Semiconductor Command Latch Sequencing for High-Speed Signal Order Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Semiconductor memory devices face challenges in processing command signals efficiently at high speeds and performing diverse operations due to the need for precise transmission sequences of input signals, which existing technologies struggle to manage effectively.
Innovation Solution
A semiconductor device with input signal latch and valid signal latch units that transfer command signals to corresponding lines based on a valid signal, allowing for high-speed processing and accurate determination of signal order regardless of the clock phase used for latching.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If command signals are processed at higher speeds with increased integration, then productivity and functionality are improved, but the ability to accurately determine transmission sequences of input signals deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A valid signal latch unit is introduced as an intermediary component between the input signal latch unit and the signal transfer unit. This latch unit captures the valid signal at a specific clock phase and uses it to control the sequence determination logic, enabling accurate sequence identification even when command signals are processed at higher speeds. The intermediary latch unit decouples the timing of valid signal detection from the main signal processing flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The valid signal is latched in advance at a predetermined clock phase before the main command signal processing occurs. This preliminary action of capturing the valid signal state allows the sequence determination logic to correctly identify the transmission sequence without being affected by subsequent high-speed signal variations. The preliminary latching ensures that sequence information is established before high-speed processing begins.
2Adaptability or versatility
If diverse additional functions are provided through packet-type command signals, then adaptability is improved, but the complexity of processing and managing signal sequences increases
Solution Approach 1:
The signal processing function is segmented into distinct units: an input signal latch unit for capturing command signals, a valid signal latch unit for capturing validity information, and a signal transfer unit for routing signals based on sequence determination. This segmentation allows each unit to handle specific aspects of packet processing independently, managing complexity through modular design while supporting diverse packet-type commands.
Solution Approach 2:
The sequence determination logic is designed as a universal mechanism that works across different packet types and command formats. By using the valid signal latch result to control the signal transfer unit, the system can handle diverse additional functions through a single unified approach rather than requiring separate processing paths for each command type.
Data Source
AI summary
A semiconductor device may include first to fourth output lines, an input signal latch unit suitable for latching first to fourth input signals that are sequentially inputted in response to first to fourth clocks having sequential phases, respectively, a valid signal latch unit suitable for latching a valid signal in response to one clock among the first to fourth clocks, where the valid signal corresponds to one input signal among the first to fourth input signals and represents whether the corresponding input signal is valid or not, and a signal transfer unit suitable for transferring the latched input signals, which are obtained by latching the input signals in response to the first to fourth clocks, to the first to fourth output lines based on a correspondence relationship that is decided based on a valid signal latch result of the valid signal latch unit.