Mode-Switched Data Amplifier for Output Swing Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional data amplifying circuits in semiconductor devices face challenges in adjusting output signal swing levels between normal and test modes, requiring cumbersome resistor value adjustments and increased costs to achieve valid signal reception for test equipment.
Innovation Solution
A data amplifying circuit with a mode responding circuit that supplies additional source current to the source node in response to a mode selection signal, allowing for controllable swing levels by alternately enabling small-swing and full-swing amplifiers, enabling the circuit to operate effectively in both normal and test modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If the values of resistors R11 and R12 are increased to enlarge the output swing level, then the output swing level is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase due to the burden of adjusting embedded resistor values
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the electrical parameter (source current) dynamically through a mode selection signal to achieve different output swing levels. In test mode, an additional current is supplied to increase the swing level, while in normal mode, the standard current is used. This avoids the need to physically adjust resistor values.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the current supply dynamic by introducing a mode selection signal that switches between normal mode and test mode. This allows the circuit to adapt its output swing level based on operational requirements without requiring physical component changes.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the current source 15 restricts the source current to maintain stable operation, then the stability is improved, but the output swing level deteriorates in test mode
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the current supply into two independent paths: a reference current source that provides stable baseline current, and a mode responding circuit that adds supplementary current when needed. This segmentation allows the circuit to maintain stability through the reference source while achieving high swing levels through the additional current path in test mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The mode responding circuit serves multiple functions: it supplies additional current in test mode to increase swing level, while remaining inactive during normal mode to preserve stable operation. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction between stability and swing level.
3Speed
If the circuit is designed for fast response in normal mode with smaller swing level, then the speed is improved, but the test mode capability deteriorates requiring separate adjustment mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adaptability through a mode selection signal that switches the circuit between normal mode (fast response, smaller swing) and test mode (slower response, larger swing). This dynamic configuration allows the single circuit to adapt to different operational requirements without requiring separate dedicated circuits for each mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The data amplifying circuit is designed with universal functionality to operate effectively in both normal mode and test mode. The mode responding circuit enables the same amplifying circuitry to serve dual purposes: fast data amplification during normal operation and high-swing signal generation during testing, eliminating the need for separate circuits.
Data Source
AI summary
A data amplifying circuit for an output driver has a swing level that is controllable according to an operation mode. The data amplifying circuit includes a mode responding circuit supplying an additional source current to a source node of an amplifying circuit in response to a mode selection signal. The mode responding circuit controls the supply of the additional source current in accordance with an operation mode. Another data amplifying circuit of a semiconductor device, according to the invention, includes a small-swing amplifier and a full-swing amplifier. The small-swing amplifier causes a swing level of the output signal to be relatively smaller, while the full-swing amplifier causes the output signal swing level be relatively larger. The small-swing and full-swing amplifiers are alternatively enabled in response to the mode selection signal.