Oxide Semiconductor Signal Processing Unit for Low Power Data Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current signal processing units face challenges in reducing power consumption and maintaining data integrity when power is turned off, as existing nonvolatile storage devices are complex to manufacture and external storage retrieval is slow for short power outages.
Innovation Solution
A signal processing unit incorporating a storage circuit with a transistor formed using an oxide semiconductor, which allows data to be held and read even when power is off, utilizing a capacitor and transistor to control charge supply, holding, and release, with a power supply circuit to support the logic and storage circuits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a nonvolatile storage device is used to store data when power is stopped, then data retention is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter of the transistor from conventional semiconductor to oxide semiconductor, which fundamentally alters the electrical characteristics to achieve ultra-low off-state current. This parameter change enables the transistor to maintain data without power while keeping the device structure simple and compatible with existing manufacturing processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a simplified copy of nonvolatile storage functionality using a transistor-capacitor structure with oxide semiconductor. Instead of implementing complex magnetic or ferroelectric storage devices, it copies the data retention function through the unique electrical characteristics of oxide semiconductor transistors, achieving similar results with much simpler manufacturing.
2Reliability
If external storage device is used for data backup, then data retention is improved, but data retrieval time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the storage circuit and logic circuit into a single integrated unit on the same substrate. The storage circuit using oxide semiconductor transistors is directly connected to the logic circuit, eliminating the need for external storage devices and enabling immediate data retrieval while maintaining data retention during power stops.
Solution Approach 2:
The oxide semiconductor transistor acts as an intermediary between the capacitor and the external environment, enabling the capacitor to hold charge and retain data without power. This intermediary component provides the unique property of ultra-low leakage current that bridges the gap between volatile and nonvolatile storage.
3Use of energy by moving object
If power supply is stopped to reduce power consumption, then power usage is reduced, but data loss occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by stopping the power supply to the logic circuit while maintaining power to the storage circuit. This selective power management allows the system to enter a low-power state before data loss can occur, and the oxide semiconductor transistor's ability to hold charge ensures data survives the power interruption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the power supply into two independent parts: one for the logic circuit and another for the storage circuit. This segmentation allows the logic circuit to be powered down for energy savings while the storage circuit remains powered to maintain data, solving the contradiction between power consumption and data retention.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enables low power consumption and efficient data retention and retrieval, reducing power usage and simplifying manufacturing processes while allowing for multiple reads of stored data without power.
Implementation Method 1
The storage circuit includes a capacitor and a transistor that controls supply, holding, and release of charge in the capacitor
Implementation Method 2
A transistor in which a channel is formed in an oxide semiconductor is used for a storage circuit
Data Source
AI summary
A signal processing unit with reduced power consumption is provided. A transistor in which a channel is formed in an oxide semiconductor is used for a storage circuit included in the signal processing unit, so that data can be held (stored) even while supply of power is stopped. Non-destructive reading can be performed on the data stored in the storage circuit even when supply of power to the signal processing unit is stopped.