Memory Periphery Logic for On-Chip Mask to Index Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current memory systems face inefficiencies in processing and power consumption when converting masks to indices, particularly in Processing-In-Memory (PIM) devices, as they require transferring data off-chip and lack parallel processing capabilities, leading to increased time and energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an apparatus and method within a memory array that converts a bitmask to a series of indices without transferring data off the chip, utilizing periphery logic and sensing circuitry to perform logical operations locally, thereby reducing overhead and enhancing parallelism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If data is transferred off-chip for mask-to-index conversion in conventional memory systems, then processing can be performed by external processors, but processing time and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The memory device performs mask-to-index conversion using its own internal sensing circuitry and logic units, eliminating the need to transfer data off-chip for processing. The sensing circuitry reads mask data from memory cells and the logic unit converts it to indices locally within the memory device, allowing the system to serve its own processing needs without external processor intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension of processing capability by embedding logic units directly within the memory device structure. This transforms the memory device from a passive storage component to an active processing element, adding computational functionality at the memory level rather than relying on external processing resources.
2Speed
If mask-to-index conversion is performed externally, then specialized processing units can be used, but processing speed decreases due to data transfer requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential processing function (mask-to-index conversion) from the external processor and relocates it directly into the memory device. By taking out only the necessary logic unit and sensing circuitry needed for conversion and placing it within the memory architecture, the system eliminates data transfer time while maintaining processing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The logic unit is pre-positioned within the memory device, ready to perform conversion operations immediately when mask data is available. This preliminary preparation of processing resources within the memory architecture eliminates the need for data transfer and setup time that would occur with external processing.
3Power
If conventional memory systems use external processors for compute functions, then processing capabilities are available, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The memory device is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as storage and as a processing unit for mask-to-index conversion. The sensing circuitry and logic unit enable the memory device to perform compute functions in addition to its traditional storage role, reducing the need for separate processing resources and associated power consumption.
4Loss of energy
If data is kept on-chip for local processing, then energy efficiency improves, but processing capabilities are limited without external processors
Solution Approach 1:
The memory device performs its own mask-to-index conversion using integrated sensing circuitry and logic units, eliminating energy-consuming data transfers to external processors. This self-service capability maintains energy efficiency while providing essential processing functionality directly within the memory device.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure includes apparatuses and methods related to converting a mask to an index. An example apparatus comprises an array of memory cells and periphery logic configured to: generate an indicator mask by resetting, in response to a first control signal, a second digit of a mask different from a first digit of the mask that is set; and convert, in response to a second control signal, a digit position in the indicator mask of the first digit that is set to an identifier value as an index.