N-Dimensional Memory Architecture for Single-Cycle Matrix Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional memory architectures are limited to single-dimensional data word addressing, requiring multiple access cycles and additional operations to manipulate bit information, which is inefficient for high-performance applications involving random matrix operations.
Innovation Solution
An N-dimension addressable memory architecture with an N-dimension array of bit cells and logic for N-orthogonal addressing, allowing simultaneous access to bit cells across multiple dimensions, reducing the need for multiple access cycles and enabling direct manipulation of bit information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional single-dimensional memory addressing is used, then the memory architecture is simple, but multiple access cycles are required to access bits from different words, reducing productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from conventional single-dimensional memory addressing to multi-dimensional addressing by organizing memory into an N-dimensional array of bit cells. Each bit cell is addressable by N orthogonal address spaces, enabling simultaneous access to bits across multiple words through vector and matrix operations. This dimensional expansion allows random matrix operations to be performed in a single access cycle, dramatically improving productivity for signal processing and multimedia applications.
2Loss of time
If conventional memory architecture is used, then the device complexity is low, but additional operations such as shifting and masking are required to manipulate bit information, increasing loss of time
Solution Approach 1:
By organizing memory into N-dimensional addressable bit cells with N orthogonal address spaces, the patent enables direct manipulation of bit information across multiple words simultaneously. Vector operations can extract specific bits from multiple words in parallel, and matrix operations can perform complex bit manipulations without requiring sequential shifting and masking operations. This eliminates time loss associated with traditional bit manipulation methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-dimensional memory architecture provides universal functionality by enabling both conventional word-addressable operations and advanced vector/matrix operations through the same memory structure. The N-dimensional addressing scheme supports various operation modes including row access, column access, and arbitrary bit patterns, making the memory system adaptable to different application requirements without additional hardware overhead.
3Adaptability or versatility
If single ported memory is used, then the memory architecture is simple, but only one dimension of data word addressing is provided, limiting adaptability for random matrix operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements N-dimensional addressing with N orthogonal address spaces, transforming the memory from a simple linear array into a multi-dimensional structure. This enables random matrix operations by allowing simultaneous addressing along multiple dimensions, where each dimension corresponds to a different address space. The architecture supports vector operations for row access and matrix operations for column access, providing the versatility needed for signal processing and multimedia applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-dimensional memory architecture achieves universality by supporting multiple operation modes within a single memory structure. The same N-dimensional array can perform conventional word-addressable operations, vector operations for row access, matrix operations for column access, and arbitrary bit pattern access. This multi-functionality provides adaptability for various applications including digital communications, video encoding/decoding, and signal processing without requiring separate specialized memory systems.
Data Source
AI summary
An N-dimension addressable memory is disclosed. The memory includes an N-dimension array of bit cells and logic configured to address each bit cell using N-Dimension Addressing (NDA), where N is at least two and the array of bit cells is addressable by N orthogonal address spaces. Each bit cell of the N-dimension addressable memory includes a bit storage element, N word lines, and N bit lines.