Low Latency Register Circuit for Memory Access Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Data storage and retrieval latency in iterative, data-intensive applications such as AI and ML significantly impacts performance, necessitating a reduction in latency to enhance application efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A low latency register circuit is introduced to execute read or write commands, allowing for parallel operation with the memory array, reducing power consumption and susceptibility to row hammer attacks by storing a limited subset of address and data information, and enabling faster data access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If data is stored and retrieved from a memory array in iterative data-intensive applications, then data storage capacity is sufficient, but data access latency increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the memory system into two distinct parts: a low latency register circuit for frequently accessed data and a full memory array for bulk storage. This segmentation allows the system to handle different data access patterns efficiently, with the register circuit providing rapid access to hot data while the memory array maintains overall storage capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The low latency register circuit acts as an intermediary between the processor and the memory array. It buffers recently accessed data, allowing the processor to retrieve data rapidly without directly accessing the slower memory array, thus reducing overall data access latency.
2Speed
If a low latency register circuit is used to store frequently accessed data, then data access speed increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the most frequently accessed data into the low latency register circuit, rather than attempting to optimize the entire memory system. This selective extraction approach minimizes the size and complexity of the register circuit while still providing significant performance benefits for iterative workloads.
Solution Approach 2:
The low latency register circuit is designed to work seamlessly with the existing memory array, providing multiple functions: it serves as a cache for frequently accessed data, a buffer for write operations, and maintains compatibility with standard memory protocols, thereby reducing the need for separate specialized circuits.
3Quantity of substance
If data is repeatedly stored and retrieved from memory array, then data storage is maintained, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-loading frequently accessed data into the low latency register circuit before it is needed by the processor. This allows the data to be readily available in the energy-efficient register rather than requiring repeated high-energy accesses to the memory array.
Solution Approach 2:
The low latency register circuit selectively retains only the most frequently accessed data while discarding less important data that remains in the memory array. This selective retention strategy minimizes the number of high-energy memory array accesses while maintaining sufficient storage capacity for all data.
Data Source
AI summary
An exemplary memory is configurable to operate in a low latency mode through use of a low latency register circuit to execute a read or write command, rather performing a memory array access to execute the read or write command. A control circuit determines whether an access command should be performed using the low latency mode of operation (e.g., first mode of operation) or a normal mode of operation (e.g., second mode of operation). In some examples, a processor unit directs the memory to execute an access command using the low latency mode of operation via one or more bits (e.g., a low latency enable bit) included in the command and address information.