Centralized Command Decoder for Memory Address Capture

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing memory devices require separate decoders for each command, leading to increased pipeline circuitry, cost, and size, which can be alleviated by using a centralized command decoder to decode common bit patterns shared among commands.

Innovation Solution

A centralized command decoder is employed to capture common command address bits in the first cycle and differentiate between commands using additional bits, reducing the need for separate decoders and pipeline redundancy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If separate decoders are used for each command, then command decoding accuracy is improved, but device complexity and size increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommand decoding accuracyVSAvoiddecoder circuitry complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple separate command decoders into a single centralized command decoder that handles multiple commands (RD, WR, RDA, WRA) using common address bits. This merging approach maintains accurate command decoding while reducing the overall complexity and size of the decoder circuitry by eliminating redundant separate decoder units.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The centralized command decoder is designed to perform multiple decoding functions simultaneously. It can decode different command types (read, write, auto precharge) using a unified decoding logic that processes common address bits, making the decoder universal and multi-functional rather than requiring dedicated decoders for each command type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If separate decoders are used for each command, then command-specific decoding precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommand decoding precisionVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By merging multiple separate decoders into one centralized unit, the patent reduces the total number of decoder circuits that need to be manufactured and assembled. This consolidation maintains the required decoding precision for each command type while lowering manufacturing costs through reduced component count and simplified production processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If separate decoders are used for each command, then command decoding reliability is improved, but device size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommand decoding reliabilityVSAvoiddecoder area

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple decoder functions into a single centralized decoder unit, significantly reducing the area occupied by decoder circuitry. The unified decoder maintains reliable command decoding for multiple command types (RD, WR, RDA, WRA) by using common address bits and centralized decoding logic, thereby preserving reliability while minimizing the physical space required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Device complexity

If centralized command decoder is used, then device complexity is reduced, but command differentiation capability must be maintained

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedecoder circuitry complexityVSAvoidcommand differentiation capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The centralized command decoder incorporates universal decoding logic that can differentiate between multiple command types (read, write, auto precharge) using common address bits. The decoder is designed to be adaptable and versatile, handling various commands through a unified decoding mechanism that maintains command differentiation capability while reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The centralized command decoder acts as an intermediary that receives common address bits and internally differentiates between command types. It mediates between the simplified input (common bits) and the specific command requirements, using internal logic to distinguish between RD, WR, RDA, and WRA commands while presenting a unified interface that reduces external complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11675541B2Systems and methods for centralized address capture circuitry

Publication Date: 2023.06.13 MICRON TECHNOLOGY INC

AI summary

A memory device includes a command interface configured to receive a command from a host device via multiple command address bits. The memory device also includes a centralized command decoder configured to receive the command and to determine whether the command matches a bit pattern corresponding to multiple command types, such as a write command and a read command. The centralized command decoder is also configured to, in response to the command matching the bit pattern, asserting a latch signal. The memory device also includes a latch configured to capture the multiple command address bits based at least in part on assertion of the latch signal.