Data Output Control Circuit for Warming-Up Cycle Timing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current semiconductor memory devices face challenges in effectively controlling data output timing, which is crucial for high-speed operation and reliability, especially in portable electronic devices that require precise timing adjustments based on warming-up cycles.
Innovation Solution
A data output control circuit and semiconductor device design that includes a decoder for generating warming-up cycle information, and first and second data output control circuits to generate latch read enable signals and timing signals based on complementary read enable signals and internal enable signals, allowing for precise masking of pulses according to warming-up cycles, thereby adjusting data output timing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If data output timing is controlled using conventional methods, then basic operation is maintained, but timing precision and reliability under varying conditions (voltage, speed, warming-up cycles) deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of data output timing by introducing warming-up cycle information that adapts the timing signals based on operational conditions. The control circuit dynamically adjusts the timing of data output signals (DQ0-DQ7) by masking specific pulses of the read enable signal (RE_N) according to the current warming-up cycle stage, allowing the system to optimize performance across different operational phases from low voltage to high speed modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of timing control by introducing a warming-up cycle counter that tracks operational phases. Based on the counter value, the circuit selectively masks pulses of the read enable signal, effectively changing the timing parameters of data output. This allows the system to transition smoothly between different operational modes (low voltage, high speed) by adjusting timing parameters dynamically rather than using fixed timing control.
2Measurement precision
If warming-up cycle control is implemented to improve timing precision, then data output timing control performance improves, but circuit complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves multi-functionality by using a single warming-up cycle counter and control logic that serves multiple purposes: it tracks operational phases, generates masking signals for different data output lines, and adapts timing for various voltage and speed conditions. The same control circuit structure handles all warming-up cycle stages (0-7) and controls multiple data lines (DQ0-DQ7) simultaneously, reducing the need for separate control circuits for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the data output control into multiple independent but coordinated control paths. Each data line (DQ0-DQ7) has its own latch read enable signal (RE_L0-RE_L7) that can be independently masked based on warming-up cycle information. This segmentation allows precise control of each data line's timing while using a shared warming-up cycle counter, balancing complexity and control precision.
3Adaptability or versatility
If pulse masking is applied to adjust timing for different warming-up cycles, then timing adaptability improves, but signal processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic action through the warming-up cycle counter that cycles through stages 0-7, creating a periodic masking pattern. The counter increments with each clock cycle and periodically resets, generating a rhythmic sequence of masking signals. This periodic structure simplifies the control logic compared to arbitrary timing adjustments, as the masking pattern repeats predictably through the warming-up phases.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and storing the warming-up cycle timing information in a counter before actual data output occurs. The masking signals are generated in advance based on the counter value, allowing the data output timing to be predetermined and controlled without complex real-time processing during the actual data transfer phase.
Data Source
AI summary
A semiconductor device includes: a memory cell array including a plurality of memory cells; a data input/output circuit suitable for outputting data provided from the memory cell array in response to a couple of data output control signals; and a data output control circuit suitable for generating a couple of latch read enable signals and a couple of data output control timing signals based on a couple of complementary read enable signals, an internal enable signal and warming-up cycle information indicating different warming-up cycles, and outputting, according to the couple of data output control timing signals, the couple of data output control signals using the couple of latch read enable signals, one or more pulses of each of which are masked according to the warming-up cycle information.