Data Output Buffer With Edge-Triggered Emphasis and De-Emphasis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current data output buffers in memory devices lack the ability to selectively perform emphasis and de-emphasis functions during data transition periods, which can lead to inefficiencies in data communication.
Innovation Solution
A data output buffer that includes a pull-up main driver, a pull-down main driver, an active inductor controller, and an active inductor, which selectively drives the inductor to perform emphasis and de-emphasis operations based on the transition periods of the input data, thereby enhancing data communication efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If emphasis operation is continuously applied to output data, then signal strength is improved, but power consumption increases and cannot address data transition-specific requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by enabling the active inductor only during specific transition periods of the data signal rather than continuously. The active inductor controller detects rising or falling edges of the input data and activates the active inductor selectively during these transition periods, thereby providing emphasis operation only when needed to maintain signal integrity during transitions while reducing overall power consumption compared to continuous operation.
2Reliability
If de-emphasis operation is applied during data transitions, then signal integrity is improved, but the system complexity increases due to additional control circuitry
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an active inductor controller as an intermediary component that bridges the input data signal and the active inductor. This controller detects transition periods of the input data and generates appropriate control signals to activate the active inductor during rising or falling edges. By using this intermediary control circuitry, the system achieves improved signal integrity through selective de-emphasis operation while managing the added complexity in a structured manner.
3Productivity
If active inductor is selectively driven during transition periods, then data communication efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the active inductor's operation dynamic rather than static. The active inductor is selectively activated or deactivated based on the transition state of the input data signal. During stable periods, the active inductor remains inactive, and during transition periods (rising or falling edges), it is activated to provide necessary signal conditioning. This dynamic operation improves data communication efficiency by adapting to signal conditions while the complexity is managed through automated control logic.
Data Source
AI summary
A data output buffer includes a pull-up main driver outputting output data having a high level through an output pad by performing an emphasis operation according to input data, a pull-down main driver outputting the output data having a low level through the output terminal according to the input data, an active inductor controller selectively outputting an inductor activating voltage by detecting a rising or falling period of the input data, and an active inductor selectively performing a de-emphasis operation on the output terminal in response to the inductor activating voltage.