Data Dependent Keeper Circuit for Global Data Lines
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Solution Overview
Problem
In multi-core memory circuitry, the precharge and evaluate circuit requires a keeper circuit to maintain data on high resistive data paths, which complicates sizing and limits performance due to large RC networks and the need for low resistance metal in read global data lines.
Innovation Solution
A data dependent clocked keeper circuit that holds data during precharge operations and is disabled during evaluating operations, eliminating the need for a keeper on global data lines and allowing high resistance metals to be used, thereby simplifying the circuit and improving access time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a keeper circuit is used to hold data on high resistive data paths, then data stability is improved, but circuit complexity and sizing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the keeper circuit from the global data line path and relocates it to local data paths only. The global data line precharge circuit is separated into a dedicated precharge transistor that operates independently, eliminating the need for keeper circuits on high-resistance global lines while maintaining data stability where needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the data path into global data lines and local data paths, applying different circuit configurations to each segment. Global data lines use simple precharge circuits without keepers, while local data paths use keeper circuits only when necessary, reducing overall circuit complexity.
2Reliability
If a keeper circuit is used on global data lines, then data holding capability is improved, but access time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary precharging action to global data lines before data evaluation. The precharge transistor activates early to set global data lines to a known state, eliminating the need for keeper circuits to maintain data during the precharge phase, thereby reducing access time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses periodic control signals (precharge signal and evaluate signal) to alternately activate precharge and evaluation phases. During precharge, global data lines are precharged; during evaluation, keepers are enabled on local paths. This periodic operation optimizes both data holding capability and access time.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If low resistance metal is used for read global data lines, then data path resistance is reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different quality requirements to different parts of the data path. Global data lines are designed with adequate resistance characteristics for their function, while keeper circuits are placed only on local data paths where low resistance is critical. This local differentiation reduces manufacturing complexity while maintaining performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses standard cell library copies for keeper circuits on local data paths rather than custom designs. This allows reuse of proven keeper cell designs, simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining data holding capability where needed.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a structure which includes at least one keeper circuit which is configured to hold data to a precharged state during a first operation and be disabled during a second operation.