Memory Sense Amplifier Logic for In-Memory Data Operations

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing memory systems require external processing resources for logical operations, leading to increased processing time and power consumption due to data movement between memory and processing units.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a logical operation component within the sensing circuitry of a memory array, allowing for the performance of logical operations such as XOR, NOR, and NAND directly within the memory array without the need for external processing resources.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If data is accessed via a bus between processing resources and memory array, then data can be transferred between memory and processing units, but processing time and power consumption increase due to data movement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing speedVSAvoiddata transfer time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the processing resources with the memory array by integrating sense amplifiers that can perform logical operations directly within the memory structure. This combining of storage and processing functions eliminates the need for separate data transfer via external buses, thereby reducing data transfer time and improving processing speed simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Productivity

If data is accessed via a bus between processing resources and memory array, then data can be transferred between memory and processing units, but power consumption increases due to data movement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing capabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If external processing resources are used for logical operations, then processing can be performed on data, but device complexity increases due to separate processing units

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing functionalityVSAvoidsystem architecture

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements multi-functionality by designing sense amplifiers that can both read data from memory cells and perform logical operations on that data. This universal component handles multiple functions (storage access and processing) within the memory structure, reducing the need for separate external processing units and simplifying the overall system architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3847648B1Logical operations using a logical operation component

Publication Date: 2025.05.21 LODESTAR LICENSING GROUP LLC

Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B

AI summary

An example apparatus comprises an array of memory cells coupled to sensing circuitry including a first sense amplifier, a second sense amplifier, and a logical operation component. The sensing circuitry may be controlled to sense, via first sense amplifier, a data value stored in a first memory cell of the array, sense, via a second sense amplifier, a data value stored in a second memory cell of the array, and operate the logical operation component to output a logical operation result based on the data value stored in the first sense amplifier and the data value stored in the second sense amplifier.