Buffer Control Circuit Dynamic Enable Period Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional buffer control circuits in semiconductor memory apparatuses result in unnecessary current consumption due to a fixed enable period of the buffer control signal, leading to inefficiencies in power management.
Innovation Solution
A buffer control circuit that includes a delay unit to determine delay amounts for commands based on command latency signals and a buffer control signal generation unit to selectively enable the buffer control signal, allowing for variable enable periods based on the latency signals, thereby optimizing current consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a fixed enable period is used for the buffer control signal, then the circuit design is simple, but unnecessary current consumption occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the buffer control signal enable period variable rather than fixed. The enable period is dynamically adjusted based on command latency values (e.g., CAS write latency of 7 or 9 cycles), allowing the buffer to be enabled only when needed. This resolves the contradiction by transforming the static circuit into a dynamic one that adapts its behavior to reduce unnecessary current consumption while maintaining operational correctness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of the buffer control signal enable period from a fixed value to a variable parameter that depends on command latency. By introducing parameter changes based on latency conditions (cwl=7 or cwl=9), the system optimizes power consumption without significantly increasing circuit complexity, as the parameter adjustment is implemented through control logic rather than fundamental circuit redesign.
2Loss of energy
If the buffer control signal is enabled earlier, then power efficiency improves, but the command execution timing must be precisely controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by enabling the buffer control signal in advance based on predicted command latency. The control circuit anticipates when the command will be executed and enables the buffer accordingly, ensuring the buffer is ready before the command arrives. This resolves the contradiction by using predictive control to balance early enabling for power efficiency with precise timing control for reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the control circuit monitors command latency conditions and adjusts the buffer enable timing accordingly. The system uses feedback from latency detection to precisely control when the buffer should be enabled, ensuring both power efficiency and correct timing. This feedback loop allows the system to adapt to different command types and maintain reliability while optimizing power consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
A buffer control circuit of a semiconductor memory apparatus includes a delay unit configured to determine delay amounts for a command in response to a plurality of command latency signals, delay the command according to a clock, and generate a plurality of delayed signals; and a buffer control signal generation unit configured to receive the plurality of command latency signals and the plurality of delayed signals, and generate a buffer control signal.