CIM Circuit Topology for Negative Value Multiplication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hardware circuits, such as CIMs, face complexity in handling negative calculation results due to the need to reverse current direction or generate negative voltage, which complicates the circuit configuration.
Innovation Solution
The information processing apparatus includes separate wiring lines for positive and negative currents, and calculators connected to these lines to perform multiplications and direct currents accordingly, regardless of the sign of the multiplication value.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a CIM detects calculation results as changes in current or voltage, then high-speed inner product calculation is achieved, but the circuit configuration becomes complicated when handling negative values
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the calculation system into separate positive and negative value processing paths. By segmenting the handling of positive and negative multiplication results into distinct current paths, the system maintains high-speed calculation while avoiding the complexity of bidirectional current control in a unified circuit.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism that converts negative multiplication results into positive current values through absolute value conversion. This intermediary step allows the use of simple unidirectional current detection circuits while still accurately representing negative values in the calculation result.
2Measurement precision
If current direction is reversed or negative voltage is obtained to handle negative multiplication results, then accurate calculation of negative values is achieved, but the circuit configuration becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter representation by converting negative multiplication results into positive current magnitudes with associated sign information. This parameter transformation allows accurate representation of negative values using simple unidirectional current circuits, avoiding the need for complex bidirectional current or negative voltage generation circuits.
3Ease of operation
If separate wiring lines for positive and negative currents are used, then the circuit can handle negative values without changing current direction, but the wiring complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the positive and negative value processing into a unified detection framework where both are represented as positive current magnitudes. By combining the representation approach while maintaining separate calculation paths, the system achieves operational simplicity without significantly increasing wiring complexity compared to bidirectional current systems.
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing apparatus includes a first positive wiring line carrying a current of a multiplication value of a first integer element and a second integer element when the multiplication value is zero or more, a first negative wiring line carrying a current of the multiplication value when the multiplication value is zero or less, a second positive wiring line activated when the second integer element is positive, a second negative wiring line activated when the second integer element is negative, a first calculator carrying the current through the first positive wiring line when the multiplication value is zero or more, a second calculator carrying the current through the first negative wiring line, a third calculator caused the current to flow through the first positive wiring line when the multiplication value is zero or more, and a fourth calculator caused the current to flow through the first negative wiring line.