Latchless Memory Read Compare Circuit Timing Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing memory systems face inefficiencies in reading and writing operations due to the use of latches, which consume chip surface area, energy, and time, and are difficult to manage, leading to increased clock skew and reduced speed.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a system without latches, utilizing a combined read and compare circuit and a merge, multiplex, and latch (MML) circuit with central timing control, which eliminates the need for individual latch setup and hold times, reduces costs, and enhances speed and efficiency by using a pass-through read and compare circuit and a data handling circuit with integrated latch and multiplexer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If latches are used in the memory system, then data storage and timing control are achieved, but chip surface area is consumed, energy is consumed, and speed is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes latches from the memory system entirely, extracting the timing control function to a central controller. This eliminates the speed limitations and overhead associated with individual latches while maintaining data storage and timing control through alternative means.
Solution Approach 2:
The central controller performs multiple functions previously handled by individual latches, including timing control, data storage, and coordination of read/write operations. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for multiple latches, improving speed while maintaining reliability.
2Reliability
If latches are used in the memory system, then timing control is achieved, but clock skew increases and setup/hold times become difficult to meet
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts timing control from individual latch elements and consolidates it in a central controller. This eliminates the distributed timing management complexity and clock skew issues associated with multiple latches, as a single central controller can manage timing without the same constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of having each latch independently manage its own timing (which causes clock skew), the patent inverts the approach by having a central controller manage timing for all operations. This centralized approach eliminates the cumulative timing issues of distributed latches.
3Reliability
If latches are used in the memory system, then data storage is achieved, but chip surface area is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the data storage function with the central controller, eliminating the need for separate latch circuits. The central controller integrates storage and control functions, reducing the total chip surface area required while maintaining data storage capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The central controller serves as a universal component that handles both timing control and data storage functions. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated latch circuits, thereby reducing chip surface area while preserving data storage reliability.
4Reliability
If latches are used in the memory system, then timing control is achieved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the timing control function from energy-consuming latch circuits and implements it in a central controller. This consolidation reduces the number of active components requiring power, thereby lowering overall energy consumption while maintaining timing control reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges timing control and data storage functions into a single central controller, eliminating the need for separate latch circuits that consume energy. This integration reduces the total energy consumption of the memory system while preserving timing control capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for efficient execution of a read or a write is described. The system includes a memory array including a way. The system further includes a read and compare circuit. The read and compare circuit compares data stored within lower address memory cells of the way with information received from a storage device to generate a result of comparison. Moreover, the read and compare circuit compares data stored within higher address memory cells of the way with the information to generate a result of comparison. The system further includes a merge and multiplex circuit coupled to the read and compare circuit. The merge and multiplex circuit merges the result of comparison generated based on the comparison with the lower address memory cells and the result of comparison generated based on the comparison with the higher address memory cells to create a merged outcome of comparison.