Calibration methods and structures for partitioned memory architecture with single resistor or dual resistor memory elements

Abstract

Disclosed structures include a partitioned memory architecture, which includes single resistor or dual resistor memory elements, which is configured for in-memory pipeline processing with minimal local IR drops, and which further includes additional circuitry to facilitate calibration processing. In some embodiments, the additional circuitry enables calibration processing when in-memory pipeline processing is paused. In these embodiments, the same bitlines and data sensing elements used for in-memory pipeline processing are also used for calibration processing. In other embodiments, the additional circuitry enables calibration processing concurrent with in-memory pipeline processing. In these embodiments, the additional circuitry includes duplicate pairs of memory elements with programmable resistors that can be connected to the operational circuitry for in-memory pipeline processing, to the calibration circuitry (including calibration-specific sense lines and sensing elements) for calibration processing, or to neither such that one memory element of the duplicate pair always remains operational allowing the other to undergo calibration.