Memory Crossbar Layout for Simultaneous Matrix Row and Column Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing memory access methods for matrices stored in arrays cause delays when accessing rows or columns, as each column of a sub-array must be activated sequentially, which is slower than accessing a column concurrently.

Innovation Solution

Data values of a matrix are stored in different sub-arrays using distinct addresses, allowing simultaneous access to rows and columns by configuring a crossbar to couple input and output lines differently for each sub-array.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If data values of a matrix are stored in a single array and columns are accessed sequentially, then the storage structure is simple, but the access time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage structure complexityVSAvoidaccess time

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the matrix storage into multiple sub-arrays, where each sub-array stores a portion of the matrix data. This segmentation allows different sub-arrays to be accessed simultaneously through different input lines, enabling parallel row and column access operations that reduce overall access time while maintaining manageable storage complexity through organized data distribution

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Device complexity

If columns of a sub-array are activated sequentially, then the control logic is simple, but the access speed decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol logic complexityVSAvoidaccess speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic control of the crossbar configuration that adapts based on whether row or column access is required. The system dynamically reconfigures the coupling between input lines and sub-arrays to enable simultaneous activation of multiple columns when needed, providing flexible access speed optimization without requiring permanently complex control logic for all operation modes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If a crossbar is configured to enable simultaneous row and column access, then access efficiency improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess efficiencyVSAvoidcrossbar configuration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The crossbar is designed with multi-functionality to handle both row and column access operations through a single unified structure. By configuring the crossbar to couple input lines to different sub-arrays based on access mode, it provides universal functionality for both simultaneous row and column access as well as traditional sequential access, improving productivity without requiring separate dedicated structures for each operation type

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20260031115A1Row and column access of matrices stored in memory

Publication Date: 2026.01.29 MICRON TECHNOLOGY INC

AI summary

A crossbar and/or multiplexors (MUXs) of a memory device can be utilized to provide row and column access of a matrix stored in an array of the memory device. The crossbar can couple input lines to the crossbar to output lines from the crossbar in a particular configuration, where the output lines couple the crossbar to the array. The crossbar can receive data values of a matrix via the input lines. The crossbar can also provide the data values to the array via the output lines. The particular configuration allows the data values provided to the array to be sensed as columns of the data values of the matrix and rows of the data values of the matrix.