Reduced-Power Address Encoding for Sequential Memory Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing logic circuits in electronic devices face high power consumption due to frequent toggling of address bits during sequential memory access, which is not optimally addressed by existing encoding methods that incur additional circuitry costs.
Innovation Solution
Implement a monitoring scheme for address bits using reduced Hamming distance binary codes, coupled with a decision mechanism to selectively encode or decode address bits based on toggling characteristics and cost analysis, reducing power consumption while minimizing additional circuitry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If address bits are frequently toggled during sequential memory access, then memory access functionality is achieved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by transitioning from standard binary encoding to reduced Hamming distance encoding (such as Gray code) for address bits. This encoding transformation changes the parameter of bit transitions so that sequential address access results in minimal bit toggles (often only one bit changes between consecutive addresses), thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining memory access functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful effect of frequent bit toggling (which causes power consumption and device aging) into a benefit by using reduced Hamming distance encoding. The encoding scheme is designed specifically to minimize transitions, turning what would be a problematic characteristic into an advantageous feature for power-efficient memory access
2Use of energy by moving object
If reduced Hamming distance encoding is applied to address bits, then power consumption is reduced, but additional circuitry complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic configuration of address encoders that can switch between different encoding modes (standard binary and reduced Hamming distance encoding). The system dynamically selects the appropriate encoding scheme based on operational requirements, allowing power reduction when sequential access is used while maintaining flexibility for other access patterns, thus managing circuitry complexity through adaptability
3Use of energy by moving object
If monitoring and decision mechanisms are implemented for selective encoding, then power consumption is optimized, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms through monitoring circuits that observe address bit toggling patterns and provide information to decision logic. This feedback loop enables the system to detect when reduced Hamming distance encoding would be beneficial and automatically configure encoders accordingly, optimizing power consumption based on actual operational conditions while managing complexity through intelligent control
Data Source
AI summary
Various reduced power addressing schemes in different configurations are monitored to assess the toggling characteristics of these schemes. The identified toggling characteristics, in relation to different configurations, are then analyzed in consideration of the associated costs of the reduced power addressing schemes. Among these configurations, the one found to optimize the balance between benefits and costs is selected for implementation as part of the reduced power addressing scheme.