Dynamic-Bias Analog VMM Circuit Without Negative Weight Columns
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional analog vector-matrix multiplication circuits require separate columns for positive and negative weights, leading to area waste and increased cost due to the need for subtraction circuits, which complicates the circuit structure and increases overhead.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic bias analog vector-matrix multiplication circuit utilizing a programmable semiconductor device array with positive weight columns, constant columns, and subtractors, where a constant value is added to weight elements to eliminate negative weights, allowing shared constant columns and reducing the number of components and circuit area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate positive weight columns and negative weight columns are used in flash memory array, then the circuit can store both positive and negative weights, but the circuit area increases and cost overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functionality of separate positive and negative weight columns into a unified column structure. By using dynamic biasing techniques, the same column can represent both positive and negative weights through controlled voltage levels and subtraction operations, eliminating the need for physically separate column structures for each weight type.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the weight column universal by enabling it to store both positive and negative weights through dynamic bias control. The column structure is designed to be multi-functional, where the same physical infrastructure supports dual purposes (positive and negative weight storage) by dynamically adjusting bias conditions and using subtraction circuits to interpret the stored values appropriately.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple positive weight columns and negative weight columns are set at intervals, then negative weights can be stored, but the number of components increases and circuit structure becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the storage functionality for positive and negative weights into a single column structure. Instead of having alternating positive and negative columns, the invention uses one unified column that can dynamically represent both types of weights through bias control and subtraction operations, significantly simplifying the overall circuit architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the weight column by introducing dynamic biasing mechanisms. By adjusting bias voltages and using subtraction circuits, the same column can switch between representing positive and negative weights, eliminating the need for structurally different column types and reducing circuit complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If positive and negative weight columns are connected to subtraction circuit, then both positive and negative values can be represented, but the number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the subtraction circuit universal by designing it to work with a single unified weight column rather than requiring separate subtraction circuits for each positive and negative column pair. The subtraction circuit becomes a multi-functional component that handles both positive and negative weight representations through dynamic bias control, reducing the total number of subtraction circuits needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A dynamic bias analog vector-matrix multiplication operation circuit comprises: positive value weight columns (101-10N), constant columns (201-20M) and subtractors (301-30N), wherein the number of the subtractors is equal to the number of the positive value weight columns, the subtractors are correspondingly connected to the positive value weight columns on a one-to-one basis, and the number of the constant columns is less than the number of the positive value weight columns; minuend input ends of the subtractors are correspondingly connected to output ends of the positive value weight columns, subtrahend input ends of a plurality of subtractors are connected to the same constant column, and output ends thereof output operation results. Before a weight is written in a programmable semiconductor device, a constant positive value is added to each element in a weight array, the weight array is written in a positive value weight column, and the constant positive value is written in a constant column. Therefore, a negative value weight column does not need to be set, such that the circuit structure can be simplified.