Semiconductor Device Data Line Power Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The semiconductor device described in Patent Document 1 has limited power consumption reduction due to repeated charging and discharging on data lines during all information processing cycles, regardless of operation types.
Innovation Solution
The semiconductor device controls memory cell operations to stop charging and discharging on data lines for output values that can be fixed without processing, and performs processing accompanied by charging and discharging only when necessary, using a configuration with memory cells connected to common data lines, a determination circuit, and a constant current source to reduce power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If information processing is performed in all cycles with memory cells connected to common data lines, then processing completeness is ensured, but power consumption increases due to repeated charging and discharging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by performing information processing only for the necessary number of cycles rather than all cycles. The determination circuit identifies when output values are already fixed and stops processing early, executing operations only when needed to achieve the desired processing outcome without unnecessary additional cycles
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the number of information processing cycles variable rather than fixed. The determination circuit dynamically adjusts when to stop processing based on the actual state of output values, allowing the system to adapt the processing duration to the specific requirements of each operation
2Loss of energy
If charging and discharging are repeated in all information processing cycles, then data processing is completed, but power consumption cannot be reduced further
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses feedback through the determination circuit that continuously monitors the output values during information processing. The determination circuit provides feedback signals to the control circuit, enabling the system to detect when output values have stabilized and can be fixed, thereby determining when processing can safely stop without compromising accuracy
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 approach further reduces power consumption by selectively stopping current supply to memory cells and AD conversion REF cells during information processing cycles where the output values are fixed, thereby optimizing power usage based on the number of connected memory cells.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of memory cells connected to a common data line perform product-sum operation
Data Source
AI summary
In the semiconductor device according to an embodiment, a memory cell is controlled such that, for the part whose output value can be fixed based on the value stored in the memory cell without performing the information processing, the operation processing is stopped so as to stop the charging and discharging to and from the data line, and for the part whose output value needs to be fixed by performing the information processing, the information processing accompanied by charging and discharging to and from the data line is appropriately performed.