Multi-Port Register File Dynamic Timing Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Double pumped, multi-port memories are sensitive to manufacturing variations, voltage fluctuations, and temperature changes, leading to potential functional failures due to timing issues between data and clock paths, which can result in incorrect data capture and limited operating ranges.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of circuitry that generates multiple clock signals with varying frequencies and duty cycles, allowing for the selection of an appropriate clock signal based on operational parameters to maintain timing margins across different conditions, and the use of latches to delay data storage accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If double pumped multi-port memory is used to increase writing speed and productivity, then the memory can write two data values in a single clock cycle, but the memory becomes more sensitive to manufacturing variations, voltage fluctuations, and temperature changes, reducing reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic timing adjustment by allowing the memory to operate with different clock frequencies (first frequency for normal operation, second frequency for adjusted operation) and different setup/hold times. The control circuit dynamically selects operating parameters based on detected conditions such as voltage levels, temperature, or manufacturing variations, enabling the system to adapt to changing conditions while maintaining reliable double-pumped operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes critical timing parameters including clock frequency, setup time, and hold time based on operating conditions. The control circuit adjusts these parameters to compensate for variations in manufacturing, voltage, and temperature, ensuring that the memory maintains correct operation across different conditions while preserving the high-speed double-pumped writing capability
2Device complexity
If fixed timing parameters are used in double pumped memory, then the design is simple, but timing issues arise due to variations in manufacturing, voltage, and temperature
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a control circuit that continuously monitors operating conditions such as voltage levels, temperature, or other parameters, and uses this feedback to adjust timing parameters. The control circuit detects current conditions and dynamically modifies clock frequency or timing margins to maintain reliable data capture, thereby resolving the contradiction between simple fixed timing and reliable adaptive timing
3Reliability
If multiple clock signals with varying frequencies are generated to compensate for variations, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit performs multiple functions: it generates clock signals at different frequencies, adjusts timing parameters, monitors operating conditions, and coordinates the double-pumped write operation. By consolidating these functions into a single control circuit, the patent reduces overall device complexity while maintaining the ability to compensate for variations through multiple clock signals
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments that may allow for selectively tuning a delay of individual write paths within a memory are disclosed. The memory may comprise a memory array, a first data latch, a second data latch, and circuitry. The first and second data latches may be configured to each sample a respective data value, responsive to detecting a first edge of a first clock signal. The circuitry may be configured to detect the first edge of the first clock signal, and select an output of the first data latch responsive to detecting the first edge of the first clock signal. The circuitry may detect a subsequent opposite edge of the first clock signal, and select an output of the second data latch responsive to sampling the opposite edge of the first clock signal.