Drive Signal Calibration Using Multi-Oscillator Process Corner Detection

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Semiconductor devices often fail to meet hardware specifications due to process, voltage, and temperature (PVT) variations, leading to deteriorated performance such as incorrect voltage levels or duty ratios in internal signals.

Innovation Solution

A drive signal supply device comprising an oscillation circuit, a drive signal generation circuit, and a control circuit that detects process corners based on oscillation signals from multiple oscillators with different switching characteristics, allowing for calibration of drive signals to meet performance conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a single oscillation circuit is used to generate drive signals, then the device structure is simple, but the drive signal cannot meet performance conditions under PVT variations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedrive signal performance complianceVSAvoidoscillation circuit structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The oscillation circuit is divided into multiple independent oscillators (first oscillator, second oscillator, etc.), each generating oscillation signals with different characteristics. This segmentation allows the system to handle PVT variations by selecting appropriate oscillators, resolving the contradiction between reliability and complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the oscillation frequency parameter by using multiple oscillators with different oscillation frequencies. The control circuit selects oscillators based on detected process corners, allowing the drive signal generation circuit to adjust its operating parameters and meet performance conditions under various PVT scenarios.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple oscillators with different switching characteristics are used, then the drive signal can meet performance conditions under PVT variations, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovePVT variation toleranceVSAvoidoscillation circuit configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically selects which oscillators to use based on the detected process corner. The control circuit determines the appropriate process corner from oscillation signals and controls the drive signal generation circuit to use suitable oscillators, making the system adaptable to different PVT conditions without permanently increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-calibration by detecting its own process corner through oscillation signals and automatically selecting the appropriate oscillators. This self-service mechanism enables the system to adapt to PVT variations without external intervention, achieving versatility while managing complexity through automation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Manufacturing precision

If process corner detection is implemented, then drive signal calibration is achieved, but the control circuit complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedrive signal calibration accuracyVSAvoidcontrol circuit structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control circuit detects process corners by monitoring oscillation signals from multiple oscillators and uses this feedback information to control the drive signal generation circuit. This feedback mechanism enables accurate calibration of drive signals while managing control circuit complexity through systematic signal processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex manual calibration mechanisms with an automated electronic detection and control system. The control circuit electronically detects process corners and automatically adjusts drive signal parameters, substituting what would otherwise require complex manual intervention with a streamlined electronic control approach.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS20250047265A1Drive signal supply device and drive signal calibrating method thereof

Publication Date: 2025.02.06 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

A drive signal supply device includes an oscillation circuit, a drive signal generation circuit, and a control circuit. The oscillation circuit includes a plurality of oscillators each including inverters and outputs a plurality of oscillation signals. A switching characteristic of each of the inverters included in one of the plurality of oscillators is different from a switching characteristic of each of the inverters included in another of the plurality of oscillators. The control circuit detects a process corner of the semiconductor device based on the plurality of oscillation signals to generate a control signal. The drive signal generation circuit generates a drive signal of a semiconductor device based on the control signal.