Semiconductor Storage Data Bus Layout for Lower Toggle Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing power consumption in semiconductor storage apparatuses due to longer data bus lengths and the inefficiency of current sense amplifiers in reducing noise resistance and power consumption, especially in high-capacity devices with long-distance data transmission.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of additional data buses, such as DR11F and GDR11F buses, in parallel with existing data buses to reduce the number of toggle operations required during data transmission, along with the use of encoding and decoding units to manage data transmission efficiently, thereby minimizing power consumption and noise resistance issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the capacity of semiconductor storage apparatus is increased, then the storage capacity is improved, but the length of data bus increases leading to higher power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The data bus system is segmented into multiple types (global data bus, local data bus, read data bus, write data bus) with different functions and transmission distances. This segmentation allows optimization of each bus type for its specific purpose, reducing overall power consumption while maintaining high storage capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension of data transmission by adding bidirectional capability to data buses. The same physical bus can transmit data in both directions depending on operation mode, reducing the need for separate dedicated buses and lowering power consumption while supporting larger capacity.
2Quantity of substance
If the length of data bus is increased to support larger capacity, then the storage capacity is improved, but the power consumption during data transmission increases
Solution Approach 1:
Different bus types are assigned different functional qualities based on their location and purpose. Global data buses handle long-distance high-speed transmission, while local data buses handle short-distance operations. This local quality differentiation optimizes power efficiency for each transmission scenario.
Solution Approach 2:
The data buses operate in periodic cycles of pre-charge and active transmission states. By controlling the timing and duration of active transmission periods, the system minimizes energy loss while maintaining the ability to support large storage capacities.
3Use of energy by moving object
If Current Sense Amplifier is used to reduce power consumption, then the power consumption is reduced, but the noise resistance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Sense amplifiers are introduced as intermediary components between memory cells and data buses. These amplifiers boost weak signals from memory cells before transmission, enabling the use of lower voltage swings on the bus itself, which reduces power consumption while maintaining signal integrity and noise resistance.
4Loss of energy
If the number of toggle operations is reduced, then the power consumption is reduced, but the data transmission efficiency may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
Data buses are pre-charged to a standard voltage level before data transmission. This preliminary action allows the bus to quickly transition to the required state without requiring full toggle operations, reducing power consumption while maintaining transmission efficiency through optimized voltage switching.
Data Source
AI summary
In one or more of the disclosed embodiments, the number of times toggle operations of a data bus are performed at the time of a data transmission in a semiconductor storage apparatus is reduced, thereby reducing the power consumption. For example, a semiconductor storage apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a DRF bus, a DR11F bus, a GDRF bus and a GDR11F bus. The DRF bus and DR11F bus, and the GDRF bus and GDR11F bus, are placed in parallel for the purpose of reducing the number of times toggle operations of a data bus are performed at the time of a data transmission. The DR11F bus is added to make the DRF11F bus perform a toggle operation only when the DRF buses on both sides are made to perform a toggle operation if the data transmission were performed in a conventional system.