In-Memory Search Using Layered Common-Bit-Line Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing in memory searching devices face challenges in efficiently handling large amounts of data due to limitations in search efficiency and bandwidth.
Innovation Solution
The device divides memory into multiple data storage layers, allowing for simultaneous or sequential search operations on selected layers, using a controller to provide search data to word lines and a sensing circuit to generate search results based on current sensing on a common bit line.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If data search operations are performed on a single memory layer, then device complexity is reduced, but search efficiency and bandwidth are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The memory device is segmented into multiple data storage layers, with each layer capable of independent search operations. This segmentation allows parallel processing of search operations across different layers, significantly improving search efficiency and bandwidth without requiring a complete redesign of the memory architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a vertical dimension to memory organization by stacking multiple data storage layers. This dimensional change enables simultaneous search operations on different layers, transforming a single-plane search into a multi-plane parallel search, thereby improving productivity without proportionally increasing device complexity.
2Productivity
If multiple data storage layers are used for parallel search operations, then search efficiency improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller is designed with multi-functionality to manage multiple data storage layers. It can selectively activate and control different layers based on search requirements, providing universal control capability that handles both single-layer and multi-layer operations without requiring separate control circuits for each layer.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller performs preliminary selection of target data storage layers before executing search operations. By pre-selecting which layers to search based on address information, the controller prepares the system in advance, enabling efficient parallel search operations without requiring complex real-time decision-making during the search process.
3Speed
If all data storage layers are searched simultaneously, then search speed increases, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of searching all data storage layers simultaneously, the controller performs partial search actions by selectively activating only the necessary layers based on the search criteria. This partial action approach maintains high search speed by parallel processing while reducing energy consumption by leaving unused layers in a low-power state.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the number of active data storage layers based on search requirements. The controller can flexibly switch between searching one layer, multiple layers, or all layers depending on the specific search task, optimizing the balance between search speed and energy consumption for different operational scenarios.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach significantly enhances search efficiency and bandwidth by enabling parallel processing of data across multiple layers, thereby accelerating data search operations.
Implementation Method 1
The sensing circuit is coupled to the first common bit line and senses a current on the first common bit line to generate a search result
Data Source
AI summary
An in memory searching device, including multiple first memory cell strings, a controller, and a sensing circuit, is provided. The first memory cell strings are commonly coupled to a first common bit line. Each of the first memory strings includes multiple first data storage layers. The first data storage layers respectively include multiple first memory cell pairs. The first memory cell pairs are respectively coupled to multiple first word line pairs. The controller selects at least one of the first data storage layers to be at least one selected data storage layer, and provides search data to at least one selected word line pair corresponding to the at least one selected data storage layer. The sensing circuit senses a current on the first common bit line to generate a search result.