Serial Peripheral Interface Memory Read Performance Enhancement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional serial flash memory devices have limitations in data transfer speed due to sequential and serial transfer of data or address bits, which restricts their performance in applications requiring fast data access.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for enhanced data read performance in integrated circuits, utilizing a serial peripheral interface protocol that allows concurrent data output from multiple input/output pins based on performance enhancement indicators, enabling faster data transfer rates and random read operations within a page without repeating redundant address bits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If data and address bits are transferred sequentially and serially, then the device complexity is reduced and pin count is minimized, but the data transfer speed is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the data transfer process into two distinct modes: conventional serial transfer and enhanced parallel transfer. The memory device is divided into multiple data output paths (first data output path and second data output path) that can operate independently. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high-speed parallel data transfer when needed while maintaining the simple serial interface structure for常规 operations, thus resolving the contradiction between speed and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic switching between different data transfer modes based on operational requirements. The controller dynamically selects between serial mode and enhanced parallel mode depending on the read operation type. This dynamic adaptability allows the system to optimize performance for high-speed random reads while maintaining simplicity for sequential accesses, effectively balancing speed improvement with device complexity.
2Loss of time
If multiple random read operations are performed sequentially, then the device complexity is reduced, but the time required for multiple reads increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by enabling the memory device to prepare and output multiple data words in advance during the address setup phase. When enhanced parallel mode is activated, the device can perform multiple random read operations within a single page without repeating redundant address bits, as the address lines are latched and held. This preliminary preparation of multiple data outputs significantly reduces the time required for multiple sequential reads while the controller manages the operations through standardized command sequences.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuity of useful action by maintaining the address latch in a held state throughout the enhanced parallel read operations. Once the address is latched, the memory device continuously outputs data from multiple locations without interruption or address reclosure. This continuous operation mode allows multiple random reads to be performed back-to-back without idle time between operations, dramatically reducing total time while the controller provides unified management for all operations.
3Productivity
If redundant address bits are repeated for each read operation, then the address accuracy is maintained, but the data transfer efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes redundant address information from subsequent read operations. When enhanced parallel mode is activated and the address lines are latched, the controller extracts the address setup phase from subsequent read commands. This allows the system to perform multiple random reads within a single page without repeating the full address bits, as the latched address state maintains the necessary address accuracy. The extraction of redundant address transmission significantly improves data transfer efficiency while preserving address integrity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of conducting an operation in an integrated circuit having a plurality of memory cells includes receiving an operating command for the memory cells and receiving a first address segment associated with the memory cells in at least one clock cycle after receiving the operating command. The method further includes receiving a first performance enhancement indicator in at least one clock cycle after ending the first address segment while before starting to transfer data, for determining whether an enhanced operation is to be performed.