Data Driver Signal Path Gating for Impedance-Controlled Output
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data driving circuits in semiconductor circuits face challenges in simplifying logic and reducing power consumption while effectively managing impedance and driving strength for semiconductor devices.
Innovation Solution
A data driving circuit comprising a trigger circuit and a pre-driver, where the trigger circuit blocks unnecessary signal paths and the pre-driver uses impedance control codes to determine the driving strength, allowing the main driver to output data with optimized impedance and driving control signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple signal paths are kept active to support multiple driving strengths, then adaptability is improved, but power consumption increases and logic complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The trigger circuit extracts and isolates only the currently selected driving strength signal path from the plurality of available signal paths, blocking the remaining paths. This extraction approach maintains adaptability by preserving all possible signal paths in the circuit design while actively using only the necessary one, thereby reducing power consumption without sacrificing driving strength selection capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple signal paths are kept active to support multiple driving strengths, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The trigger circuit extracts and isolates only the currently selected driving strength signal path from the plurality of available signal paths, blocking the remaining paths. This extraction approach maintains adaptability by preserving all possible signal paths in the circuit design while actively using only the necessary one, thereby reducing power consumption without sacrificing driving strength selection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The trigger circuit performs preliminary action by pre-blocking unnecessary signal paths before the data signal traverses through the circuit. By anticipating which signal paths are not needed for the current operating condition and blocking them in advance, the circuit simplifies the active logic paths, reducing the complexity of signal routing and control logic while maintaining the capability to switch between different driving strengths.
3Adaptability or versatility
If impedance control codes are used to adjust driving strength, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pre-driver circuit is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a signal buffer and as an impedance control element. By integrating impedance control capability into the existing pre-driver structure rather than adding separate control circuits, the patent achieves adaptability in impedance matching while minimizing the increase in device complexity. The pre-driver responds to impedance control codes by adjusting its output characteristics, combining multiple functions in a single circuit block.
Data Source
AI summary
A data driving circuit may include a trigger circuit and a pre-driver. The trigger circuit may be configured to block a remaining signal path among a plurality of signal paths for transmitting data except for a signal path corresponding to a currently selected driving strength. The pre-driver may be configured to drive data, which are transmitted through the signal path corresponding to the currently selected driving strength, using an impedance determined in accordance with a plurality of impedance control codes.