Memory Array Sensing Circuitry for In-Place Value Determination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing memory systems require significant power and time to determine the smallest or largest value element among multiple elements, as they often need to transfer data from the memory array to external processing resources for logical operations, which is inefficient and power-intensive.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating sensing circuitry within the memory array that performs logical operations on data stored in memory cells without transferring it outside, allowing for parallel processing and reducing the need for external data transfer by forming logical operations directly within the memory array.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If data is transferred from memory array to external processing resources for logical operations, then processing capability is improved, but power consumption and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the processing resources with the memory array by integrating sensing circuitry that can perform logical operations directly within the memory structure. This eliminates the need to transfer data between separate memory and processing components, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining processing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensing circuitry within the memory array is designed to perform multiple functions: it can sense data stored in the memory cells and simultaneously perform logical operations on that data. This multi-functionality allows the same hardware to handle both storage and processing tasks, reducing the need for external processing resources and associated power consumption.
2Productivity
If data is transferred from memory array to external processing resources, then logical operations can be performed, but time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging sensing and processing functions within the memory array, the patent eliminates data transfer time between memory and external processing resources. The sensing circuitry directly accesses and processes data in-place, significantly reducing the time required to perform logical operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensing circuitry is pre-configured within the memory array structure, so when data needs to be processed, the processing capability is already in place and ready to operate on the stored data without requiring data movement or setup time for external processing resources.
3Use of energy by moving object
If sensing circuitry performs logical operations within memory array, then power consumption is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing circuitry is designed to perform multiple functions including data sensing and logical operations. By making the sensing circuitry universal and multi-functional, the patent avoids adding separate dedicated processing circuits, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while still achieving power reduction through in-place processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The memory array's sensing circuitry is enhanced to perform logical operations on its own without requiring external processing resources. This self-service capability allows the memory system to handle processing tasks internally, reducing power consumption while the complexity increase is confined to the sensing circuitry itself rather than requiring additional external components.
Data Source
AI summary
Examples of the present disclosure provide apparatuses and methods for smallest value element or largest value element determination in memory. An example method comprises: storing an elements vector comprising a plurality of elements in a group of memory cells coupled to an access line of an array; performing, using sensing circuitry coupled to the array, a logical operation using a first vector and a second vector as inputs, with a result of the logical operation being stored in the array as a result vector; updating the result vector responsive to performing a plurality of subsequent logical operations using the sensing circuitry; and providing an indication of which of the plurality of elements have one of a smallest value and a largest value.