Sense Amplifier SRAM Reuse to Cut Memory Array Area
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Solution Overview
Problem
Memory devices with both DRAM and SRAM arrays face increased physical size, resource consumption, and latency due to the inclusion of separate SRAM arrays, which are often underutilized.
Innovation Solution
Utilize sense amplifiers in DRAM arrays as SRAM resources, allowing them to function as SRAM arrays when idle, thereby eliminating the need for separate SRAM arrays and reducing physical size and resource consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate SRAM arrays are included in memory devices, then SRAM functionality is provided, but physical size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sense amplifiers are designed to perform dual functions: their primary function of sensing data from DRAM memory cells, and a secondary function of serving as SRAM storage cells when idle. This multi-functionality allows the memory device to provide SRAM functionality without adding separate SRAM arrays, thereby reducing physical size while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the sense amplifier circuitry with SRAM storage functionality by configuring the sense amplifiers to operate as SRAM cells during idle periods. This consolidation combines two previously separate functions (sensing and SRAM storage) into a single circuit element, eliminating the need for dedicated SRAM arrays and reducing overall device area.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate SRAM arrays are included in memory devices, then SRAM resources are available, but resource consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sense amplifiers serve themselves by utilizing their idle time to provide SRAM storage functionality. Instead of remaining completely inactive during periods when they are not performing sensing operations, they automatically transition to SRAM mode, effectively using their own idle capacity to provide additional resources without requiring external allocation of separate SRAM arrays.
Solution Approach 2:
The same sense amplifier circuits that are already present in the memory device are made to perform both sensing and SRAM storage functions. This eliminates the need to allocate additional resources for SRAM, as the existing sense amplifier infrastructure is repurposed to provide SRAM resources when not actively sensing data.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate SRAM arrays are included in memory devices, then SRAM access is available, but latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the SRAM functionality into the sense amplifiers themselves, the invention eliminates the need for data transfer between separate SRAM and DRAM arrays. The sense amplifiers can directly provide SRAM access to the data they are already connected to, reducing the time required for data access and eliminating inter-array transfer latencies.
Solution Approach 2:
The sense amplifiers act as intermediaries between the DRAM array and the external interface, providing SRAM caching functionality at the point where data is already being accessed. This eliminates the need for separate SRAM arrays and the associated data movement, thereby reducing access latency while maintaining SRAM functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and devices related to sense amplifiers of a memory device serving as a Static Random Access Memory (SRAM) resource. For example, a memory array of a memory device can be coupled to sense amplifiers. The sense amplifiers can be electrically disconnected from digit lines of the memory array. Data can be stored in the sense amplifiers. The data can be communicated from the sense amplifiers to a processing device external to the memory array and the sense amplifiers. The sense amplifiers can receive data from the processing device and, when electrically disconnected from the number of digit lines, store the received data.