Invert Operations Using Sensing Circuitry for Memory Arrays
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Processing-in-memory (PIM) devices face challenges with increased chip size and significant power consumption due to the need to transfer data from memory arrays to external processing resources for performing logical operations, which limits parallelism and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating sensing circuitry within the memory array that includes isolation and invert transistors to perform logical operations such as inversion, addition, subtraction, multiplication, and content addressable memory functions without transferring data out of the memory array, thereby reducing power consumption and enabling increased parallelism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If data is transferred from memory array to external processing resources for logical operations, then processing functionality is achieved, but power consumption increases and chip size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the processing resources with the memory array by implementing sensing circuitry that includes isolation and invert transistors directly within the memory structure. This allows logical operations to be performed in-place without transferring data externally, thereby achieving processing functionality while reducing power consumption associated with data movement and external processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensing circuitry acts as an intermediary between the memory array and external processing resources. By including isolation and invert transistors within the sensing circuitry, the system can perform logical operations on data while it remains in the memory array, eliminating the need for external processing and reducing overall power consumption.
2Adaptability or versatility
If data is transferred from memory array to external processing resources for logical operations, then processing functionality is achieved, but chip size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines processing resources with the memory array structure by implementing sensing circuitry that includes isolation and invert transistors directly within the memory. This integration allows logical operations to be performed in-place, achieving processing functionality without requiring separate external processing resources and thus avoiding the increase in chip size that would result from adding external processing units.
3Use of energy by moving object
If sensing circuitry with isolation and invert transistors is implemented within memory array, then power consumption is reduced and parallelism is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing circuitry is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as the standard sensing circuitry for reading data from the memory array, and it also functions as processing resources capable of performing logical operations through the isolation and invert transistors. This multi-functionality allows the same circuitry to reduce power consumption by enabling in-place processing without requiring separate dedicated processing units, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure includes apparatuses and methods related to performing logical operations using sensing circuitry. An example apparatus comprises an array of memory cells and sensing circuitry coupled to the array. The sensing circuitry includes a plurality of sensing components coupled to a controller. The controller is configured to selectively activate a first control line and a second control line to invert signals stored on a latch.