Apple patents memory system that skips reading empty data spots
Apple has been granted a patent for a memory management technique that identifies specific storage locations containing only 'sparse' or empty data. Instead of physically reading these empty spots, the system blocks the read command and sends a default empty pattern directly, bypassing the usual data sampling process.
In the filing’s own words
A method and apparatus for storing and accessing sparse data is disclosed. A sparse array circuit may receive information indicative of a request to perform a read operation on a memory circuit that includes multiple banks. The sparse array circuit may compare an address included in the received information to multiple entries that correspond to address locations in the memory circuit that store sparse data. In response to a determination that the address matches a particular entry, the sparse array may generate one or more control signals that may disable the read operation, and cause a data control circuit to transmit the sparse data pattern.
What exactly they claim (claim 1)
1. A system, comprising: a memory circuit including a plurality of rows of memory cells; a data capture circuit, incluiding a plurality of sample circuits, configured to sample, based on one or more transitions of a clock signal, respective bit values from a subset of memory cells included in a selected row of the plurality of rows; and a control circuit configured to: compare a received read address associated with a particular row of the plurality of rows to a plurality of addresses associated with locations in the memory circuit where data that matches a sparse data pattern is stored; based on a determination that the received read address is excluded from the plurality of addresses, use the data capture circuit to sample bit values associated with the received read address; and based on a determination that the received read address is included within the plurality of addresses, prevent the clock signal from propagating to ones of the plurality of sample circuits associated with the received read address.
Facts
- Company
- Apple (Apple Inc.)
- Official title
- System control using sparse data
- Patent number
- US12762066B2
- Application number
- 19029681
- Filed
- Jan 17, 2025
- Granted
- Oct 13, 2026
- Inventors
- 4
- Claims
- 20
Classified under
G06F 12/10 Physics & computingG06F 12/06 Physics & computingG06F 17/16 Physics & computingG11C 5/144 Physics & computingG11C 5/148 Physics & computingG11C 7/1006 Physics & computingMore from Apple in Chips & hardware
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Summaries are simplified from the filing’s own abstract and first claim. A patent filing is not a product announcement.
Patent data and drawings: U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Nebula is not affiliated with or endorsed by the USPTO.