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 increases, leading to layout and pad area constraints, as well as complexity in package design.
Innovation Solution
Transmitting command mode by setting a resting state of a clock 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 (data, commands, operation mode), then signal transmission reliability is improved, but the number of conductive lines and layout area increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple signal types (command signal and operation mode signal) into a single conductive line. The master device multiplexes these signals by transmitting them sequentially or simultaneously on the same line, eliminating the need for separate conductive lines for each signal type while maintaining signal integrity and reducing layout area.
Solution Approach 2:
The single conductive line serves multiple functions by transmitting different signal types (command signals, operation mode signals, and potentially other control signals) at different times or in different formats. This multi-functional use of the conductive line reduces the total number of lines required in the system.
2Loss of information
If separate conductive lines are used for each signal type, then signal transmission clarity is improved, but the number of I/O pads and package complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple signal types are merged into a single conductive line transmission path, reducing the number of I/O pads required. The master device manages the signal multiplexing to ensure clear differentiation between command signals and operation mode signals, preventing information loss despite sharing the same physical medium.
Solution Approach 2:
The master device transmits different signal types in periodic or time-division manner on the same conductive line. By allocating specific time slots for command signals and operation mode signals, the system maintains signal clarity while reducing the number of physical connections required.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the number of die and signal types increase, then device functionality and versatility are improved, but the number of conductive lines and layout space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The conductive lines are designed to handle multiple signal types and support operations across multiple die through versatile signaling protocols. The master device can transmit various commands and control signals over the same lines regardless of the number of slave die or operation types, enabling the system to scale functionality without proportionally increasing layout space.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple control functions and signal types into shared conductive lines, allowing the system to support increased device functionality and multiple die configurations without requiring dedicated lines for each function. This reduces the growth rate of layout space requirements as system complexity increases.
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.