DDR Buffer Device Equalization Using In-Band Signaling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing buffer self-training modes in DDR technology are limited to using sideband signals, which are slow and inaccessible during mission mode, preventing effective equalization during runtime.
Innovation Solution
Implementing device equalization self-training mode (DESTM) controls using in-band signaling, which allows for self-training of data buffers during mission mode by sending linear-feedback shift register (LFSR) patterns and waiting for a minimum completion time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sideband signals are used for buffer self-training mode, then equalization training can be performed, but the training speed is slow and inaccessible during mission mode
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces in-band signaling as an intermediary mechanism to enable buffer self-training during mission mode. Instead of relying solely on sideband signals, the host processor uses in-band signaling to communicate DESTM controls to the memory device, allowing equalization training to proceed at full operational speed without requiring separate slow sideband communication channels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the signaling mechanism universal by allowing the same in-band data channel to serve dual purposes: normal data transmission and equalization training control. The DESTM controls are embedded within the existing data interface, eliminating the need for dedicated training-only channels and enabling training operations during mission mode without compromising data transfer functionality.
2Reliability
If buffer self-training mode is enabled using sideband signals only, then equalization can be performed, but host system capabilities are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the applicability of buffer self-training to all host systems by using the universal in-band signaling interface that exists in all DDR memory systems. Any host processor communicating with DDR memory can initiate and control DESTM through standard in-band signaling, eliminating the limitation of requiring specialized sideband signal access and making the feature universally applicable across different host architectures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic control of the equalization training process through host processor intervention. The host can configure DESTM controls, adjust minimum duration parameters, and manage training timing based on system needs, transforming the static, sideband-dependent training mechanism into a dynamic, host-controllable process that adapts to various operational requirements.
3Productivity
If in-band signaling is used for DESTM controls, then training can occur during mission mode with faster processing, but additional control mechanisms are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the equalization training control functions with the existing data transmission interface. By embedding DESTM controls within the standard in-band signaling pathway used for normal data operations, the patent eliminates the need for separate control infrastructure. The same data channels and timing mechanisms used for data transfer are repurposed to carry training commands and status information, reducing overall system complexity despite the enhanced functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments herein describe a method and system for configuring device equalization self-training mode (DESTM) controls using in-band signaling, the DESTM controls including at least setting a minimum duration time, using a host to enable the DESTM controls, triggering a buffer to perform a self-training mode, sending linear-feedback shift register (LFSR) patterns to the buffer for the minimum duration time, and waiting for the minimum completion time to end before disabling the DESTM. The minimum duration time indicates a time that the self-training mode is active and is predefined. The buffer executes the self-training mode within the predefined minimum duration time.