CVNS-Based Storage and Refreshing Scheme for a Multi-Valued Dynamic Memory

Multi-valued dynamic memories are appropriate for applications such as implementation of neural networks, where massive number of synaptic weights have to be stored on a chip. In this paper, a novel storage and refreshing configuration to store up to 4 bits (16 levels) per cell on a dynamic memory is proposed. This configuration is based on the Continuous Valued Number System (CVNS). Error correction method according to the CVNS properties is used in order to increase the noise margin of memory cells. Furthermore, by decreasing the leakage current, the refresh cycle time is increased. The circuits are designed, simulated, and finally laid out using 90-nm CMOS technology.