S2 of the voltage level V _S1 and V _S2 will change. Thus, by detecting changes in _S1 V _S2 and specific pin P _S1 P _S2 and the voltage level V, will be aware of the type of memory module, and depending on the type of memory module, provides a suitable operating voltage to the memory Module and select an appropriate boot code to perform the boot process to make the motherboard 300 operate normally.

Unless otherwise defined, all vocabulary (including technical and scientific vocabulary) herein belong to the general understanding of persons with ordinary knowledge in the technical field of the present invention. In addition, unless clearly stated, the definition of a word in a general dictionary should be interpreted as consistent with the meaning in the article in its related technical field, and should not be interpreted as an ideal state or an overly formal voice.

Although the present invention has been disclosed as above in preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Anyone with ordinary knowledge in the relevant technical field can make some changes and modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. . For example, the system, device, or method of the embodiment of the present invention can be implemented in a physical embodiment of hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software. Therefore, the protection scope of the present invention shall be subject to those defined by the attached patent application scope.

100A, 100B, 100C, 200A, 200B, 300: motherboard 110A, 110B, 110C, 210A, 210B, 310: control circuit 111, 211, 311: platform path controller 112, 212: central processing unit 113: voltage adjustment component 114: System management bus 120, 220, 320: Storage circuit 130, 230, 330: Voltage generating circuit 140, 240, 340, 350: Slot 221, 222: Storage element 213: Switch circuit 214, 215: Path 216: Output terminals 341, 351: latch P _S1 , P _S2 : specific pins V _S1 , V _S2 : voltage level COD _A ~ COD _C : startup code S _A : adjustment signal S _S : setting signal VA, VB: working voltage

Figures 1A to 1C are possible schematic diagrams of the motherboard of the present invention. 2A and 2B are possible schematic diagrams of the motherboard of the present invention. Figure 3 is another possible schematic diagram of the motherboard of the present invention.

100A: Motherboard

110A: Control circuit

111: Platform Path Controller

120: storage circuit

130: voltage generating circuit

140: Slot

P _S1 : specific pin

V _S1 : voltage level

COD _A ~COD _C : startup code

S _A : adjust signal

VA, VB: working voltage

Claims (15)

A motherboard supporting different types of memory includes: a storage circuit storing a first activation code and a second activation code; a first slot for inserting a first memory module, and having a first A specific pin, wherein the first memory module controls the voltage level of the first specific pin; a second slot for inserting a second memory module; a control circuit according to the first specific pin Extract the first or second boot code; and a voltage generating circuit, according to the voltage level of the first specific pin, generate a first operating voltage or a second operating voltage to the first A slot, wherein: when the voltage level of the first specific pin meets a first preset value, the voltage generating circuit generates the first operating voltage and the control circuit captures the first boot code, when the When the voltage level of the first specific pin does not meet the first preset value, the voltage generating circuit generates the second operating voltage and the control circuit retrieves the second boot code, when the first memory module is inserted into the In the first slot, the second memory module is inserted into the second slot, and when the type of the first memory module is different from the type of the second memory module, the voltage generating circuit supplies power to the first slot And no power is supplied to the second slot. For the motherboard supporting different types of memory as described in item 1 of the scope of patent application, the control circuit includes: A platform path controller generates an adjustment signal according to the voltage level of the first specific pin to command the voltage generating circuit to generate the first or second operating voltage to the first slot. For the motherboard supporting different types of memory as described in item 2 of the scope of patent application, the control circuit further includes: a central processing unit that reads the first memory module according to the first or second boot code, wherein : When the voltage level of the first specific pin meets the first preset value, the platform path controller provides the first boot code to the CPU, and when the voltage level of the first specific pin is not When the first preset value is met, the platform path controller provides the second boot code to the central processing unit. For the motherboard supporting different types of memory as described in the scope of the patent application, the control circuit further includes: a voltage adjustment element, which generates a setting signal according to the adjustment signal, wherein the voltage generation circuit according to the setting The signal generates the first or second operating voltage. As described in item 1 of the scope of patent application, the motherboard supporting different types of memory, wherein the storage circuit includes a basic input output system (BIOS) for storing the first and second boot codes. As described in the first item of the scope of patent application, the motherboard supporting different types of memory, wherein the storage circuit includes: a first storage element for storing the first boot code; and a second storage element for storing The second boot code. As described in item 6 of the scope of patent application, the motherboard supports different types of memory, wherein the control circuit includes: a switch circuit that conducts a first path or a second path according to the voltage level of the first specific pin Two paths, wherein the first path is coupled between an output terminal and the first storage element, the second path is coupled between the output terminal and the second storage element; and a platform path controller, coupled Connected between the output terminal and the voltage generating circuit, wherein: when the voltage level of the first specific pin matches the first preset value, the switch circuit conducts the first path, and when the first specific pin is connected When the voltage level of the pin does not meet the first preset value, the switch circuit turns on the second path. As described in item 6 of the scope of patent application, the motherboard supporting different types of memory, wherein the first storage element includes a first basic input output system, and the second storage element includes a second basic input output system. As described in the first item of the scope of patent application, a motherboard supporting different types of memory, wherein when the voltage level of the first specific pin matches a second preset value, the voltage generating circuit generates the second operating voltage And the control circuit executes the second startup code, and the second preset value is different from the first preset value. As described in the first item of the scope of patent application, the motherboard supporting different types of memory, wherein when the voltage level of the first specific pin meets a third preset value, the voltage generating circuit generates a third operating voltage And the control circuit executes a third boot code, and the third boot code is stored in the storage circuit. The motherboard that supports different types of memory as described in item 1 of the scope of patent application, wherein when the first memory module is inserted into the first slot, the first memory module provides a serial detection (SPD) data To the first specific pin, the control circuit retrieves the first or second startup code according to the serial detection data. The motherboard supporting different types of memory as described in the scope of patent application 1, wherein the second socket has a second specific pin, and the second memory module controls the voltage level of the second specific pin quasi. As described in item 12 of the scope of patent application, the motherboard supporting different types of memory, wherein the first memory module is a DDR4 memory module, and the second memory module is an LPDDR4 memory module. The motherboard that supports different types of memory as described in item 12 of the scope of patent application, wherein when the first and second memory modules are inserted into the first and second slots respectively and the voltage level of the first specific pin is When the voltage level is different from the voltage level of the second specific pin, the control circuit stops operating. The motherboard supporting different types of memory as described in claim 1, wherein the first slot has a first tenon, the second slot has a second tenon, and the first tenon is opposite The position of the first slot is the same as the position of the second tenon relative to the second slot.

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