Data Receiver Integration and Sense Amplification for ISI Compensation

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Solution Overview

Problem

High-speed data transmission leads to significant distortion of signal amplitude and phase due to intersymbol interference (ISI), resulting in bit errors in receivers, particularly in semiconductor memory devices.

Innovation Solution

A data receiver is designed with an integration unit, sense amplification unit, and latch unit, utilizing integrating decision feedback equalizers (IDFEs) and sense-amplifier-based decision feedback equalizers (SADFEs) to generate equalization signals, which reduce ISI components by using feedback signals from previous data periods, effectively compensating for distortion and generating a sampling data signal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If data transmission speed is increased, then productivity is improved, but signal distortion due to intersymbol interference increases causing bit errors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transmission speedVSAvoidsignal accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a decision feedback equalizer that uses feedback signals from previously received data to compensate for intersymbol interference in current data. The equalizer unit generates compensation signals based on past decisions and subtracts them from the received signal, thereby reducing ISI effects and improving signal accuracy at high transmission speeds

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an equalizer unit as an intermediary component between the receiver and the data decision unit. This equalizer unit processes the received signal by removing ISI components before the final data decision is made, acting as a mediator that improves signal quality without affecting the overall system speed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If conventional equalization methods are used to reduce ISI, then signal quality is improved, but device complexity and power consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal qualityVSAvoidreceiver structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the equalization function into two distinct units: an equalizer unit that removes ISI components and a data decision unit that makes final data decisions. This segmentation allows each unit to be optimized independently, reducing overall complexity compared to a monolithic equalizer design

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The decision feedback equalizer uses its own output decisions to generate feedback signals for compensating ISI. The system serves itself by using previously decided data to improve current data reception, eliminating the need for external complex equalization algorithms or additional reference signals

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS8467255B2Data receiver having an integration unit and a sense amplification unit, and semiconductor memory device including the same

Publication Date: 2013.06.18 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

A data receiver in a memory device includes an integration unit, a sense amplification unit and a latch unit. The integration unit integrates a data signal to generate a first equalization signal in response to a sampling feedback signal. The data signal includes a plurality of data that are sequentially received. The sense amplification unit senses the first equalization signal to generate a second equalization signal in response to a sensing feedback signal. The latch unit latches the second equalization signal to generate a sampling data signal