Temperature-Based Memory Access for 3D Structures

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Solution Overview

Problem

Three-dimensional memory structures trap heat generated by access operations, leading to increased temperatures that compromise the reliability of memory devices by altering cell voltages and affecting data integrity.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for temperature-based memory access, where the respective temperatures of memory locations are determined to select or sequence access points that minimize temperature increases, using a memory access manager and heat maps to manage heat dissipation and improve reliability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If three-dimensional memory structures are used to increase memory density, then storage capacity is improved, but heat dissipation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvememory densityVSAvoidheat dissipation
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by differentiating memory locations into hot and cold regions based on heat generation characteristics. The system monitors temperature at different locations within the three-dimensional memory structure and selectively accesses cooler locations when possible, thereby managing heat distribution locally throughout the memory device rather than uniformly across the entire structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamics by dynamically selecting access locations based on real-time temperature conditions. The memory access manager continuously monitors temperature data and adapts access patterns accordingly, switching between different memory locations depending on which are currently cooler, thus dynamically managing thermal characteristics during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Quantity of substance

If three-dimensional memory structures are used to increase memory density, then storage capacity is improved, but reliability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvememory densityVSAvoiddata integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies feedback by implementing a temperature monitoring system that continuously measures thermal conditions at various memory locations. This temperature data is fed back to the memory access manager, which uses the information to make informed decisions about access patterns, thereby maintaining data integrity through thermally-aware control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary action by proactively selecting cooler memory locations for access before temperature buildup occurs. The system anticipates heat generation and pre-selects appropriate access locations based on predicted thermal conditions, preventing temperature-related reliability issues before they arise rather than reacting after problems occur.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If temperature-based location selection is implemented, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvememory reliabilityVSAvoidaccess management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing the memory access manager to perform multiple functions: it manages normal memory access operations while simultaneously monitoring temperature, selecting optimal locations, and adapting access patterns. This multi-functional approach consolidates thermal management and memory control into a single management component, reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements self-service by enabling the memory access manager to autonomously monitor temperature conditions and make location selection decisions without external intervention. The system self-regulates access patterns based on thermal feedback, eliminating the need for complex external thermal management hardware or software control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS9959936B1Temperature-based memory access
Publication Date: 2018.05.01 MARVELL ASIA PTE LTD
  • US9959936B1 patent drawing
  • US9959936B1 patent drawing
  • US9959936B1 patent drawing

AI summary

The present disclosure describes apparatuses and techniques that enable temperature-based memory access. In some aspects, a request to access a memory device is received. In response to the request, respective temperatures are determined for multiple locations of the memory device. Based on these respective temperatures, a selection can be made of which of the multiple locations to access. Alternately or additionally, an order in which to access the multiple locations can be determined based on the respective temperatures. The location(s) of the memory device are then accessed based on the selection or the determined order effective to minimize an increase in the memory device's temperature.