Memory Bank Row Controller for Rectangular Data Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing memory devices face inefficiencies in accessing rectangular areas of digital image data, leading to decreased effective bandwidth due to unnecessary input/output data and complex memory control, as the rectangular access often does not match the page areas or byte/bit selections, requiring access to multiple page areas and generating invalid data.
Innovation Solution
A memory device with multiple banks, each having page areas selected by row addresses and bank addresses, utilizes a row controller to generate bank activation signals and row addresses, allowing simultaneous activation of banks and efficient access to data across bank boundaries through multi-bank information and column addresses, reducing the need for multiple operation codes and minimizing invalid data input/output.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If rectangular access is performed on digital image data using conventional memory mapping, then access to arbitrary rectangular areas is enabled, but effective bandwidth decreases due to unnecessary input/output data and complex memory control
Solution Approach 1:
The memory device is divided into multiple banks (first bank, second bank, etc.), each capable of independent activation and operation. This segmentation allows the memory system to handle rectangular access requests by activating only the specific banks containing the required data, rather than accessing entire page areas. The row controller generates bank activation signals to selectively activate banks based on the rectangular access parameters, thereby reducing unnecessary data transfer and improving effective bandwidth.
Solution Approach 2:
The row controller performs preliminary analysis of the rectangular access request to determine which banks contain the required data. Based on this analysis, it generates bank activation signals in advance to activate only the necessary banks before the actual data transfer begins. This preliminary action prevents the activation of banks containing unnecessary data, thereby reducing invalid I/O operations and improving effective bandwidth for rectangular access operations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple page areas are accessed to cover rectangular regions, then complete rectangular data access is achieved, but the number of operation codes increases and control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The memory device is segmented into multiple independently controllable banks. The row controller analyzes the rectangular access request and maps it to specific banks, activating only those banks that contain portions of the requested rectangular area. This segmentation allows the system to handle arbitrary rectangular accesses by combining results from multiple bank activations, reducing the need for complex multi-page area coordination and simplifying the control logic.
Solution Approach 2:
Each bank is designed with universal functionality to handle various types of access operations (horizontal access, rectangular access, etc.). The row controller uses a unified bank activation signal mechanism that can accommodate different access patterns by simply changing which banks are activated, rather than requiring different control mechanisms for different access types. This multi-functionality reduces control complexity while maintaining the ability to cover complete rectangular areas.
3Reliability
If conventional bank activation is used for rectangular access, then standard memory operations are maintained, but simultaneous activation of multiple banks is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The row controller performs preliminary analysis of the rectangular access request to identify all banks that contain portions of the requested data area. It then generates bank activation signals for all identified banks simultaneously, rather than sequentially activating them one at a time. This preliminary identification and simultaneous activation maintains compatibility with standard memory operations while significantly improving access efficiency by reducing the total time required to retrieve data from multiple banks.
Solution Approach 2:
The memory system enables continuous useful action by simultaneously activating multiple banks and retrieving data from them in parallel. Instead of completing one bank's data transfer before starting the next, the system maintains continuous data flow from multiple banks concurrently, maximizing the utilization of memory bandwidth and improving overall access efficiency while maintaining reliable operation.
Data Source
AI summary
The memory device has: a plurality of banks, each of which has a memory cell array having a plurality of page areas that are selected by row addresses respectively, and each of which is selected by a bank address; a row controller that controls activation of the page areas within each of the banks in response to a first operation code; and a group of data input/output terminals. A memory unit area within each of the activated page areas is accessed based on the column address. The row controller generates bank activation signals for the plurality of banks in response to multi-bank information data and a supplied bank address that are supplied along with the first command, and generates the row address of each of the plurality of banks in response to the supplied bank address and a supplied row address. The plurality of banks activate the page areas in response to the bank activation signals and the row addresses generated by the row address calculator.