Memory Array Search Circuit Using Segmented Word Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional large-sized memory arrays face inefficiencies in data searching, particularly with long target words, leading to increased time consumption and manufacturing costs due to the need for extensive peripheral elements like word line drivers and sense amplifiers.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an input circuit and an output circuit that divide and encode search words into sections, allowing for efficient data comparison across memory blocks, reducing the need for extensive peripheral elements and enhancing search efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If data searching is performed on large-sized memory array with long target words, then data searching capability is improved, but time consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the memory array into multiple sub-arrays and the target search word into corresponding segments. Each sub-array processes a segment of the search word in parallel, transforming a single long-search operation into multiple shorter parallel operations, thereby reducing overall search time while maintaining full search capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a multi-stage search process where different sub-arrays are activated in sequence or parallel across multiple operation cycles. Each cycle processes a portion of the search space, and results are accumulated across cycles, enabling efficient handling of long search words through periodic processing stages
2Adaptability or versatility
If complicated data searching is performed on large-sized memory array, then data searching functionality is improved, but the number of peripheral elements increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the memory array into multiple independent sub-arrays, each capable of handling a portion of the search operation. This segmentation reduces the complexity of individual sub-arrays and their associated peripheral elements compared to a single large array, while collectively providing comprehensive search functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple simplified sub-arrays with shared control logic and result aggregation circuits to achieve complex search functionality. By merging the outputs of multiple sub-arrays and using a centralized result processing unit, the system accomplishes complicated data searching without requiring each individual component to be overly complex
3Adaptability or versatility
If complicated data searching is performed on large-sized memory array, then data searching capability is improved, but chip size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the memory array into multiple smaller sub-arrays that can be arranged in a compact configuration. This segmentation allows for more efficient space utilization and reduces the overall chip area required compared to a single large memory array with the same total capacity and search capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs sub-arrays and peripheral circuits with multi-functional capabilities, where the same hardware structures serve multiple purposes during different phases of the search operation. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of dedicated components needed, thereby reducing chip area while maintaining comprehensive data searching capability
4Adaptability or versatility
If complicated data searching is performed on large-sized memory array, then data searching capability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the memory array into standardizable sub-array units that can be manufactured using conventional processes. This segmentation enables modular manufacturing approaches, where identical or similar sub-arrays can be produced in batches, reducing per-unit manufacturing costs while collectively providing advanced data searching capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the architectural parameters of the memory array, such as sub-array size, word line organization, and bit line grouping, to achieve efficient data searching with minimal hardware resources. By carefully selecting and adjusting these parameters, the design achieves high search capability with reduced chip area and lower manufacturing complexity, thereby reducing manufacturing cost
Data Source
AI summary
A memory device for data searching and a data searching method thereof are provided. The data searching method includes the following steps. A searching word is received and then divided into a plurality of sections. The sections are encoded as a plurality of encoded sections, so that the encoded sections may correspond to a plurality of memory blocks in a memory array. The encoded sections are directed into the memory blocks to perform data comparisons and obtaining a respective result of data comparison. Thereafter, addresses of bit lines which match the searching word are obtained according to respective result of data comparison for each of memory block.