Chip Select Buffer Control for Low-Leakage Power-Down Memory
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Solution Overview
Problem
Semiconductor memory devices face challenges in reducing power consumption during the power-down mode due to high leakage current, which is not effectively addressed by existing technologies.
Innovation Solution
The semiconductor device incorporates a buffer control circuit that generates a buffer control signal in response to a power-down mode signal and a detection pulse, along with first and second buffer circuits that generate internal chip select signals based on logic levels, and a detection pulse generation circuit that synchronizes with the second internal chip select signal to manage power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the semiconductor device operates in power-down mode to reduce power consumption, then energy consumption is reduced, but leakage current increases and becomes difficult to control
Solution Approach 1:
The buffer control circuit is divided into multiple buffer circuits (first buffer circuit, second buffer circuit, command address buffer circuit) that can be independently controlled. Each buffer circuit can be selectively activated or deactivated based on the power mode, allowing precise control of leakage current in each segment while maintaining overall power reduction in power-down mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The buffer control circuit dynamically switches between different buffer circuits based on the power mode signal. In normal mode, the first buffer circuit is active; in power-down mode, the second buffer circuit is activated while the first is deactivated. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the system to adapt its buffer configuration to minimize leakage current while maintaining functionality.
2Reliability
If buffer circuits are activated in power-down mode to maintain functionality, then operational reliability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Different buffer circuits are optimized for different operating conditions. The first buffer circuit is designed for normal operation mode, while the second buffer circuit is specifically designed for power-down mode operation. By activating only the appropriate buffer circuit for the current power mode, the system maintains reliability while minimizing unnecessary power consumption from inactive circuits.
Solution Approach 2:
The buffer control circuit changes its operational parameters by switching between different buffer circuits based on the power mode signal. This parameter change allows the system to optimize its characteristics for each mode - full performance in normal mode and low-power operation in power-down mode - thereby maintaining reliability while reducing power consumption.
3Use of energy by moving object
If multiple buffer circuits are used to control power modes, then power consumption is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The buffer control circuit serves multiple functions: it generates control signals for different buffer circuits, responds to power-down mode signals, generates detection pulses, and manages mode transitions. By consolidating these multiple functions into a single control circuit, the system achieves power reduction through multiple buffer circuits without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The buffer control circuit acts as an intermediary that manages the complexity of controlling multiple buffer circuits. It receives the power-down mode signal and coordinates the activation/deactivation of different buffer circuits, thereby shielding the rest of the system from the complexity of multi-buffer management while still achieving the power reduction benefits.
4Speed
If the device exits power-down mode quickly in response to detection pulse, then response speed is improved, but unstable command address input may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The buffer control circuit prepares for mode exit by monitoring the detection pulse generated from the second internal chip select signal. Before fully exiting power-down mode, the circuit ensures that the command address buffer is properly configured and ready to receive stable inputs. This preliminary preparation prevents unstable command address input while maintaining quick response to the detection pulse.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit incorporates protection mechanisms that cushion against potential instability during mode transition. The buffer control circuit ensures that the command address buffer is properly enabled and stabilized before the power-down mode exit is complete, providing a buffer against unstable inputs that might occur during the transition period.
Data Source
AI summary
A semiconductor device includes a buffer control circuit suitable for generating a buffer control signal in response to a power-down mode signal and a detection pulse, a first buffer circuit suitable for generating a first internal chip select signal by buffering a chip select signal depending on a select signal which is generated in response to the buffer control signal in a power-down mode, and a detection pulse generation circuit suitable for generating the detection pulse in response to the first internal chip select signal.