Data Transmission Circuit Dynamic Driving Voltage Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Semiconductor memory devices, such as DRAM, face increased current consumption due to channel leakage currents in MOS transistors with low threshold voltage, which are used to reduce current consumption during read and write operations.
Innovation Solution
A data transmission circuit that generates and controls a driving voltage with a lower level than the power supply voltage, enabling it only during read or write operations through a switch unit triggered by enable signals, thereby reducing unnecessary current consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If MOS transistors with low threshold voltage are used to drive the data transmission circuit, then current consumption during read/write operations is reduced, but channel leakage current increases causing higher standby current
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the driving voltage supply controllable and dynamic rather than static. A switch unit is introduced to dynamically connect or disconnect the driving voltage VDDL to the data transmission unit based on operation status. When read/write operations are detected via enable signals, the switch connects VDDL to power the circuit; during standby, the switch disconnects VDDL to eliminate leakage current, thus adapting the power supply state to operational requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action by rhythmically supplying and cutting off the driving voltage VDDL according to operational cycles. The driving voltage is supplied periodically during active read/write operations and cut off during standby periods. This periodic on-off control based on enable signals allows the circuit to consume power only when needed, converting continuous power supply into periodic pulses synchronized with operational demands
2Ease of operation
If driving voltage is continuously supplied to the data transmission unit, then the circuit is always ready for operation, but unnecessary current consumption occurs during standby
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by detecting operation requirements in advance through enable signals (read enable or write enable) and proactively supplying the driving voltage VDDL before actual data transmission begins. The switch unit monitors these enable signals and prepares the circuit by connecting VDDL when operations are anticipated, ensuring the data transmission unit is ready to operate immediately when data needs to be transmitted, while avoiding power consumption during confirmed standby periods
Data Source
AI summary
A data transmission circuit includes: a driving voltage generation unit configured to generate a driving voltage having a lower level than an external driving voltage; a switch unit configured to transmit the driving voltage when any one of a write enable signal and a read enable signal is enabled; and a data transmission unit configured to be driven by receiving the driving voltage, transmit a signal of a DQ pad as data in response to the write enable signal, and transmit the data to the DQ pad in response to the read enable signal.