Data Output Gating for High Frequency Domain Integrity
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Solution Overview
Problem
In high frequency domains, semiconductor devices often output incorrect or no data due to an output delay that exceeds the time between sending an instruction and outputting data, leading to issues with data integrity.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves gating the data path to store data during a clock signal's falling edge and outputting it during the subsequent rising edge, ensuring the read delay is equal to or greater than the output delay, thus preventing incorrect data output in high frequency domains and ensuring correct data output in lower frequency domains.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the clock signal frequency is increased to improve data transmission speed, then productivity is improved, but the output delay becomes greater than the time between sending the instruction and outputting the data path, causing incorrect data to be output and reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by sending the instruction to transmit the data path earlier, specifically in response to a first rising edge of the clock signal, so that the data path has sufficient time to be prepared and output before the clock signal transitions to the next state. This advance timing ensures that even at high frequencies, the data path output is ready and correct when needed.
2Reliability
If the output delay is reduced to maintain synchronization with the clock signal, then reliability is improved, but the time available to transmit the data path is reduced, limiting productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the timing of the instruction transmission adaptive to the clock signal frequency. The instruction is sent in response to the first rising edge, and the data path is output in response to the second rising edge, creating a dynamic timing relationship that automatically adjusts to maintain reliability while maximizing productivity across different operating frequencies.
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes memory banks that store data and a data path coupled to the memory banks that transfers the data. The system also includes a latch that gates the data path based on a clock signal in the system. The system further includes interface circuitry coupled to the data path that sends an instruction to the memory banks to transmit the data on the data path in response to receiving a first rising edge of the clock signal. The interface circuitry also outputs gated data in response to receiving a second rising edge of the clock signal. The latch gates the data path to store the gated data in response to receiving a falling edge of the clock signal.