Embedded Memory Sensors for Fast Threshold-Based Data Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing memory devices, such as DRAM, often require external sensors for data collection, which can be resource-intensive, costly, and inefficient, especially in applications like autonomous vehicles where quick access to sensor data is crucial.
Innovation Solution
Embedding sensors directly in the memory device's circuitry, such as temperature and motion sensors, allows for direct data transmission to a connected device via a dedicated sensor output, eliminating the need for external sensors and leveraging existing memory device bandwidth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If external sensors are used for data collection, then sensor data can be obtained, but hardware complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines sensor functionality directly into the memory device by integrating sensor circuitry with memory circuitry on the same substrate. This merging eliminates the need for separate external sensors, thereby reducing hardware complexity while maintaining sensor data collection capability. The sensor output is directly coupled to the memory device, creating an integrated system that performs both sensing and data storage functions.
2Reliability
If external sensors are used for data collection, then sensor data can be obtained, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges sensor and memory functions into a single integrated device, allowing sensor data to be captured and stored without requiring separate power systems for external sensors and memory devices. This integration reduces overall power consumption by eliminating redundant power management circuits and reducing communication overhead between separate components.
3Reliability
If external sensors are used for data collection, then sensor data can be obtained, but access time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates sensor circuitry directly with memory circuitry on the same substrate, enabling sensor data to be captured and immediately made accessible through the memory device's existing data interfaces. This eliminates the time required for data transmission between separate external sensors and the memory system, providing faster access to sensor data.
4Device complexity
If sensors are embedded in memory device circuitry, then hardware complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates sensor and memory circuitry on the same substrate using standard semiconductor manufacturing processes. The sensor circuitry is formed alongside memory circuitry in the same fabrication sequence, ensuring consistent manufacturing precision requirements. The integrated design allows both circuit types to share common process steps, reducing the need for additional precision-critical alignment steps.
5Use of energy by moving object
If sensors are embedded in memory device circuitry, then power consumption is reduced, but sensor output integration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the sensor output directly with the memory device's existing data output interfaces. The sensor output is coupled to the same data bus and control signals used for memory operations, allowing sensor data to be read using existing memory read circuits. This approach avoids creating separate output pathways and minimizes integration complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, apparatuses, and methods related to using memory device sensors are described. Some memory system or device types include sensors embedded in their circuitry. For instance, another device can be coupled to a memory device with an embedded sensor. The memory device can transmit a signal representing sensor data generated by the embedded sensor using a sensor output coupled to the other device. A controller coupled to a memory device may determine one or more threshold values of a sensor or sensors embedded in a memory device. The memory device may transmit an indication responsive to one or more sensors detecting a value greater or less than a threshold and may transmit the indication to another device.