Clock Delay Calibration Circuit for Stable High-Speed Memory Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing memory technologies, such as DRAM, face challenges in improving read and write frequency due to variations in transmission delays of clock signals, affecting the quality of data transfer and the overall speed of data read and write operations.
Innovation Solution
A delay calibration circuit is introduced, comprising a divided clock generation circuit, a calibration circuit, and a detection circuit, which adjusts and stabilizes the pulse widths of divided clock signals to equalize delays, thereby enhancing the stability and frequency of clock signals for improved data transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If clock signals are transmitted through memory devices, then data read and write operations can be performed, but transmission delay variations occur that reduce read and write frequency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing delay calibration before normal data read and write operations. The calibration circuit pre-adjusts the clock signal delays through trimming signals generated during an initialization phase, ensuring that delay variations are compensated before high-frequency data operations begin, thus resolving the contradiction between achieving high productivity and maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback through a closed-loop delay calibration mechanism. The calibration circuit monitors transmission delays and generates trimming signals that adjust delay elements in real-time based on detected variations. This feedback system continuously compensates for delay variations, maintaining reliable timing relationships while enabling high-frequency operations
2Reliability
If delay calibration circuit is added to adjust clock signals, then transmission delay variations are reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing a dedicated calibration circuit that acts as a mediator between the clock signal source and the data transmission paths. This separate calibration module adjusts delays without interfering with the main data operation circuits, achieving improved reliability while containing complexity in a specialized subsystem rather than throughout the entire device
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by adjusting delay characteristics through trimming signals that modify the timing parameters of clock signals. The calibration circuit changes delay parameters dynamically based on measured variations, achieving reliable timing stability through parameter optimization rather than through complex structural modifications
Data Source
AI summary
A delay calibration circuit, a memory, and a clock signal calibration method are provided. The delay calibration circuit includes: a divided clock generation circuit, configured to receive an input external clock signal and output at least two channels of divided clock signals based on the external clock signal; a calibration circuit, connected to the divided clock generation circuit and configured to adjust delays of at least two channels of divided clock signals based on a trimming signal and output adjusted divided clock signals; and a detection circuit, connected to the calibration circuit and configured to detect pulse widths of the at least two channels of divided clock signals and generate the trimming signal based on the pulse widths.