Storage Device In-Situ Logical Operations via Common Signal Line
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage devices require multiple read accesses and processing steps to perform logical operations on data values, which can be inefficient and resource-intensive.
Innovation Solution
A storage device design that simultaneously couples multiple storage cells to a common signal line, allowing the sensing circuitry to determine the result of logical operations such as AND, NAND, OR, XOR, and XNOR directly within the storage device, reducing the need for external processing and improving performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple read accesses are used to perform logical operations on data values, then processing accuracy is maintained, but processing time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple read accesses and logical operations into a single integrated operation. By coupling multiple storage cells to a common signal line and using sensing circuitry to simultaneously read and process data values, the system performs logical operations (AND, OR, XOR, etc.) directly within the storage device, eliminating the need for separate read accesses and external processing steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage device is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as data storage and data processing unit. The sensing circuitry is configured to perform both reading and logical operations, allowing the same hardware components to execute multiple functions (storage, reading, and computation) without requiring separate dedicated circuits for each operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple read accesses and external processing steps are used, then comprehensive data processing is achieved, but device complexity and resource consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple processing steps into a single integrated operation within the storage device. The sensing circuitry simultaneously performs reading and logical operations, merging what would traditionally be separate steps (read access, data transfer, external processing) into one unified process that occurs directly in the storage device.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage device performs logical operations on its own stored data without requiring external processing resources. The sensing circuitry is configured to execute logical operations (AND, OR, XOR, NAND, NOR, XNOR) directly on data values within the storage device, making the system self-sufficient for computation tasks and reducing dependency on external processors.
3Ease of operation
If data values are read and processed externally, then processing flexibility is maintained, but memory access time and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the reading and processing operations into a single step that occurs within the storage device. By coupling multiple storage cells to a common signal line and performing logical operations in-situ, the system eliminates the need to transfer data externally for processing, thereby reducing energy consumption associated with data movement and external processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage device processes its own data internally using the sensing circuitry, eliminating the need to move data to external processors. This self-service approach reduces energy consumption by avoiding repeated memory access cycles and data transfer operations, while maintaining processing flexibility through programmable logical operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A storage device has a plurality of storage cells for storing data values. Control circuitry is provided to simultaneously couple at least two cells to at least one common signal line. Sensing circuitry is provided to sense a signal on the at least one common signal line, which indicates a result of a logical operation applied to the data values stored in each of the at least two storage cells. This allows logic operations such as AND, OR, XOR, etc. to be performed within a storage device so that it is not necessary to read out each data value independently and transfer each data value to a separate processing circuit in order to find the result of the logical operation. This helps to improve performance within a data processing apparatus having the storage device.