Blocking Multiple Memory Read Port Activation Using Polarity Hold Latch
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing semiconductor memory systems with multiple read ports face performance limitations due to the delay caused by the comparing function required to block simultaneous activation of multiple read ports from the same memory cell, which counteracts the benefits of improved performance and reduced power consumption.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes a first memory read port word line driver with a polarity hold latch connected to a buffer and a second memory read port word line driver with a blocking switch, allowing or blocking signal transmission based on a signal assertion, eliminating the need for an ancillary compare function to block multiple read port activation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a comparing function is used to detect data requests from multiple read ports for the same memory location, then multiple read port activation can be blocked, but the performance of the memory system is limited due to the delay involved with completing the comparing function
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-establishing connection relationships between read ports and memory locations through a lookup table before operation. When a read request arrives, the system checks the pre-computed connection information instead of performing real-time comparison, thus blocking multiple read port activation without the delay of completing a comparing function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical comparing function with an information-based lookup mechanism. Instead of actively comparing address signals through complex circuitry, the system uses pre-stored connection information from a lookup table to determine whether multiple read ports are requesting the same memory location, substituting a slow mechanical comparison process with a faster information retrieval operation.
2Reliability
If a comparing function is used to detect data requests from multiple read ports, then multiple read port activation can be blocked, but power consumption increases due to the continuous operation of the comparing function
Solution Approach 1:
The comparing function is replaced by pre-computed connection information stored in a lookup table. This eliminates the need for continuous operation of active comparing circuits, as the system simply retrieves pre-established connection data when read requests arrive, significantly reducing power consumption while maintaining the ability to block multiple read port activation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the power-intensive mechanical comparing function with a low-power information lookup operation. By using pre-stored connection information rather than active comparison circuits, the system achieves the same reliability function with dramatically reduced power consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for blocking multiple memory read port activation including a first memory read port word line driver that includes a first polarity hold latch with an output connected to an input of a first buffer, and a second memory read port word line driver that includes a second polarity hold latch with an output connected to an input of a blocking switch and a second buffer with an input connected to an output of the blocking switch, wherein a second input of the blocking switch is also connected to the output of the first polarity hold latch and the blocking switch is configured to allow or block a signal transmission between the input and the output of the blocking switch dependent on a signal assertion of the second input to the blocking switch.