Optimal RSMA Sizing for SoC Memory Repair

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for calculating the size of Repair Signature Memory Areas (RSMA) in System-on-a-Chip (SoC) are inaccurate, often resulting in either excessive or insufficient storage space, as they rely on approximate usage rates, making it difficult to determine the optimal size for efficient memory repair.

Innovation Solution

The use of probabilistic models and specific formulas (F1 and F2) to calculate an exact size for the RSMA based on memory parameters and yield, ensuring optimal storage for defect correction scenarios, thereby balancing manufacturing costs and repair efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If approximate usage rates are used to calculate RSMA size, then the calculation process is simple, but the accuracy of RSMA size determination is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecalculation process complexityVSAvoidRSMA size determination accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the parameter of usage rate from an approximate value to an exact calculated value by introducing specific formulas (F1 and F2) that compute the usage rate based on memory parameters and yield data. This transforms the calculation from a rough estimation to a precise determination, directly resolving the contradiction between calculation simplicity and accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If larger RSMA size is allocated to ensure sufficient storage, then repair capability is improved, but chip area is increased

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverepair capabilityVSAvoidchip area
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by calculating the exact portion of RSMA size needed based on the computed usage rate. Instead of allocating excessive storage space to ensure repair capability, the formula-based approach determines the precise minimum size required, thereby achieving adequate repair capability while minimizing chip area consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Area of stationary object

If smaller RSMA size is used to reduce chip area, then area efficiency is improved, but repair efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechip areaVSAvoidrepair efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary calculation of the exact RSMA size requirement using formulas F1 and F2 before the actual memory repair process. By pre-determining the optimal RSMA size based on memory parameters and yield data, the system ensures that sufficient storage space is allocated for repair operations, thereby maintaining high repair efficiency while optimizing chip area usage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Measurement precision

If exact formulas are used to calculate RSMA size, then calculation accuracy is improved, but computational complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveRSMA size calculation accuracyVSAvoidcalculation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the calculation process into two distinct formulas: F1 for calculating the usage rate and F2 for calculating the RSMA size. This segmentation breaks down the complex calculation into manageable steps, where each formula handles a specific aspect of the computation. This approach improves calculation accuracy while keeping the complexity organized and manageable through clear separation of concerns.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS10789398B2Method and apparatus for SOC with optimal RSMA
Publication Date: 2020.09.29 SYNOPSYS INC
  • US10789398B2 patent drawing
  • US10789398B2 patent drawing
  • US10789398B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method for determining redundancy usage rate from a group of memory parameters and a memory yield of a System on a Chip (SoC), using the probabilistic redundancy usage rate and using that rate to calculate an optimal RSMA size. An SoC is then fabricated with the optimal RSMA size.