Non-Volatile 3D Memory Search With Paired Strings for Dense Matching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional TCAM technology for big data and AI processing has low memory density and high power usage, while non-volatile TCAM techniques require paired memory cells, limiting efficiency in searching and data storage.
Innovation Solution
A 3D memory search architecture using a pair of memory strings with programmable devices and encoding circuitry to provide exact-match, no-match, and partial-match currents, enabling efficient searching and sorting in big data and AI applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional TCAM technology is implemented using SRAM techniques, then searching functionality is provided, but memory density is low and power usage is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional SRAM-based TCAM with non-volatile memory (NVM) technology, substituting the mechanical/electrical system with a different physical basis that achieves both high density and low power consumption while maintaining searching functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameters of the memory system by transitioning from volatile to non-volatile memory, altering the physical state and operational characteristics to simultaneously improve density and reduce power usage
2Use of energy by stationary object
If non-volatile memory techniques are used to implement TCAM, then power usage is reduced, but paired memory cells are required which limits efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the storage and searching functions into a unified NVM-based system, eliminating the need for separate paired memory cells and integrated search logic, thereby improving searching efficiency while maintaining low power consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The NVM-based TCAM cell performs multiple functions (storage and searching) within a single structure, making the system more versatile and efficient compared to conventional approaches that require separate components
3Duration of action of stationary object
If paired memory cells are used for non-volatile TCAM, then non-volatile storage is achieved, but efficiency of searching and data storage is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the search functionality from the paired memory cell structure and integrates it directly into the NVM cell, removing the limitation imposed by the paired cell architecture and enabling efficient searching with single-cell non-volatile storage
Data Source
AI summary
A non-volatile 3D memory search architecture provides for receiving searches for application to select lines and word lines of a non-volatile 3D memory array. The architecture uses two word lines per unit of information of the searches and two memory devices per unit of stored feature to search against. The architecture uses respective bit lines of the non-volatile 3D memory array as respective matching lines for searching. Respective memory strings (e.g., NAND memory strings) of the non-volatile 3D memory array are usable to store respective data values, e.g., corresponding to elements to search for. Respective pluralities of the memory strings are coupled in parallel to respective shared bit lines. The architecture has applicability to comparing and sorting, in addition to searching in application areas such as artificial intelligence (AI) and big data.