Magnetic Memory Cell Array for Fourier Transform Processing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current image processing apparatuses, especially in portable devices, face significant challenges in reducing the large amount of calculations and time required for performing the Fourier transform, which is necessary for generating high-quality hologram images, due to their limited size and power constraints.

Innovation Solution

The method involves using a memory with a cell array where intermediate data is stored by changing the spin direction of a free layer in a magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) and read out by measuring resistance, allowing for efficient storage and retrieval of data, and utilizing multiple cores to perform parallel Fourier transforms, reducing the need for extensive address calculations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the Fourier transform is performed using conventional image processing apparatus, then the hologram image quality is improved, but the calculation amount and processing time increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehologram image qualityVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces conventional electronic CPU-based Fourier transform calculations with a magnetic memory system that performs Fourier transform operations through physical magnetic domain interactions. The cell array structure with pinned and free layers naturally computes Fourier transforms through magnetic coupling and resonance phenomena, eliminating the need for sequential electronic calculations and significantly reducing processing time while maintaining hologram image quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If the Fourier transform is performed using conventional image processing apparatus, then the hologram image quality is improved, but the power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehologram image qualityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes energy-intensive electronic calculation circuits with a passive magnetic memory system where Fourier transform operations occur through natural magnetic domain interactions and resonance. The magnetic cell array requires minimal power for maintaining magnetic states and performing operations, dramatically reducing power consumption compared to conventional CPU-based approaches while preserving hologram image quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If the Fourier transform is performed using conventional image processing apparatus, then accurate transformation is achieved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransformation accuracyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the Fourier transform computation function from complex electronic processing circuits and implements it directly in the magnetic memory structure itself. The cell array with pinned and free layers is configured to perform Fourier transform operations as an inherent property of its magnetic interactions, eliminating the need for separate, complex calculation units and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining transformation accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 reduces the computational load and time required for the Fourier transform, making it more feasible for portable devices to process hologram images by optimizing data storage and processing through parallel processing and efficient data handling.

Implementation Method 1

The intermediate data is stored in the cell array by changing a spin direction of a free layer of a magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) in each cell

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetoresistance: Magnetoresistance

Implementation Method 2

The intermediate data stored in the cell may be read out from the cell array by measuring a resistance of each cell of the cell array

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical Resistance: Electrical Resistance

Data Source

PatentEP3157012B1Apparatus and method for performing fourier transform
Publication Date: 2019.02.27 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3157012B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3157012B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3157012B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Provided are an apparatus and method for performing a Fourier transform. A method of performing a Fourier transform may include generating intermediate data by performing a one-dimensional fast Fourier transform (1D FFT) on data in a column direction, storing the intermediate data in a cell array in the column direction, reading out the intermediate data from the cell array in a row direction; and generating final data by performing a 1D FFT on the read-out intermediate data.