OTP Memory Data Programming Circuit with Content Addressing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing one-time-programmable (OTP) memory technologies face challenges in efficiently storing and updating read-only memory (ROM) codes due to high manufacturing costs and the inability to modify data once programmed, limiting their application in consumer electronics where low cost and convenience are paramount.
Innovation Solution
A data programming circuit and method that encodes ROM codes, stores them in a one-time-programmable memory using a control unit, and optimizes storage by identifying and reusing sections with the same content, storing specific addresses instead of re-encoding, and implementing error recovery mechanisms to manage damaged memory cells.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ROM codes are stored in OTP memory using traditional methods, then data can be stored permanently, but storage capacity requirements are high and encoding time is long
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses content addressing to create references (copies) to identical data sections rather than storing duplicate data. When the same ROM code section appears multiple times, the system stores a reference address instead of the actual data content, significantly reducing storage capacity requirements while maintaining data integrity and permanence.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a hierarchical storage structure where identical data sections are nested references pointing to a single master copy. The memory structure contains both original data sections and reference sections that point back to originals, creating a nested relationship that optimizes storage efficiency.
2Reliability
If ROM codes are stored in OTP memory using traditional methods, then data can be stored permanently, but encoding time is long
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary analysis of the ROM code to identify identical sections before the actual programming process. By pre-processing the data to detect repetitions and prepare reference addresses, the system reduces the time required during the actual OTP memory programming operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The content addressing mechanism creates rapid references to identical data sections, eliminating the need to encode and program the same data multiple times. This copying approach through reference addresses significantly reduces encoding time while ensuring data permanence.
3Ease of operation
If OTP memory is used for storing ROM codes, then data can be programmed after leaving the factory, but the inability to modify data once programmed limits flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the ROM code into multiple sections and implements content addressing across these segments. This segmentation allows the system to efficiently manage and reference identical sections throughout the memory, providing a structured approach that maintains OTP's programming convenience while optimizing storage efficiency.
4Ease of manufacture
If traditional OTP memory programming is used, then manufacturing cost is low, but storage efficiency is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements content addressing that creates references (copies) to identical data sections, allowing the same physical memory location to serve multiple logical addresses. This approach dramatically improves storage efficiency by eliminating redundant data storage while maintaining the simplicity and low manufacturing cost of OTP memory technology.
Solution Approach 2:
The reference address mechanism provides multi-functionality, allowing single memory locations to serve as references for multiple identical data sections throughout the ROM code. This universal referencing approach improves storage efficiency without adding manufacturing complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A data programming circuit is provided. The data programming circuit includes a one-time-programmable (OTP) memory and a control unit. The control unit stores a plurality of sections of a read-only memory (ROM) code into a free space of the OTP memory. In response to the sections of the plurality of sections that have the same content, the control unit stores a specific address into the OTP memory.