Computing-In-Memory Chip Packaging With DRAM for Inter-Chip Latency

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Solution Overview

Problem

In computing systems with von Neumann architecture, the mismatch between memory transfer speed and processor operating speed limits computing power, and existing computing-in-memory chips face challenges with high data transfer latency and power consumption due to low communication rates between chips.

Innovation Solution

A computing-in-memory system architecture that includes one or more first chips with arrays of computing-in-memory cells, a second chip with a peripheral analog circuit IP core and a digital circuit IP core, and a third chip with DRAM, all communicatively coupled through an interface module, allowing high-speed data transfer and reducing power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If data is frequently transferred between processor and memory in von Neumann architecture, then computing operations can be performed, but transfer latency limits processor operating speed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessor operating speedVSAvoiddata transfer latency
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges memory and computing functions into a single computing-in-memory chip, where memory cells directly perform computational operations on stored data. This eliminates the need for frequent data transfers between separate processor and memory components, thereby resolving the latency bottleneck in von Neumann architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a high-speed interface module as an intermediary between the computing-in-memory chip and external processors. This interface module accelerates data transfer rates, mediating the communication bottleneck and enabling faster data exchange to support higher processor operating speeds.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of time

If computing-in-memory chips are used to eliminate data transfer between memory and processor, then transfer latency is reduced, but communication rate between chips becomes a new bottleneck

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transfer latencyVSAvoidcommunication rate between chips
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The interface module serves as a high-speed communication intermediary that bridges the computing-in-memory chip and external systems. It implements specialized communication protocols and signal processing to maximize data transfer rates, ensuring that inter-chip communication does not become a performance bottleneck.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent optimizes communication parameters including signal voltage levels, clock frequencies, and data encoding schemes to achieve maximum communication rates. By adjusting these parameters, the system achieves high-speed data transfer while maintaining signal integrity across the chip interface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple chips are used to implement computing-in-memory system, then functionality is improved, but power consumption increases due to inter-chip communication

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem functionalityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The low-power interface module acts as an energy-efficient intermediary for inter-chip communication. It implements power management features including dynamic voltage scaling, clock gating, and selective activation of communication channels to minimize power consumption while maintaining necessary system functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts communication parameters such as data transfer rates and voltage levels based on operational requirements. During low-activity periods, communication rates are reduced and voltages are lowered to minimize power consumption, while maintaining full functionality when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS20250199713A1Computing-In-Memory Chip Architecture, Packaging Method, and Apparatus
Publication Date: 2025.06.19 BEIJING ZHICUN (WITIN) TECH CORP LTD
  • US20250199713A1 patent drawing
  • US20250199713A1 patent drawing
  • US20250199713A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A computing-in-memory system, a packaging method for a computing-in-memory system, and an apparatus are provided. The computing-in-memory system includes: one or more first chips that each include one or more arrays of computing-in-memory cells, where the one or more arrays of computing-in-memory cells are configured to perform computations on received data; a second chip that includes a peripheral analog circuit IP core and a digital circuit IP core; a third chip between the one or more first chips and the second chip, the third chip including dynamic random-access memory (DRAM); and an interface module configured to communicatively couple the one or more first chips, the second chip, and the third chip, such that the one or more first chips and the second chip have access to data stored in the DRAM.