DRAM Data Reception Window Auto-Calibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Memory access operations in DRAM systems are not synchronized with system-level control signals, leading to inefficiencies in data reception timing, which prolongs the process of establishing a valid data reception window and affects booting speed.
Innovation Solution
A foreground auto-calibration method that captures a data strobe clock, generates three time points, samples data at these points, and adjusts their positions based on comparison to configure a valid data reception window, eliminating the need for multiple delay values.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple delay values are used to sample data at different time points, then the valid data reception window can be estimated accurately, but the time required for calibration increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing data sampling at multiple time points (T1, T2, T3) during the foreground initialization phase before the system enters normal operation. This preliminary calibration establishes the valid data reception window upfront, avoiding time-consuming iterations during actual data reception operations and thus reducing overall system boot time while maintaining estimation accuracy.
2Productivity
If the data reception window calibration is performed in the background, then system resources are not blocked, but the calibration process takes too long and affects booting speed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs the data reception window calibration in the foreground during system initialization rather than in the background during normal operation. This preliminary action completes the time-consuming calibration process before the operating system needs to access memory, thereby blocking system resources temporarily but ensuring fast booting and system responsiveness afterward.
3Reliability
If the DQS clock is delayed multiple times to find the correct sampling point, then data can be successfully sampled, but the process consumes excessive processing time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the data sampling process into three distinct time points (T1, T2, T3) within the data reception window, each corresponding to different DQS clock phases. By sampling at these predetermined segmented time points and comparing results, the system reliably identifies the correct sampling point without requiring multiple iterative delays, thus improving processing speed while maintaining data sampling success rate.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of foreground auto-calibrating data reception window for a DRAM system is disclosed. The method comprises receiving data strobe and data from a DRAM of the DARM system, capturing a data strobe clock according to the received data strobe, generating three time points with a period of the data strobe clock, sampling the data at the three time points, to obtain three sampled data, determining whether to adjust positions of the three time points according to a comparison among the three sampled data, and configuring the valid data reception window according to the positions of the three time points when determining not to adjust the positions of the three time points.