Metal configurable hybrid memory
US9590634B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 13, 2016 |
| Grant date | Mar 7, 2017 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 13, 2036 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH10D84/981
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Embodiments of the invention relate to a metal configurable hybrid memory for use in integrated circuit designs for implementation in structured ASIC or similar platforms utilizing a base cell or standard cell. In accordance with certain aspects, a hybrid memory according to embodiments of the invention utilizes a fixed custom memory core and a customizable peripheral set of base cells. In accordance with these and further aspects, the hybrid memory can be specified using a macro, in which certain memory features (e.g. ECC, etc.) are implemented using the customizable peripheral set of base cells, and which may be selected or omitted from the design by the user. This enables the overall logic use for the memory to be optimized for a user's particular design. Unused logic in the customizable peripheral set of base cells can thus be freed for top-level logic use, thereby optimizing the design according to a user's functional and dimensional requirements and minimizing unnecessary waste of silicon area and power.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.