Sense Amplifier Pre-Charging for Faster Memory Reads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing memory devices face delays in reading data due to the time required to determine the location of the data word and initiate the reading operation, especially at high clock frequencies.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced where memory cells are pre-charged based on partial addresses, allowing for faster reading by applying a pre-charging step to all potential data words, followed by a reading step that identifies the specific word using a sense amplifier.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If memory cells are pre-charged based on partial addresses, then reading speed is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-charging memory cells based on partial addresses before the complete address is available. The method receives the first part of the address, pre-charges the corresponding set of words, then receives the second part to identify the specific word. This allows the reading operation to be initiated earlier, reducing the overall reading delay without requiring complete address decoding before starting the pre-charge process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the address into multiple parts (first part and second part) and processes them at different stages. The first part is used to identify a set of candidate words for pre-charging, while the second part is used to select the specific word within that set. This segmentation allows parallel processing of address decoding and memory pre-charging operations, improving reading speed while managing device complexity through staged processing.
2Loss of time
If all potential data words are pre-charged, then reading delay is reduced, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by pre-charging only a subset of memory cells corresponding to the first part of the address rather than all memory cells in the device. This partial pre-charging reduces the number of cells that need to be charged, thereby lowering energy consumption compared to a full pre-charge approach, while still achieving early initiation of the reading process for the target word.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a memory device including a sense amplifier, wherein the amplifier comprises a first inverter, wherein an input and an output of the inverter are coupled to a first transistor configured to be switched on during a step of pre-charging of a memory cell.