Memory Cell Power Gating Using Cells as Load Circuit Drivers

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional memory devices face challenges in reducing size and manufacturing costs due to the space and resource requirements of drivers for load circuits, which are necessary for power gating in memory devices.

Innovation Solution

Implementing memory cells as drivers for load circuits, where a group of memory cells with switching components but without storage elements act as drivers, eliminating the need for additional drivers and optimizing space and resource usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If drivers are added for load circuits to enable power gating, then power gating capability is improved, but device area and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower gating capabilityVSAvoiddevice area

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes memory cells perform dual functions: storing data and acting as drivers for load circuits. By configuring memory cells with switching components enabled and storage components disabled, they can function as drivers during power gating operations, eliminating the need for separate driver circuits and reducing overall device area.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the functions of memory cells and driver circuits into a single integrated structure. Memory cells are configured to serve both as storage units and as drivers for load circuits, combining previously separate functional blocks into a unified component that reduces area and simplifies the device architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If drivers are added for load circuits to enable power gating, then power gating capability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower gating capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes memory cells perform dual functions: storing data and acting as drivers for load circuits. By configuring memory cells with switching components enabled and storage components disabled, they can function as drivers during power gating operations, eliminating the need for separate driver circuits and reducing overall device area.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the functions of memory cells and driver circuits into a single integrated structure. Memory cells are configured to serve both as storage units and as drivers for load circuits, combining previously separate functional blocks into a unified component that reduces area and simplifies the device architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Area of stationary object

If memory cells are used as drivers, then device area is reduced, but memory cell functionality is modified

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice areaVSAvoidmemory cell functionality

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces dynamic configurability to memory cells, allowing them to switch between storage mode and driver mode. By enabling or disabling switching components and storage components based on operational requirements, memory cells can adapt their functionality to serve different purposes within the same device architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent divides memory cells into functional segments: switching components and storage components. By selectively enabling or disabling these segments, the memory cell can be configured to function as a driver (switching component enabled, storage component disabled) or as a storage unit (storage component enabled), providing operational flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS11849591B2Power gating in a memory device

Publication Date: 2023.12.19 MICRON TECHNOLOGY INC

AI summary

Methods, systems, and devices for power gating in a memory device are described for using one or more memory cells as drivers for load circuits of a memory device. A group of memory cells of the memory device may represent memory cells that include a switching component and that omit a memory storage element. These memory cells may be coupled with respective plate lines that may be coupled with a voltage source having a first supply voltage. Each memory cell of the group may also be coupled with a respective digit line that may be coupled with the load circuits. Respective switching components of the group of memory cells may therefore act as drivers to apply the first supply voltage to one or more load circuits by coupling a digit line with a plate line having the first supply voltage.