Memory Interface Circuit Charge Reuse for Power Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Semiconductor integrated circuits face high power consumption due to the accumulation and release of electric charge during signal output, which is not efficiently managed in existing memory systems.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a memory interface circuit with two output buffer circuits and a switching element, where electric charge is reused between the first and second output buffer circuits, reducing unnecessary power consumption by controlling the switching element to manage electrical connections effectively.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If an output buffer circuit outputs high level and low level signals, then signal transmission function is achieved, but power consumption increases due to accumulation and release of electric charge

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal transmission functionVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent recovers electric charge that would otherwise be discarded during signal output operations. The first output buffer circuit accumulates electric charge when outputting a high level signal, and this accumulated charge is then transferred to the second output buffer circuit to be reused when outputting a low level signal, thereby recovering energy that would normally be lost and reducing overall power consumption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a switching element as an intermediary component that facilitates the transfer of electric charge between the first and second output buffer circuits. This switching element acts as a mediator that enables efficient charge redistribution, allowing the system to reduce power consumption while maintaining reliable signal transmission functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If electric charge is accumulated and released during signal output, then output buffer circuit operates, but unnecessary power consumption occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoutput buffer operationVSAvoidunnecessary power consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The switching element serves as an intermediary that enables efficient charge management between output buffer circuits. By controlling the switching element, the system can transfer accumulated charge from one buffer circuit to another, reducing unnecessary power consumption while maintaining ease of operation for the output buffer circuits

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent recovers electric charge that would otherwise be wasted during normal output buffer operations. The first output buffer accumulates charge during high level signal output, and the switching element enables transfer of this charge to the second output buffer for reuse during low level signal output, thereby recovering energy and reducing unnecessary power consumption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

Data Source

PatentUS11295790B2Memory interface circuit and controller

Publication Date: 2022.04.05 KIOXIA CORP

AI summary

A memory interface circuit includes a first output buffer circuit, a second output buffer circuit, a switching element, and a control circuit. The first output buffer circuit includes a first output node. The second output buffer circuit includes a second output node. The switching element is electrically connected to the first output node and the second output node, and is controlled to switch electrical connection states between the first output node and the second output node. The control circuit controls the switching element.