Semiconductor device and method for reducing power consumption in a system having interconnected devices

Abstract

A system includes a plurality of memory devices connected in-series that communicate with a memory controller. A memory device designated by an ID number performs operations at a normal power consumption level. The other devices not designated perform signal forwarding operations at a reduced power consumption level. The designated memory device enables its internal clock generator to generate all clocks necessary for operations. The non-designated memory devices generate clocks to perform partial operations for forwarding commands to next memory devices. In another example, memory devices do not forward the input command to the next memory device when there is no ID match. In another example, a memory device transmits the command replacing the content thereof with a static output when there is an ID match. Such partial clock generation, non-forwarding of commands and replacing the command contents will cause the system to operate at the reduced power consumption level.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims the benefit of priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 902,003 filed Feb. 16, 2007; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 891,108 filed Feb. 22, 2007; and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 943,442 filed Jun. 12, 2007, the he disclosures of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates generally to semiconductor devices. More particularly, the present invention relates to a system having an arrangement having a plurality of semiconductor devices.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Power consumption control is important in memory and system design, and there are potential benefits in reducing power consumption. For instance, a memory system that is battery-powered benefits from a longer battery life if power consumption by the memory system is reduced. There also are benefits in reducing power consumption fo...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007]The command may further include an OP code. The internal clock producer may include an OP code clock producer for producing an OP code clock if the ID number of the command matches the device address of the semiconductor device. The OP code clock facilitates processing of an OP code of the command.

[0009]According to another broad aspect of the invention, there is provided a method in a semiconductor device of a serial interconnection arrangement of semiconductor devices. The method comprises: receiving commands and forwarding at least some of the commands at the semiconductor device; operating the semiconductor device with normal power consumption for those commands that are addressed to the semiconductor device; and operating the semiconductor device with reduced power consumption for those commands that are not addressed to that semiconductor device.

[0012]A memory device according to another embodiment of the present invention does not forward the input command to the next memory device when there is an ID match. Therefore, the memory devices that do not receive the command will not perform operations at the normal power consumption level, with the result that the power consumption by the system will be reduced.

[0013]A memory device according to another embodiment of the present invention transmits the command replacing the content thereof with a static output. Therefore, the memory devices that receive such commands with replacements perform operations at the reduced power consumption level, with the result that the power consumption by the system will be reduced.

Problems solved by technology

However, this approach does not guarantee good signal integrity and enough timing margin in high speed applications, for example, over 100 MHz frequency.

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