Threshold-Based Address Search Circuit for Semiconductor Memory
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current semiconductor memory systems face inefficiencies in address search operations due to the lack of a systematic approach to differentiate between frequently and infrequently accessed logical addresses, leading to suboptimal performance and power consumption.
Innovation Solution
An address search circuit and method that employs a threshold-based mechanism to generate signals for searching map data, distinguishing between frequently and infrequently accessed logical addresses, and utilizing a search engine to select the appropriate physical addresses, thereby optimizing access operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a uniform search approach is used for all logical addresses, then the search process is simple to implement, but search efficiency deteriorates due to lack of differentiation between frequently and infrequently accessed data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the search process into two distinct paths based on reference count thresholds: a fast search path for frequently accessed logical addresses (reference count >= threshold) and a normal search path for infrequently accessed addresses (reference count < threshold). This segmentation enables differentiated handling that optimizes search efficiency for hot data while maintaining simplicity for cold data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts the search approach based on the reference count of logical addresses. When the reference count meets or exceeds the threshold, the system activates the fast search path; otherwise, it uses the normal search path. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize performance based on actual data access patterns without requiring complex pre-configured structures.
2Reliability
If all map data is searched uniformly, then data access is comprehensive, but power consumption increases due to unnecessary processing of infrequently accessed data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by searching only the necessary portion of map data based on reference count. For frequently accessed logical addresses, the system performs a limited search in the fast search path, avoiding the need to scan the entire map data structure. This partial search approach maintains data access reliability for hot data while significantly reducing power consumption by skipping unnecessary processing of cold data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary classification of logical addresses by reference count, maintaining a threshold-based categorization that enables the fast search path to be activated in advance for frequently accessed addresses. This preliminary action ensures that when a search is needed, the system can immediately switch to the low-power fast path without performing comprehensive searches, thus reducing overall power consumption while maintaining access completeness.
3Productivity
If a threshold-based search differentiation is implemented, then search efficiency for frequently accessed data is improved, but the system complexity increases due to multiple search interfaces and buffers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the address search circuit into distinct functional components: a first search interface for receiving search commands and determining reference count thresholds, a second search interface for fast searching frequently accessed addresses, a search buffer for caching relevant map data, and a search engine for executing the differentiated search logic. This modular segmentation organizes the complexity into manageable, functionally distinct units that can be implemented efficiently.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a search buffer as an intermediary component between the search interfaces and the map data storage. This buffer acts as a mediator that caches map data for frequently accessed logical addresses, reducing the need for repeated comprehensive searches. The search buffer simplifies the overall system architecture by providing a centralized caching mechanism that both search interfaces can utilize, thereby managing complexity through a dedicated intermediary layer.
4Measurement precision
If comprehensive map data searching is performed, then all possible mappings are considered, but access time increases due to processing of irrelevant data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by tailoring the search approach to the specific characteristics of each logical address based on its reference count. For frequently accessed addresses (high reference count), the system uses a localized fast search path that focuses only on relevant map data entries. For infrequently accessed addresses, the system uses a more comprehensive but less frequent search approach. This local optimization ensures mapping accuracy is maintained for all addresses while minimizing access time for the majority of frequently accessed data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs partial searching by activating the fast search path only when the reference count threshold is met, thereby searching only the necessary subset of map data rather than performing comprehensive searches for every access. This partial action maintains mapping precision for frequently accessed addresses by focusing search efforts on relevant data, while significantly reducing access time by avoiding unnecessary processing of unrelated map entries.
Data Source
AI summary
An address search circuit of a semiconductor memory apparatus may include a first search interface configured to receive a search command, generate a first signal when a reference count of the target logical address is less than a threshold value, and generate a second signal when the reference count of the target logical address is equal to or more than the threshold value, a second search interface configured to receive map data whose respective reference counts are less than the threshold value in response to the first signal, a search memory configured to store map data whose respective reference counts are equal to or more than the threshold value, a first search buffer configured to store the map data received through the second search interface, and receive map data in response to the second signal; and a search engine configured to select map data by searching the map data.