Sense Amplifier Logic Circuit for In-Memory DRAM Operations
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Solution Overview
Problem
In computing systems, performing logical operations between binary data stored in memory cells and an accumulator often requires additional latches for inversion and multiple data transfers, leading to increased processing time and power consumption, especially in DRAM environments where destructive reads are common.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a logical operation component within the sensing circuitry of a 3T DRAM memory array allows for logical operations to be performed without additional latches, enabling concurrent data transfer and operation, and supports operations like XOR, NOR, and NAND using sense amplifiers with different reference voltages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If additional latches are used for inversion and multiple data transfers are performed, then logical operations can be executed, but processing time and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the sense amplifier and logical operation component into a single integrated structure. The sense amplifier performs both data sensing and logical operations (AND, OR, NAND, NOR, XOR, XNOR) within the same circuit block, eliminating the need for separate latches and multiple data transfer stages. This merging of functions directly reduces processing time while maintaining full logical operation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The sense amplifier is designed to perform multiple functions: data sensing, data latching, and various logical operations (AND, OR, NAND, NOR, XOR, XNOR). This multi-functional design eliminates the need for dedicated latches and separate operation units, reducing both processing time and the number of components required.
2Ease of operation
If additional latches are used for inversion and multiple data transfers are performed, then logical operations can be executed, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the sense amplifier and logical operation component into a single integrated structure. The sense amplifier performs both data sensing and logical operations (AND, OR, NAND, NOR, XOR, XNOR) within the same circuit block, eliminating the need for separate latches and multiple data transfer stages. This merging of functions directly reduces processing time while maintaining full logical operation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The sense amplifier is designed to perform multiple functions: data sensing, data latching, and various logical operations (AND, OR, NAND, NOR, XOR, XNOR). This multi-functional design eliminates the need for dedicated latches and separate operation units, reducing both processing time and the number of components required.
3Reliability
If data is accessed via a bus between processing resources and memory array, then data movement can occur, but processing time and power consumption are affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the sense amplifier and logical operation component into a single integrated structure. The sense amplifier performs both data sensing and logical operations (AND, OR, NAND, NOR, XOR, XNOR) within the same circuit block, eliminating the need for separate latches and multiple data transfer stages. This merging of functions directly reduces processing time while maintaining full logical operation capability.
4Reliability
If data is accessed via a bus between processing resources and memory array, then data movement can occur, but power consumption is affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the sense amplifier and logical operation component into a single integrated structure. The sense amplifier performs both data sensing and logical operations (AND, OR, NAND, NOR, XOR, XNOR) within the same circuit block, eliminating the need for separate latches and multiple data transfer stages. This merging of functions directly reduces processing time while maintaining full logical operation capability.
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 reduces processing time and power consumption by eliminating the need for additional latches and minimizing data movement, while enabling efficient execution of logical operations directly within the memory array, thereby improving processing performance and reducing read-to-read delays.
Implementation Method 1
sense, via a first sense amplifier, a data value stored in a first memory cell of the array
Implementation Method 2
sense, via a second sense amplifier, a data value stored in a second memory cell of the array
Implementation Method 3
operate the logical operation component to output a logical operation result based on the data value stored in the first sense amplifier and the data value stored in the second sense amplifier
Data Source
AI summary
An example apparatus comprises an array of memory cells coupled to sensing circuitry including a first sense amplifier, a second sense amplifier, and a logical operation component. The sensing circuitry may be controlled to sense, via first sense amplifier, a data value stored in a first memory cell of the array, sense, via a second sense amplifier, a data value stored in a second memory cell of the array, and operate the logical operation component to output a logical operation result based on the data value stored in the first sense amplifier and the data value stored in the second sense amplifier.