Variable-Capacitance Buffer Circuit for Low-Noise Signal Transmission

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Solution Overview

Problem

Semiconductor devices face issues with deteriorating operating speed and signal quality due to increased loading on signal transmission lines, which is exacerbated by the use of repeaters that increase current consumption and cause noise.

Innovation Solution

A buffer circuit incorporating an inductor circuit and variable capacitance circuits to adjust capacitance and resistance values based on adjustment signals, optimizing signal transmission by reducing the need for repeaters.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If repeaters are placed on the global signal line to reduce loading effects, then signal transmission quality is improved, but current consumption increases and noise is generated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal transmission qualityVSAvoidcurrent consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the electrical parameters (capacitance and resistance values) of the buffer circuit dynamically based on operating conditions. The control circuit adjusts these parameters to optimize signal transmission quality while minimizing current consumption, avoiding the need for additional repeaters that would increase power usage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The buffer circuit transitions from a static design to a dynamic one where capacitance and resistance values can be adjusted in real-time. This dynamic adjustment allows the circuit to adapt to varying loading conditions and maintain optimal performance without requiring multiple fixed configurations or additional repeater stages.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If repeaters are placed on the global signal line to reduce loading effects, then signal transmission quality is improved, but noise is generated due to increased current consumption

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal transmission qualityVSAvoidnoise
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

By dynamically adjusting the capacitance and resistance parameters of the buffer circuit, the patent optimizes signal transmission quality without the need for additional repeaters. This parameter optimization reduces current consumption and consequently minimizes noise generation, resolving the contradiction between signal quality and noise reduction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If capacitance and resistance values are increased to improve buffering capability, then signal quality is improved, but current consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal qualityVSAvoidcurrent consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic adjustment of capacitance and resistance values based on actual operating conditions and loading requirements. This allows the buffer circuit to achieve optimal signal quality with minimal current consumption by using only the necessary buffering capability at any given moment, rather than maintaining high buffering capability continuously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The control circuit monitors operating conditions and adjusts the capacitance and resistance parameters accordingly. When high signal quality is needed, parameters are optimized for performance; when loading is light, parameters are reduced to minimize current consumption, thus resolving the contradiction between signal quality and power usage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution enhances signal quality and reduces current consumption by dynamically adjusting capacitance and resistance values, thereby maintaining operating speed and minimizing noise.

Implementation Method 1

a buffer unit including an inductor circuit, and configured to buffer input signals, which are input through a first input terminal and a second input terminal, according to a power source voltage applied to the inductor circuit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a first variable capacitance circuit connected between the first node and the second node, and configured to adjust a first capacitance value according to a plurality of first adjustment signals

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentUS12506478B2Buffer circuit, semiconductor device, and signal processing system including semiconductor device
Publication Date: 2025.12.23 SK HYNIX INC
  • US12506478B2 patent drawing
  • US12506478B2 patent drawing
  • US12506478B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A buffer circuit may include a buffer unit including a first resistor connected between a power source terminal and a first node, a first inductor set connected between the first node and a first input terminal, a second resistor connected between the power source terminal and a second node, and a second inductor set connected between the second node and a second input terminal, and a first variable capacitance circuit connected between the first node and the second node, and configured to adjust a first capacitance value according to a plurality of first adjustment signals.