Data Holding Device With Segmented Ferroelectric Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional data holding devices using ferroelectric elements face issues such as increased power consumption, decreased speed, and vulnerability to power supply voltage fluctuations, particularly when operating at low voltages like 0.6 volts, and require multiple clock signals for data reading, leading to inefficiencies and data loss during power interruptions.
Innovation Solution
A data holding device with a loop structure using multiple logic gates and a nonvolatile storage portion driven by different power supply voltages, employing hysteresis characteristics of ferroelectric elements and a circuit separating portion to maintain constant voltage to the ferroelectric elements, thereby reducing power consumption and enhancing data retention across power fluctuations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a ferroelectric element is used for nonvolatile data storage, then data can be retained after power off, but power consumption increases and speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the data holding device into two separate portions: a loop structure portion for volatile data holding and a nonvolatile storage portion for nonvolatile data storage. This segmentation allows each portion to operate independently with appropriate power supply voltages, reducing the overall power consumption while maintaining nonvolatile data retention capability through the ferroelectric element in the nonvolatile storage portion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different power supply voltages to different portions of the device: a first power supply voltage to the loop structure portion and a second power supply voltage to the nonvolatile storage portion. This local quality approach allows optimized operation for each section, reducing power consumption in the nonvolatile storage portion while maintaining performance in the loop structure portion.
2Reliability
If a ferroelectric element is used for nonvolatile data storage, then data can be retained after power off, but device speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the device into loop structure portion and nonvolatile storage portion, the patent allows the loop structure portion to operate at full speed using standard logic gates while the nonvolatile storage portion handles data retention. This separation prevents the ferroelectric element from being a bottleneck in the entire data holding process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a circuit separating portion as an intermediary between the loop structure portion and the nonvolatile storage portion. This intermediary manages the interaction between the two portions, allowing fast operation in the loop structure while maintaining nonvolatile storage capability, thus preventing speed degradation.
3Measurement precision
If multiple clock signals are used for data reading, then data can be read accurately, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a dynamic control mechanism where the circuit separating portion actively controls the connection between the loop structure portion and nonvolatile storage portion based on operational requirements. This dynamic approach allows accurate data reading when needed while minimizing power consumption during normal operation by reducing the number of active clock signals.
4Device complexity
If the same power supply voltage is used for both portions, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different voltage requirements decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic power supply system where different power supply voltages can be selectively applied to different portions of the device based on operational requirements. This dynamic approach provides adaptability to various voltage conditions while maintaining manageable device complexity through structured voltage distribution.
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 enables nonvolatile data storage without speed or power consumption increases, allowing for seamless data retention and recovery during power interruptions, and can operate effectively with various power supply voltages, improving the reliability and efficiency of data holding devices.
Implementation Method 1
a nonvolatile storage portion for storing data in a nonvolatile manner in the loop structure portion using hysteresis characteristics of the ferroelectric element
Implementation Method 2
When the power supply is turned off, a remanent polarization state of the ferroelectric element CL is set by using a voltage value on the signal line
Data Source
AI summary
A data holding device includes a loop structure portion for holding data by using a plurality of logic gates connected like a loop, and a nonvolatile storage portion for storing data held in the loop structure portion, in a nonvolatile manner by using a hysteresis characteristic of a ferroelectric element. The loop structure portion and the nonvolatile storage portion are driven by being respectively supplied with power supply voltages that are different from each other.