Memory Array Reading Device Using Segmented Sensing Amplifiers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing memory systems face inefficiencies in data reading and increased power consumption due to the large number of high-speed sensing amplifiers required for page reading buffering, which generate significant noise and current, affecting operation speed and power consumption.
Innovation Solution
A memory system with a reading device that employs a high-speed sensing amplifier group for initial data reading and multiple low-power sensing amplifier groups for subsequent data reading, using a control unit to selectively output signals based on page address signals, thereby reducing power consumption and enhancing reading speed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a large number of high-speed sensing amplifiers are configured for page reading buffering, then the reading speed is improved, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing amplifier system is segmented into two distinct groups: a first sensing amplifier group with high-speed amplifiers for initial data reading, and a second sensing amplifier group with low-power amplifiers for subsequent data reading. This segmentation allows the system to optimize between speed and power consumption by using appropriate amplifier types for different reading stages.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between different sensing amplifier groups based on the reading operation requirements. The control unit selectively activates the high-speed amplifiers for initial data retrieval and then transitions to low-power amplifiers for subsequent data, making the system adaptable to different operational phases.
2Speed
If a large number of high-speed sensing amplifiers are configured, then the reading speed is improved, but the noise increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing amplifier system is divided into two groups with different performance characteristics. The first group provides high-speed operation for initial data reading, while the second group provides low-power operation for subsequent data reading, thereby reducing overall noise generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic switching between high-speed and low-power sensing amplifier groups based on the reading operation sequence. This periodic action allows the system to maintain high reading speed for initial data while minimizing noise during subsequent lower-speed operations.
3Productivity
If the number of page buffers is increased to handle larger pages, then the reading capacity is improved, but the area occupied increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing amplifier resources are segmented into functional groups that can be selectively activated. This allows the system to handle larger pages with more page buffers without proportionally increasing the active area, as only the necessary number of amplifiers are activated based on the page size and reading requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A reading device for a memory array is provided. The memory array comprises memory cell columns. The reading device comprises first sensing amplifier groups, a second sensing amplifier group, and an output unit. Each first sensing amplifier groups selectively generates a first sensing output signal. The second sensing amplifier group generates a second sensing output signal. The output unit selectively outputs one of the second sensing output signal and the first sensing output signals according to a page address signal. In a reading operation period, the reading device reads data from a column group to the first sensing amplifier groups. In the reading operation period, when the page address signal indicates an initial input address, initial address data read from the specific column set corresponding to the initial input address among the column group is transmitted to the second sensing amplifier group to generate the second sensing output signal.