Data Shift Apparatus Using Shared I/O Lines
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data shift methods in processing-in-memory (PIM) devices are inefficient for intermediate data shifts, as they rely on single-bit operations or require significant power consumption when transferring data between memory arrays and processing resources, which slows down data processing and increases power usage.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a data shift apparatus and method using shared input/output (I/O) lines within a memory device, where a shift element selectively couples I/O lines to enable faster data movement by interconnecting them within the memory array, allowing for parallel data movement and reducing the need for external data transfer, thereby enhancing data processing speed and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If single-bit operations are used for data shifting, then device complexity is reduced, but data processing speed decreases and time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The data shift operation is segmented into multiple parallel bit-shifting paths, where each path handles a group of bits simultaneously. This segmentation allows the system to achieve faster overall data processing by distributing the shifting workload across multiple parallel operations rather than sequential single-bit operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension of parallelism by implementing multiple bit-shifting paths that operate simultaneously. This dimensional expansion from sequential single-bit processing to parallel multi-bit processing significantly increases data processing speed while maintaining manageable device complexity through structured organization.
2Ease of operation
If data is transferred between memory arrays and processing resources externally, then ease of operation is maintained, but power consumption increases and processing speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the memory array with integrated bit-shifting circuitry and processing resources into a unified processing-in-memory structure. This merging eliminates the need for separate external data transfer operations between memory and processing units, thereby reducing power consumption and increasing processing speed while maintaining ease of operation through a unified interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary bit-shifting mechanism integrated within the memory array that facilitates direct data manipulation and transfer without requiring external processing resources. This intermediary structure acts as a bridge between storage and processing, enabling efficient data operations with reduced power consumption.
3Adaptability or versatility
If external data transfer is required, then adaptability is improved, but data processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary bit-shifting operations directly within the memory array before data is transferred to processing resources. By performing preliminary data preparation and manipulation in advance within the memory structure, the system reduces the time required for external data transfer and processing while maintaining the adaptability to handle various data formats and operations.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure includes data shift apparatuses and methods. An example apparatus includes a memory device. The example memory device includes an array of memory cells and sensing circuitry coupled to the array via a plurality of sense lines. A first shared input/output (I/O) line is configured to selectably couple a first subset of the plurality of sense lines and a second shared I/O line is configured to selectably couple a second subset of the plurality of sense lines. A shift element is configured to selectably couple the first shared I/O line to the second shared I/O line to enable a data shift operation. A controller is configured to direct selectable coupling of the array, the sensing circuitry, and the shift element to enable a shift of a data value from the first shared I/O line to the second shared I/O line.