Data Serializer De-Skew Buffer for Wider Valid Windows

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Solution Overview

Problem

The difference between the raising and falling times of output signals in data buffers affects the size of the data valid window, making accurate reading of data content challenging.

Innovation Solution

A data serializer and latch data device utilize a de-skew buffer to receive complementary output signals, accelerating or slowing down the formation of output signals to make the raising and falling times substantially identical.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of moving object

If a data buffer is used to output data signals, then data transmission is enabled, but the raising time and falling time of the output signal differ, reducing the data valid window size

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata valid window sizeVSAvoidsignal timing symmetry

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

A de-skew buffer is introduced as an intermediary component between the data buffer and the output. This de-skew buffer receives the complementary output signal and adjusts its timing to match the main output signal, thereby equalizing the raising and falling times and expanding the data valid window.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the timing parameters of the complementary output signal by using a de-skew buffer that introduces a controlled delay or advance. This parameter adjustment equalizes the signal transitions, making the raising time and falling time substantially identical, thus improving the data valid window size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Duration of action of moving object

If the raising time is longer than the falling time, then the time period of '1' becomes shorter than the time period of '0', but this creates asymmetry that reduces the data valid window

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata valid window sizeVSAvoidsignal transition efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The de-skew buffer acts as a mediator that receives the complementary signal and adjusts its timing characteristics. By introducing this intermediary, the system can compensate for the asymmetry between raising and falling times, ensuring that both transitions take substantially the same amount of time, thus maximizing the data valid window.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Duration of action of moving object

If the raising time is shorter than the falling time, then the time period of '1' becomes longer than the time period of '0', but this asymmetry also reduces the data valid window

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata valid window sizeVSAvoidsignal timing control

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs parameter changes by using a de-skew buffer that modifies the timing parameters of the complementary output signal. This allows the system to adjust and equalize the rising and falling times, achieving substantial symmetry in signal transitions and thereby increasing the data valid window size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS12462855B2Data serializer, latch data device using the same and controlling method thereof

Publication Date: 2025.11.04 MACRONIX INTERNATIONAL CO LTD

AI summary

A data serializer, a latch data device using the same and a controlling method thereof are provided. The data serializer includes at least one data buffer and a de-skew buffer. The data buffer at least receives an inputting data and a controlling signal. An outputting signal and a complementary outputting signal, which is complementary to the outputting signal, are formed when the controlling signal is at a predetermined level. The de-skew buffer receives the complementary outputting signal to accelerate or slow down forming the outputting signal.