Semiconductor Integrated Circuit Sense Amplifier Grouping
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is no prior art technique for reducing operating current throughout a read operation in semiconductor integrated circuits when multiple memory cells connected to a single word line are read simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
The semiconductor integrated circuit divides sense amplifier circuits into groups, with each group operating sequentially and performing data inversion processing independently, thereby preventing simultaneous operation and reducing overall operating current.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If multiple sense amplifier circuits operate simultaneously to read out multiple bits from memory cells connected to a single word line, then the data transmission speed is improved, but the peak current consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The sense amplifier circuits are divided into multiple groups (first group, second group, etc.), where each group contains a subset of the total sense amplifiers. This segmentation allows the system to read out multiple bits simultaneously while controlling peak current by managing which groups operate at any given time.
Solution Approach 2:
The sense amplifier groups operate in periodic cycles with staggered timing. The first group operates during a first period, then terminates, and the second group operates during a second period. This periodic operation with time-division multiplexing reduces peak current consumption while maintaining acceptable data transmission throughput.
2Reliability
If data inversion processing is performed on all bits simultaneously, then the output data can be optimized for transmission, but the operating current throughout the read operation increases
Solution Approach 1:
Data inversion processing is performed separately for each sense amplifier group rather than on all bits simultaneously. The first data inversion processing circuit processes data from the first sense amplifier group, and the second data inversion processing circuit processes data from the second sense amplifier group. This segmentation reduces the operating current required for data inversion while maintaining transmission optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
Data inversion processing is performed periodically for each group as they operate in sequence. The data inversion for the first group completes before the second group begins its inversion processing, creating a periodic pattern that reduces peak and average operating current compared to simultaneous processing of all data.
3Use of energy by moving object
If sense amplifier circuits are divided into groups operating at different timings, then the peak current is reduced, but the overall read operation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing sense amplifiers into groups that can be managed independently, the system achieves a balance between peak current reduction and read time. The segmentation allows for controlled sequential operation that limits peak current while the overall read operation completes in a manageable timeframe.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs data inversion processing for each group even when it extends the overall operation time. This partial action approach (processing each group's data inversion separately rather than batching all inversions) ensures peak current is controlled while accepting a moderate increase in total read time as a necessary trade-off.
Data Source
AI summary
A semiconductor integrated circuit according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of memory cells connected to one word line; a plurality of sense amplifier circuits that are connected to the memory cells and divided into an N number of groups; and N number of data inversion processing circuits that respectively receive data read out from the N number of groups of sense amplifier circuits, in which after a sense amplifier circuit of a first group terminates operation, a sense amplifier circuit of a second group different from the first group operates, and each of the data inversion processing circuits performs data inversion processing based on the data read out from each of the groups of sense amplifier circuits, and outputs the data to an output terminal of each of the data inversion processing circuits.