Integrated Memory Read Path for Faster Bit Decision Transfer
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional memory read paths in SRAMs experience delays and occupy significant die space due to multiple stages of logic gates and separate latching and level shifting, which hinder power efficiency and area utilization.
Innovation Solution
An integrated sense mixing and redundancy shift stage with a first transistor, coupled with a logic circuit that processes sense and redundancy signals to minimize delay, and a data latch integrated with a level shifter to shift the bit decision between power domains, reducing the need for separate stages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple separate stages (sense mixing stage, redundancy shift stage, data latch, level shifter) are used in the memory read path, then the bit decision can be properly processed and transferred between power domains, but the read operation speed is delayed and die space is occupied
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the sense mixing stage, redundancy shift stage, data latch, and level shifter into a single integrated read path circuit. This merging eliminates the delays associated with multiple separate stages while maintaining all necessary functions for reliable bit decision processing and power domain transfer.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated read path circuit performs multiple functions simultaneously: sense mixing, redundancy shifting, data latching, and level shifting. This multi-functionality allows a single circuit to replace multiple separate stages, improving speed without sacrificing reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate stages are used in the memory read path, then comprehensive data processing and power domain transition are achieved, but the die space is significantly occupied
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functional stages into a single integrated circuit structure, significantly reducing the die space required while maintaining comprehensive data processing capabilities and power domain transition functionality.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate sense mixing stage and redundancy shift stage are used, then flexible redundancy handling is achieved, but the read path complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the sense mixing and redundancy shift functions into a single integrated stage, reducing read path complexity while maintaining flexible redundancy handling capabilities through unified control logic.
Data Source
AI summary
A read path for a memory is provided that includes an integrated sense mixing and redundancy shift stage coupled between a sense amplifier and a data latch. The data latch is integrated with a level shifter.