Delay Circuit with Adaptive Clock Drive for PVT Synchronization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Semiconductor devices face challenges in adjusting signal delay times due to variations in PVT characteristics, leading to inefficiencies in signal input and output processes.

Innovation Solution

A delay circuit comprising a first buffer, a delay amount adjustment circuit, and a voltage adjustment circuit, which adjusts capacitance values and voltage levels to generate delayed signals in response to code signals, allowing for synchronized data input and output with an internal clock.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If delay amounts are adjusted to compensate for PVT variations, then signal synchronization is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal synchronizationVSAvoiddelay circuit structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The delay circuit is divided into multiple delay units (first delay unit, second delay unit, third delay unit) that can be independently controlled. Each delay unit has its own control signal input, allowing granular adjustment of delay amounts for different signal paths. This segmentation enables precise compensation for PVT variations without requiring a complete redesign of the entire delay circuit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The delay circuit incorporates dynamic control mechanisms where delay amounts are adjusted in real-time based on PVT conditions. Control signals are generated that dynamically modify the delay characteristics of each delay unit, allowing the circuit to adapt to changing process, voltage, and temperature conditions while maintaining signal synchronization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Measurement precision

If multiple delay adjustment circuits are added to compensate for PVT variations, then signal delay accuracy is improved, but current consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedelay amount accuracyVSAvoidcurrent consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Different delay units are applied to different signal paths based on their specific delay requirements. The first delay unit adjusts the clock signal, the second delay unit adjusts the first data signal, and the third delay unit adjusts the second data signal. This localized adjustment approach ensures that each signal path receives the precise delay compensation it needs without unnecessarily increasing current consumption across the entire system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The delay circuit utilizes parameter changes in control signals to adjust delay amounts dynamically. By modifying the characteristics of control signals (such as voltage levels or timing) rather than changing the physical structure of the delay units, the circuit achieves accurate delay adjustment while minimizing additional current consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS10699758B2Delay circuit and semiconductor system using the delay circuit
Publication Date: 2020.06.30 SK HYNIX INC
  • US10699758B2 patent drawing
  • US10699758B2 patent drawing
  • US10699758B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A semiconductor system includes a second semiconductor device. The second semiconductor device configured to receive an external clock, first and second code signals, and input and output data. The second semiconductor device configured to adjust a delay amount depending on a combination of the first and second code signals, generate an internal clock by delaying the external clock according to the adjusted delay amount, and input and output data in synchronization with the internal clock. The second semiconductor device is adjusted in a driving force for driving the internal clock, depending on a voltage level of a node included in a path through which the internal clock is delayed.