Current-Mirror Semiconductor Circuits for Low-Power Product-Sum Operations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing analog product-sum operation circuits in artificial neural networks require multiple digital-analog and analog-digital converter circuits, leading to increased power consumption and circuit area, especially when performing multiple product-sum operations.
Innovation Solution
A semiconductor device comprising cells and current generation circuits connected through switching circuits, utilizing current mirror circuits to generate and process currents based on input data, reducing the need for separate converter circuits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If analog product-sum operation circuits are used to perform multiple arithmetic operations, then circuit area can be reduced, but power consumption increases due to multiple digital-analog and analog-digital converter circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the digital-analog converter and analog-digital converter functions into the same circuit structure by using current mirror circuits to share analog current signals between multiple arithmetic operations. The output current from one product-sum operation circuit is directly mirrored and used as input to another operation, eliminating the need for separate converter circuits and reducing both area and power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The current mirror circuit serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as an analog current buffer, a signal distributor to multiple arithmetic operations, and a power-efficient interface between digital control signals and analog computation. This multi-functionality reduces the overall circuit area and eliminates redundant converter circuits.
2Productivity
If digital-analog and analog-digital converter circuits are added for each product-sum operation, then arithmetic operation capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple arithmetic operations are merged into a single integrated circuit structure where current mirror circuits enable direct signal sharing. Instead of having separate converter circuits for each operation, the patent combines multiple operations that share common current paths and control signals, reducing device complexity while maintaining arithmetic operation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The current mirror circuit is designed to be universal, serving as a shared interface for multiple arithmetic operations. A single current mirror structure can distribute signals to multiple product-sum operation circuits and collect results from multiple operations, eliminating the need for dedicated converter circuits for each operation and simplifying the overall device structure.
3Measurement precision
If separate digital-analog and analog-digital converter circuits are used for each arithmetic operation, then conversion accuracy is maintained, but the number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the conversion functions into a shared current mirror circuit structure that serves multiple arithmetic operations. By combining the converter functions that would otherwise be separate for each operation, the number of components is reduced while the current mirror maintains conversion accuracy through its inherent current copying capability.
Solution Approach 2:
A single current mirror circuit structure performs the conversion function for multiple arithmetic operations simultaneously. This universal converter shares the same physical components across multiple operations, reducing the total number of components while maintaining conversion accuracy through the current mirror's precise current copying mechanism.
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
The solution reduces power consumption and circuit area while enabling successive arithmetic operations, providing a novel semiconductor device with improved efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing current mirror circuits to generate and process currents based on input data
Data Source
AI summary
A semiconductor device with a small circuit scale and reduced power consumption is provided. The semiconductor device includes first to fourth cells, first and second circuits, and first to fourth current generation circuits. The first cell is electrically connected to the third cell through a first wiring and the first current generation circuit, and is electrically connected to the first circuit through a second wiring. The second cell is electrically connected to the fourth cell through a third wiring and the second current generation circuit, and is electrically connected to the second circuit through a fourth wiring. The third cell is electrically connected to the second cell through the third current generation circuit and the fourth wiring. The fourth cell is electrically connected to the first cell through the fourth current generation circuit and the second wiring. The first and second current generation circuits each function as a current mirror circuit, and the third and fourth current generation circuits each function as an arithmetic circuit of a function system. The first and second cells perform an arithmetic operation of a product, and the third and fourth cells retain the result of the arithmetic operation.