Asymmetric Memory Storage Elements for Power Saving
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Solution Overview
Problem
Symmetrical storage elements with feedback loops in data processing arrays lead to random value storage upon power-up, causing unnecessary power consumption when accessing meaningless data, as different values in a column cause output stages to toggle, increasing power usage.
Innovation Solution
Designing storage elements with asymmetry in their feedback loops so that all or most elements in a column preferentially store and output the same value upon power-up, reducing power consumption by minimizing unnecessary state changes in output stages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If storage elements are designed to be symmetrical, then they have balanced performance for storing ones and zeros, but they store random values on power-up causing output stages to toggle and consume power
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by designing feedback loops with unequal transistor widths (e.g., first transistor wider than second transistor) to create a preferred state. This asymmetry causes storage elements to preferentially store a specific value (e.g., zero) on power-up, preventing random toggling of output stages and reducing power consumption during meaningless data access
2Use of energy by moving object
If storage elements are made asymmetrical to preferentially store a value, then power consumption is reduced, but the storage elements are no longer perfectly balanced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making asymmetry specific to certain transistors within the feedback loop (e.g., only the first and second transistors have unequal widths) while maintaining overall circuit functionality. This localized asymmetry is sufficient to create a preferred state without requiring complete redesign of the entire storage element, thus reducing power consumption while preserving essential storage balance
3Productivity
If all banks are read during access, then data can be retrieved, but banks without valid data consume power unnecessarily
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of random value storage into a beneficial feature by designing asymmetrical feedback loops that preferentially store a specific value (e.g., zero). During meaningless data access or when banks don't contain valid data, the asymmetry ensures all storage elements output the same preferred value, preventing output stage toggling and converting what would be wasted power into efficient operation
Data Source
AI summary
An array of storage elements each comprising a data input and output and a feedback loop, substantially all of said feedback loops being formed with an asymmetry such that on power up when no input data signal is received a value is preferentially stored in said feedback loops such that substantially all of said storage elements will preferentially output a same value.