Memory Read Latency Control via Independent Timing Signal
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing memory devices experience prolonged latency and increased power consumption during read operations due to the dependency of latency time on the frequency of the read clock signal, leading to inefficient data sensing and higher energy usage.
Innovation Solution
A memory device with a controller that executes a read operation by electrically coupling and decoupling memory cells from sense amplifiers using a timing signal, incorporating a first delay circuit and a second delay circuit to generate a timing signal independent of the read clock frequency, thereby optimizing the latency and reducing power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the latency time is controlled by the read clock signal frequency, then the data sensing operation can be completed, but the latency time becomes longer than necessary and causes larger power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the control parameter for latency time from read clock frequency to a fixed timing signal independent of clock frequency. The sense amplifier is controlled by this timing signal to disconnect at the optimal moment regardless of clock variations, optimizing power consumption while ensuring reliable data sensing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent separates the latency control function into two independent parts: the read clock signal for data output timing and a separate timing signal for sense amplifier control. This segmentation allows the sense amplifier to be disconnected at the precise moment data is ready, preventing unnecessary power consumption during extended latency periods.
2Reliability
If the latency time is controlled by the read clock signal frequency, then the data sensing operation can be completed, but the latency time becomes variable and may exceed the minimum sensing time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the latency control mechanism from being frequency-dependent to being determined by a fixed timing signal. This ensures that the sense amplifier disconnects after a consistent, optimized duration that is sufficient for data sensing regardless of read clock frequency variations, eliminating unnecessary time extension.
Solution Approach 2:
The timing signal is generated internally by the memory device based on its own operating characteristics, making the latency control self-adjusting and independent of external clock frequency. This ensures optimal sensing time is always achieved without relying on external timing references.
Data Source
AI summary
A memory device comprises an array of memory cells, and a plurality of sense amplifiers coupled with the memory cells. A controller is configured to execute a read operation in response to a command and address, including a read cycle in which the memory cells at the address are electrically coupled to the sense amplifiers, and in which the memory cells at the address are electrically decoupled from the sense amplifiers in response to a timing signal.