Auto-precharge Signal Generator Circuit Timing Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing auto-precharge signal generation circuits in semiconductor memory devices malfunction due to the generation of abnormal pulses in the auto-precharge signal, caused by insufficient time margin from the period set signal, leading to malfunctions during reading or writing operations.
Innovation Solution
An auto-precharge signal generation circuit is designed with a signal generator, set signal generator, and auto-precharge signal generator, utilizing a delay circuit, latch circuit, and logic operations to control the precharge signal and auto-precharge signal, ensuring the auto-precharge signal is generated correctly and preventing malfunctions by managing the timing of the precharge control signal and burst operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the auto-precharge signal generation circuit uses a simple pulse generation approach, then the circuit complexity is reduced, but multiple abnormal pulses are generated causing malfunctions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the auto-precharge signal generation into distinct functional stages: a control signal generation stage that monitors burst operation status, a set signal generation stage that prepares the precharge signal, and an auto-precharge signal generation stage that outputs the final signal. This segmentation prevents multiple pulses by ensuring each stage operates independently with proper timing control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by generating a control signal before the auto-precharge signal that monitors whether a burst operation is currently in progress. This control signal prevents the set signal from being generated during burst operations, thereby preventing multiple abnormal pulses from being output.
2Productivity
If the circuit generates auto-precharge signals rapidly, then the productivity is improved, but the time margin becomes insufficient causing abnormal pulse generation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic action through the internal clock signal that rhythmically controls the generation of control signals and set signals. This periodic control ensures that signals are generated at appropriate intervals with sufficient time margins, preventing the race condition that causes multiple pulses while maintaining efficient operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using the burst end signal to control the generation of control signals. When a burst operation is detected, the feedback mechanism prevents further set signals from being generated until the burst operation completes, ensuring proper timing margins are maintained.
3Measurement precision
If the circuit continuously monitors all column address strobe signals, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential monitoring function by using a dedicated control signal generation stage that specifically monitors burst operation status through the burst end signal. This extraction approach provides precise timing control without requiring the circuit to continuously monitor all column address strobe signals, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An auto-precharge signal generation circuit comprises a signal generator, a set signal generator, and an auto-precharge signal generator. The signal generator is configured to generating a control signal and a precharge control signal in response to receiving a first column address strobe signal and an auto-precharge flag signal. The set signal generator is configured to generating a set signal in response to receiving the control signal and the precharge control signal. The auto-precharge signal generator is configured to generate an auto-precharge signal in response to receiving the set signal and a period set signal.