Data Signal Delay Path for Memory Write Timing Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
In semiconductor memory systems, maintaining the correct timing of internal clock, data, and write command signals is crucial for proper operation, as improper timing can lead to write commands being ignored or write data being incorrect, and conventional methods often require excessive logic gates to achieve desired propagation delays.
Innovation Solution
A delay path is implemented using a clock generation circuit and driver circuit, which delays data signals based on clock signals, allowing data and corresponding command signals to be provided to memory circuits at the same time, using a combination of setup and hold units and delay units with latches to adjust delays dynamically.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If logic gates (inverters or buffers) are used to model clock and data paths with the same propagation delay, then timing synchronization is achieved, but the number of gates required becomes excessively high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the approach from using multiple logic gates to use a delay element that directly controls propagation delay time. By modeling the write command path to have a longer propagation delay than the clock and data paths, the system achieves timing synchronization without requiring excessive numbers of logic gates, thus reducing device complexity while maintaining manufacturing precision.
2Reliability
If the timing of internal write command signal is not properly aligned with clock signals, then data path circuitry cannot be enabled at the expected time, but adjusting timing requires complex path modeling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent models the write command path to have a longer propagation delay than the clock and data paths. This parameter adjustment ensures that the internal write command signal arrives at the data path circuitry at the correct time when enabled by the clock signal, guaranteeing write operation correctness without requiring complex timing adjustment mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatuses for shifting data signals are disclosed herein. An apparatus may comprise a clock generation circuit, a delay path, and a driver. The clock generation circuit may be configured to receive an input clock signal and generate a plurality of clock signals based, at least in part, on the clock signal. A delay path may be coupled to the clock generation circuit and configured to receive the input clock signal and the plurality of clock signals. The delay path may be further configured to receive a data signal and delay the data signal based, at least in part, on the input clock signal and each of the plurality of clock signals. A driver may be coupled to the delay path and configured to receive the delayed data signal, and may further be configured to provide the delayed data signal to a bus.