DRAM Data Line Array Segmentation for Noise Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing DRAMs suffer from noise interference between adjacent data lines, leading to errors in data transmission and high power consumption due to the lack of shielding between data lines, which affects the performance and reliability of the integrated circuit.
Innovation Solution
The integrated circuit design includes a first data line group with local data lines and a second data line group with complementary local data lines, where read circuits are electrically connected to the data lines at the boundary, reducing noise interference and power consumption by utilizing data lines less affected by noise for output conversion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If data lines are arranged in an array without shielding, then device complexity is reduced, but noise interference between adjacent data lines increases causing errors in data transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The data line array is segmented into multiple groups (first data line group and second data line group) with different orientations. By dividing the data lines into distinct groups and strategically connecting read circuits to boundary lines, the patent reduces noise interference while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure without requiring additional shielding elements.
2Reliability
If shielding is added between data lines, then noise interference is reduced, but device complexity and area increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and utilizes the boundary data lines from the data line array that are naturally less affected by noise. Instead of adding shielding structures, the design takes out the boundary lines and connects them to read circuits, thereby achieving noise reduction without increasing device complexity or area.
3Use of energy by moving object
If boundary data lines are used for output conversion, then power consumption is reduced, but the number of available data lines for data transmission decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The boundary data lines serve dual functions: they are part of the data transmission network and simultaneously serve as low-noise output conversion lines for read circuits. This multi-functional use of boundary lines allows the system to reduce power consumption without sacrificing data transmission capacity, as the same lines contribute to both data carrying and low-power output conversion.
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated circuit is provided. The integrated circuit includes: a first data line group, including a plurality of local data lines arranged in an array; a second data line group, including a plurality of complementary local data lines arranged in an array, the plurality of complementary local data lines and the plurality of local data lines respectively transmitting signals having opposite phases; and a plurality of read circuits, configured to read, in response to a read control signal, signals of the local data lines or the complementary local data lines during a read operation, each of the plurality of read circuits being electrically connected to a local data line at a boundary of the first data line group or connected to a complementary local data line at a boundary of the second data line group.