RC-Charged MAC Circuit Using TDC Conversion for Low-Power AI Compute
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current multiplier-accumulator (MAC) circuits in computing devices, particularly in neural networks, face performance limitations due to inefficient data processing and high power consumption, especially in vector matrix multiplication operations, which affect the overall performance of machine learning and authentication processes.
Innovation Solution
A MAC circuit design incorporating a plurality of resistors and capacitors, along with a time-to-digital converter (TDC), where the resistors form a composite resistance to charge capacitors based on input signals, allowing the TDC to convert charge times into digital values, thereby enhancing data processing efficiency and reducing power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional MAC circuits are used in neural network processing, then data processing can be performed, but power consumption is high and processing speed is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional electronic ADC conversion mechanisms with a time-to-digital conversion mechanism based on RC charging time measurement. The analog multiplication result is converted to a digital value by measuring the time required to charge a capacitor through a resistor, substituting complex electronic conversion with a time-based measurement approach that reduces power consumption and increases speed
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the conversion parameter from voltage-based ADC conversion to time-based TDC conversion. By measuring the charging time of a capacitor through a resistor (which represents the analog result) and converting this time parameter to a digital value, the system achieves faster conversion speed and lower power consumption while maintaining computational accuracy
2Measurement precision
If separate ADCs are used in each column for MAC operations, then conversion accuracy can be maintained, but device complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate ADC functions into a single TDC unit that serves all columns. Instead of having independent ADCs in each column, the system uses a shared TDC that converts analog values from multiple columns by measuring RC charging times, significantly reducing circuit complexity while maintaining conversion precision through the time-based measurement approach
Solution Approach 2:
The TDC circuit is designed as a universal converter that can handle analog values from multiple columns simultaneously or sequentially. The same TDC infrastructure serves the entire array of MAC operations, making the conversion mechanism multi-functional and eliminating the need for column-specific ADCs, thereby reducing overall device complexity
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
This design improves data transmission rates and power efficiency by eliminating the need for separate ADCs in each column, allowing for faster and more energy-efficient MAC operations, particularly in neural network processing.
Implementation Method 1
a capacitor connected to a plurality of resistors to charge, in response to a plurality of input signals, the capacitor with electric charge
Implementation Method 2
a time-to-digital converter (TDC) configured to convert information of a charge time of the capacitor, due to the electric charge, into a digital value
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is a multiplier-accumulator (MAC) system, circuit, and method. The MAC system includes a MAC circuit, including a plurality of resistors, having respective resistances, a capacitor connected to the plurality of resistors to charge, in response to a plurality of input signals, the capacitor with electric charge, and a time-to-digital converter (TDC) configured to convert information of a charge time of the capacitor, due to the electric charge, into a digital value, wherein the digital value is an accumulation result of the MAC circuit.