Clock Resting-State Signaling for Command Mode Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
As the number of die and signal types in semiconductor devices increases, the number of conductive lines required for signal transmission also grows, leading to space constraints and increased layout and pad area requirements, necessitating a method to efficiently transmit multiple signal types without the need for separate conductive lines for each.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves transmitting a command mode by setting a resting state of a clock signal and transitioning an enable signal to an active state, allowing the command mode to be indicated without additional conductive lines, enabling both master and slave devices to execute commands appropriately based on the mode.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate conductive lines are used for each signal type, then signal transmission reliability is improved, but layout area and pad area increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple signal types (command mode signal and clock signal) into a single conductive line. The master device modulates the clock signal to encode command mode information, allowing slave devices to receive both synchronization and command information through one shared line, thereby reducing the number of conductive lines and pad requirements while maintaining reliable signal transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The clock signal line is given multiple functions: it serves both as a synchronization signal for timing operations and as a carrier for command mode information. By making the conductive line universal, the patent eliminates the need for separate dedicated lines for each signal type, reducing overall device complexity and area requirements.
2Measurement precision
If multiple conductive lines are used for different signals, then signal transmission accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges command mode signal transmission with clock signal transmission onto a single conductive line. The master device modulates the clock signal to embed command mode information, and slave devices use signal detection circuits to extract this information while maintaining accurate timing, thereby reducing device complexity without sacrificing transmission accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters of the clock signal to encode command mode information. By varying characteristics such as signal level or timing patterns of the clock signal, the system conveys additional information without requiring separate conductive lines, thus reducing complexity while preserving accurate signal transmission.
3Ease of operation
If additional conductive lines are added for command mode signals, then operation mode control is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines command mode control signals with the existing clock signal on a single conductive line. This integration maintains full operation mode control capability while reducing the number of conductive lines and pads required, thereby simplifying manufacturing processes and reducing production costs associated with additional interconnect structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The clock signal line is designed to serve multiple purposes including both timing synchronization and command mode control. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate dedicated control lines, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining precise operation mode control.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatuses and methods for transmitting a command mode (e.g., operation mode) associated with a command between devices are disclosed. One device may be configured as a master and one or more devices may be configured as slaves. The command mode may be transmitted by the master to the slaves by setting a resting state of a clock signal transmitted between the devices and transitioning a device enable signal to an active state. The slaves may detect the resting state of the clock at the time the enable signal is transitioned to the active state in order to determine the command mode of the command. The devices may then execute the command in the mode indicated by the transmitted command mode.