Cross-Point Memory Stored Charge Use
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic device manufacturers face challenges in reducing power consumption during semiconductor device operations, as accessing these devices results in undesirable power usage due to the need for power supply to generate access signals.
Innovation Solution
The use of capacitive energy stored in circuits, such as precharged bit lines or word lines, to generate operational signals like pulses, reducing reliance on power supply energy and minimizing waste by leveraging parasitic capacitance for signal generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If power supply is used to generate access signals during semiconductor device operation, then operational signals can be generated reliably, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent precharges bit lines and word lines to specific voltage levels before memory operations. This preliminary action stores energy in the capacitance of these lines, which is then utilized during read and write operations to generate the necessary access signals, reducing the need for continuous power supply during operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the parasitic capacitance of bit lines and word lines, which is typically considered a harmful factor causing signal integrity issues, into a beneficial energy storage mechanism. The stored charge in these parasitic capacitances is used to generate operational signals, turning a disadvantage into an advantage for reducing power consumption.
2Use of energy by moving object
If stored capacitive energy is used to generate operational signals, then power consumption is reduced, but control over signal generation becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the states of bit lines and word lines are monitored, and control signals are adjusted accordingly to ensure proper signal generation from stored charge. This feedback control ensures that the operational signals are generated correctly while maintaining power efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts the charging and discharging of bit lines and word lines based on the specific operation being performed (read, write, erase). The control circuitry adapts the voltage levels and timing of charge storage and release to match operational requirements, providing flexible control without continuous power supply.
3Loss of energy
If parasitic capacitance is leveraged for signal generation, then energy waste is minimized, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the memory device by utilizing the inherent parasitic capacitance values of bit lines and word lines. Instead of requiring precise manufacturing of specific capacitance values, the system adapts to the actual capacitance present and uses it effectively for energy storage and signal generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the memory device to use its own parasitic capacitance for energy storage and signal generation without requiring external energy sources during operations. The stored charge in the parasitic capacitances self-serves the function of generating access signals, reducing the need for external power supply and minimizing energy waste.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach effectively reduces power consumption by utilizing stored energy for signal generation, allowing for more efficient battery life in mobile devices while maintaining control over current profiles during memory operations.
Implementation Method 1
The subsequently illustrated embodiments can provide at least a portion of an operational signal (e.g., pulse) using capacitive energy stored up in a circuit. The capacitive energy can be stored up as a result of another operation or a related operation (e.g., precharging bit lines or word lines). Thus, the operational signal can be generated using energy that would typically be wasted, thereby saving the energy from a power supply typically used to generate the signal.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, a memory device, and a system are disclosed to reduce power consumption in a cross-point memory device, including providing a first portion of a first pulse of a memory operation to a memory cell at a first time using a first capacitive discharge from a first discharge path, and providing a second portion of the first pulse of the memory operation to the memory cell at a second time, later than the first time, using a second discharge path.