Sense Amplifier Switching for Low Power Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sense amplifiers in semiconductor storage devices face challenges in reducing power consumption, improving speed, and enhancing the utilization efficiency of storage arrays.
Innovation Solution
The proposed sense amplifier design includes a first switch unit to connect a Bit Line to an amplifier-latch module and a second switch unit to connect a reference voltage signal to the module, allowing for independent control during sensing and write recovery phases, thereby reducing energy consumption and improving storage capacity per unit area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a conventional sense amplifier uses a reference bit line to provide reference voltage during sensing, then the sensing accuracy is improved, but the power consumption increases due to the additional reference bit line
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the reference voltage generation function from the traditional reference bit line and implements it locally within the amplifier-latch module. The second switch unit connects the second port to a reference voltage signal, eliminating the need for a separate reference bit line and its associated power consumption while maintaining sensing accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The single bit line serves multiple functions: it acts as both the data bit line for reading storage information and provides the reference voltage function through the second switch unit connection. This multi-functionality reduces the number of required bit lines and associated power consumption.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a sense amplifier uses separate switches for bit line connection and reference voltage connection, then the control flexibility and sensing accuracy are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control functions into two independent switch units: the first switch unit controls the connection between the bit line and the amplifier-latch module, while the second switch unit controls the connection between the reference voltage signal and the module. This segmentation provides independent control flexibility while keeping each switch unit relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the bit line connection control and reference voltage connection control into a single amplifier-latch module structure, where both switch units operate independently but are integrated within the same module. This merging approach provides control flexibility without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
3Productivity
If the sense amplifier operates in both sensing and write recovery phases with independent switch control, then the operational efficiency is improved, but the circuit complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of the switch units based on operational phase: during the sensing phase, the first switch unit connects the bit line for reading operations, while during the write recovery phase, the switches can be reconfigured for write operations. This dynamic switching capability improves operational efficiency by optimizing the circuit configuration for each phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The sense amplifier operates in periodic cycles alternating between sensing phase and write recovery phase, with the switch units being controlled accordingly in each phase. This periodic operation allows the circuit to be optimized for different functions at different times, improving overall productivity while managing complexity through regular operational patterns.
Data Source
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AI summary
A sense amplifier, a storage device, and a read-write method are provided. The sense amplifier includes a first switch unit, a second switch unit, and an amplifier-latch module. A first port of the amplifier-latch module is electrically connected, via the first switch unit, to a bit line connected with a storage unit, and a second port of the amplifier-latch module is electrically connected to a reference voltage signal via the second switch unit. The amplifier-latch module is configured to amplify a signal in a sensing amplification phase. The first switch unit is configured to transmit a voltage on the bit line to the first port before the sensing amplification phase. The second switch unit is configured to transmit the reference voltage signal to the second port before the sensing amplification phase, and disconnect an electrical connection between the reference voltage signal and the second port in the sensing amplification phase.