Non-Volatile Memory Microcontroller With Combinational Logic Acceleration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Programmable microcontrollers used in non-volatile memory systems can be slower than dedicated hardware circuits for certain tasks, particularly those that require high-speed computation, and may take many clock cycles for computations that do not change frequently.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating one or more combinational logic circuits into the microcontroller to achieve high-speed computation for specific tasks, in addition to using programmable processors programmed with software to allow for updates and changes, thereby reducing calculation time.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a programmable microcontroller is used in non-volatile memory systems, then flexibility and upgradability are improved, but computation speed deteriorates for certain tasks

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveflexibilityVSAvoidcomputation speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The microcontroller is segmented into two distinct parts: a programmable processor core for flexible control and dedicated hardware circuits for high-speed computation. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specialized function optimally, resolving the contradiction between flexibility and speed by assigning different computational tasks to appropriate architectural elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The microcontroller architecture dynamically selects between software-programmable processing and dedicated hardware circuit execution based on task requirements. This dynamic approach allows the system to adapt its processing mode in real-time, using the programmable processor for complex or changing tasks while leveraging dedicated hardware circuits for fixed, high-speed computational operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of repair

If a programmable microcontroller is used, then ease of update is improved, but calculation time worsens for frequent computations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of updateVSAvoidcalculation time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of repairVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Dedicated hardware circuits are designed and configured in advance for specific computational tasks that require high speed. By preparing these specialized circuits beforehand, the system eliminates the need for time-consuming software interpretation during execution, achieving both fast computation and maintainability through modular design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The microcontroller incorporates dedicated hardware circuits that replicate specific computational functions in hardware form. This copying of frequently used computational patterns into dedicated circuitry allows the system to maintain updateability through the programmable processor while achieving rapid execution through hardware copies of critical functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Speed

If dedicated hardware circuits are used for high-speed computation, then computation speed is improved, but device complexity worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomputation speedVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The microcontroller employs a universal programmable processor that can be configured to perform multiple different functions through software programming. This universal component reduces the need for numerous specialized hardware circuits, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while still achieving high-speed performance for specific tasks through software optimization and selective hardware acceleration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Productivity

If combinational logic circuits are added to the microcontroller, then productivity is improved, but device complexity worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveproductivityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Combinational logic circuits are strategically placed within the microcontroller architecture at specific locations where they provide the most benefit for high-speed computation. This localized approach to adding complexity ensures that productivity gains are maximized in critical paths while the overall device complexity increase is minimized through targeted rather than widespread implementation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS10971199B2Microcontroller for non-volatile memory with combinational logic

Publication Date: 2021.04.06 SANDISK TECHNOLOGIES LLC

AI summary

A non-volatile memory system comprises a memory structure and a control circuit connected to the memory structure. The control circuit is configured to control the non-volatile memory structure to perform memory operations by generating and applying a set of control signals to the non-volatile memory structure The control circuit includes a programmable and reprogrammable microcontroller. For example, the microcontroller includes one or more processors that are programmed using software (e.g., firmware). The use of a programmable processor and software allows for updates and changes to be made easily. Additionally, to reduce the time taken to make some calculations, the microcontroller also includes one or more combinational logic circuits that are in communication with the one or more processors.