Importance

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Abstract

An improved memory module and its use in a computer system is provided. The module includes a DSP first and second individually addressable banks of memory chips. The first bank is configured to function principally under the control of the signal processing element and the second bank is configured to function principally under the control of a system memory controller, although all the portions of each of the memory banks is addressable by both the signal processing element and the system memory controller. Both banks of memory chips can be placed in at least one higher power state and at least one lower power state by either the system memory controller or the DSP. The activity of each bank is sensed while in the higher power state, and the condition of each of the banks is sensed with respect to any activity during operation of the memory bank at the higher power state. The power state of each bank can be changed by either the signal processing element or the system memory controller responsive to preselected conditions of each bank. Each memory bank is returned to a predetermined known condition when changing from a lower power state to a higher power state. This is especially important when the memory bank assigned to the system controller is placed in another state by the DSP.

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First Claim