Data Output Circuit Strobe Signal Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In semiconductor memory apparatuses, reading data from multiple cell blocks simultaneously poses challenges due to timing mismatches between data transmission and strobe signal generation, leading to potential errors in data output.
Innovation Solution
A data output circuit that receives and processes multiple strobe signals from different paths to generate synchronized input control signals, ensuring timely storage and output of data through pipe latch units, thereby maintaining a timing margin between data transmission and strobe signal generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If data bits are read out from multiple cell blocks simultaneously through a shared global input/output line, then productivity is improved, but timing synchronization between data transmission and strobe signal generation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single strobe signal generation into multiple independent strobe signal paths, one for each cell block. Each path generates its own strobe signal independently, allowing simultaneous data reading from multiple cell blocks without timing conflicts. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by enabling parallel operation while maintaining individual timing control for each path.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an input control unit as an intermediary that receives strobe signals from multiple paths and generates corresponding input control signals for pipe latch units. This intermediary component coordinates the timing between data transmission from different cell blocks and the latching operation, ensuring synchronized data capture while maintaining high productivity.
2Device complexity
If a single strobe signal is shared across multiple cell blocks, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision of timing margins deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the strobe signal generation into multiple independent paths, with each path having its own strobe signal generation circuitry. This allows precise control of timing margins for each cell block independently, achieving high manufacturing precision without requiring a single complex centralized controller.
Solution Approach 2:
Each strobe signal path is optimized independently with its own timing control characteristics. The input control unit generates tailored input control signals for each pipe latch unit based on the specific timing requirements of each cell block, achieving local optimization of timing margins while maintaining overall system simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
A data output circuit may include a first node, which receives a first strobe signal, a second node, which receives a second strobe signal, an input control unit that is coupled to the first and second nodes, and receives the first strobe signal generated from a single strobe signal transmitted through a first path of a semiconductor memory apparatus and the second strobe signal generated from the single strobe signal transmitted from a second path of the semiconductor memory apparatus in response to a read command, generates a first input control signal based on the first strobe signal and the second strobe signal, and generates a second input control signal based on the second strobe signal.