Common Template Mask Set for Vendor-Neutral SOC DRAM Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing systems on chip (SOCs) require different interfaces for connecting with dynamic random access memory (DRAM) from various vendors, leading to the need for multiple mask sets and increased complexity and costs for manufacturers and consumers.
Innovation Solution
A common template mask set is introduced, which uses a standardized set of masks to create a vendor-neutral interface on the SOC, allowing it to connect with DRAM from multiple vendors, reducing the need for multiple mask sets and simplifying the manufacturing process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If vendor-specific interfaces are used to connect SOC with DRAM from different vendors, then compatibility with each vendor's specific part is achieved, but the number of mask sets increases and manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a common interface template that can be used across multiple vendors. Instead of creating separate vendor-specific interfaces, a single standardized interface structure is defined that accommodates different DRAM vendors through configuration parameters rather than structural changes. This allows the same mask set to serve multiple vendors, reducing the number of mask sets needed while maintaining compatibility with various vendor parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes to adapt the common interface template to different vendors. Rather than changing the physical interface structure, the solution modifies interface parameters such as timing characteristics, electrical levels, and configuration settings to match different vendor requirements. This allows a single mask set to produce interfaces that can be configured for multiple vendors through parameter adjustment rather than physical redesign.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple mask sets are used to support different vendor interfaces, then vendor-specific compatibility is maintained, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The common interface template serves multiple vendors simultaneously, making the manufacturing process universal rather than vendor-specific. This eliminates the need to produce separate mask sets for each vendor, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining the ability to support multiple vendors through configuration rather than physical variation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple vendor-specific interface requirements into a single common template structure. By combining the essential interface elements that work across vendors into one unified design, the solution eliminates redundant manufacturing steps and reduces the total number of mask sets required, directly lowering manufacturing costs while preserving multi-vendor support.
3Manufacturing precision
If vendor-specific interfaces are implemented, then precise interface requirements for each vendor are met, but the switching between vendors becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables vendor switching through parameter changes rather than physical interface changes. The common template includes configurable parameters that can be adjusted to match different vendor requirements, allowing seamless switching between vendors by modifying software or configuration settings rather than changing hardware masks or interface structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The universal common interface template maintains precise compliance with different vendor requirements through a unified structure. Rather than requiring separate vendor-specific implementations, the single template design inherently supports multiple vendors, making vendor switching simple and eliminating the complexity of managing multiple interface implementations while maintaining manufacturing precision for each vendor.
Data Source
AI summary
One or more techniques or systems for incorporating a common template into a system on chip (SOC) design are provided herein. For example, a common template mask set is generated based on a first set of polygon positions from a first vendor and a second set of polygon positions from a second vendor. A third party creates a third party SOC design using a set of design rules generated based on the common template mask set. The common template is fabricated based on the third party SOC design using the common template mask set. Because the common template is formed using the common template mask set and because the common template mask set is based on polygon positions from both the first vendor and the second vendor, a part can be connected to the SOC regardless of whether the part is sourced from the first vendor or the second vendor.