Sensing Circuitry Logical Operations Memory Array
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional processor-in-memory (PIM) devices face challenges in reducing power consumption and increasing memory density due to the need for data transfer between processing resources and memory arrays, which leads to increased chip size and power usage during logical operations.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of sensing circuitry within the memory array that performs logical operations without transferring data out of the memory array, using the memory cells as accumulators and eliminating the need for external processing resources, thereby reducing power consumption and enabling fully parallel compute functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If data is transferred between processing resources and memory arrays in conventional PIM devices, then logical operations can be performed, but power consumption increases and chip size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the processing resources and memory array into a unified structure where sensing circuitry performs logical operations directly on data within the memory array. This eliminates the need for separate data transfer between distinct processing and memory components, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining processing efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensing circuitry is designed to perform multiple functions: it senses data from the memory array and simultaneously performs logical operations on that data. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate processing resources, reducing both power consumption and chip size while maintaining computational capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If external processing resources are used to perform logical operations, then computational functions can be executed, but data transfer between external resources and memory array increases power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the logical operation functionality from external processing resources and integrates it directly into the sensing circuitry within the memory array. This eliminates the need for data transfer to external processors, reducing power loss while preserving full computational capability for logical operations.
3Productivity
If processing resources are implemented external to the memory array, then logical operations can be performed, but time is consumed in data access via bus
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the logical operation capability into the sensing circuitry that is already coupled to the memory array, the patent eliminates the time-consuming data transfer via bus to external processors. The sensing circuitry performs operations directly on sensed data, significantly reducing data access time while maintaining processing speed.
4Productivity
If PIM devices integrate processing resources near memory, then processing performance is improved, but chip size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing circuitry is designed to perform both sensing and logical operations, eliminating the need for separate processing resources that would increase chip size. This multi-functional approach maintains improved processing performance while minimizing the increase in chip area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements logical operation capability locally within the sensing circuitry at the point where data is sensed, rather than requiring centralized external processing resources. This local processing approach improves performance by eliminating data transfer while minimizing chip size increase by using existing circuitry.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatuses and methods related to performing logical operations using sensing circuitry are provided. One apparatus comprises an array of memory cells, sensing circuitry coupled to the array of memory cells via a sense line, and a controller coupled to the array of memory cells and the sensing circuitry. The sensing circuitry includes a sense amplifier and does not include an accumulator. The controller is configured to perform logical operations using the array of memory cells as an accumulator without transferring data out of the memory array and sensing circuitry.