Command Filter for Semiconductor Pulse Width Handling

The patent implements a universal command shifter that can process both internal read commands and mode register read commands with different pulse widths. The command shifter is designed to accept variable pulse width inputs and internally adapt to the correct latency timing, eliminating the need for separate dedicated shifters for each command type while maintaining accurate command processing.

The patent changes the parameter of pulse width handling by introducing a command filter that identifies and processes commands based on their pulse width characteristics. The system dynamically adjusts its behavior based on the detected command type, allowing a single shifter to handle multiple command formats by changing its operational parameters rather than requiring separate hardware for each format.

The patent introduces dynamic command filtering that adapts to different command types. The command filter dynamically identifies whether an incoming command is a standard read command or a mode register read command based on pulse width, and routes it appropriately. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to use extended pulse widths for power efficiency in standard reads while maintaining proper timing for mode register reads that require shorter pulses.

The command filter acts as an intermediary between the command input and the command shifter. It receives commands with varying pulse widths, identifies the command type, and prepares the appropriate timing signals for the universal shifter. This intermediary layer enables the system to maintain timing flexibility for different command types while allowing the use of extended pulse widths for power efficiency where applicable.

The patent segments the command processing function into two distinct stages: command filtering/identification and command shifting. The command filter separates and identifies different command types based on pulse width characteristics, while the universal shifter handles the actual latency counting. This segmentation allows a single shifter to accurately process different command types by relying on the prior segmentation and identification performed by the filter.

The command filter serves as an intermediary that prepares commands for the universal shifter by identifying command types and generating appropriate control signals. This intermediary ensures that even though a single shifter handles multiple command types, the processing remains accurate because the filter has already prepared the necessary timing and control information based on the specific command type.