ReRAM Storage Controller for Finite Data Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing memory devices require continuous power supply to maintain stored security information, leading to high power consumption and inefficient data retention for finite periods, as seen in techniques that rely on DRAM refresh operations or interrupting power to volatile memory.
Innovation Solution
A memory device utilizing Resistance Random Access Memory (ReRAM) with a storage controller that adjusts write energy and interference levels to store data for specific holding periods, allowing for automatic erasure while minimizing power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If continuous power supply is provided to volatile memory to maintain storage, then data retention is ensured, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the data retention function from volatile memory by using ReRAM with finite holding period characteristics. The ReRAM inherently erases data after a predetermined time without requiring continuous power, thus separating the retention function from the power-supply-dependent volatile memory.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the finite holding period characteristic of ReRAM as a disposable storage mechanism for temporary data. The memory automatically erases data after the predetermined time, functioning as a short-lived storage solution that eliminates the need for continuous power supply to maintain data.
2Reliability
If refresh operation is performed to maintain data in DRAM, then data retention is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the refresh operation mechanism with ReRAM's inherent finite holding period. Instead of performing energy-consuming refresh operations to extend retention, the system accepts the short-lived nature of ReRAM storage and uses it to automatically erase data after a predetermined time, eliminating the need for continuous refresh power.
3Use of energy by moving object
If power supply is interrupted to volatile memory to save power, then power consumption is reduced, but data retention is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the data storage function from power-dependent volatile memory and places it in ReRAM. The ReRAM maintains data without requiring continuous power supply, allowing the system to interrupt power to volatile memory while preserving data retention through the non-volatile ReRAM storage mechanism.
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
Enables secure storage and erasure of data for predetermined periods with reduced power consumption by controlling write energy and interference in ReRAM, effectively managing data retention without continuous power supply.
Implementation Method 1
a resistance random access memory, which stores data by utilizing changes in resistance of a memory cell
Data Source
AI summary
It is required to store data to be stored for a holding period required for this data and then erase the data while suppressing power consumption. A memory device 10 to solve such a problem has the following configuration. The memory device 10 includes an ReRAM (resistance random access memory) 100 and a storage controller 101. The storage controller 101 performs control to store, in a storing condition according to a holding period required for data to be stored, the data in the ReRAM 100.