Driver Resistance Calibration for Power Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-speed semiconductor devices, such as USB memory devices, face challenges in reducing power consumption due to the resistance of channel connecting a transmitter and a receiver, which increases with miniaturization.
Innovation Solution
A semiconductor device with a driver circuit featuring variable resistors and switches, where a control circuit adjusts resistance values to optimize power supply usage, including a calibration circuit that duplicates resistance behavior to generate resistance control signals, reducing power consumption by matching channel resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the device is miniaturized to increase data transmission rates, then device size is reduced and transmission speed is improved, but power consumption of resistors increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic resistance adjustment through variable resistors (first variable resistor in the driver circuit, second variable resistor in the calibration circuit) that can change their resistance values based on operating conditions. This allows the system to optimize power consumption at different transmission rates and device sizes by dynamically matching impedance rather than using fixed resistance values.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the resistance parameter dynamically through voltage-controlled resistance adjustment. The control circuit generates resistance control signals that adjust the resistance values of the variable resistors based on the operating state, enabling optimization of power consumption while maintaining high-speed transmission performance in miniaturized devices.
2Use of energy by moving object
If resistance values are adjusted to reduce power consumption, then energy efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional control circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a calibration circuit that duplicates the resistance characteristics of the driver circuit. The second variable resistor in the calibration circuit is configured to match the resistance behavior of the first variable resistor in the driver circuit, allowing the system to determine optimal resistance settings through calibration without requiring complex real-time control algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention implements a feedback mechanism where the calibration circuit measures the actual resistance characteristics and generates resistance control signals accordingly. The control circuit continuously monitors and adjusts the variable resistor values based on feedback from the calibration process, enabling automatic optimization of power consumption while maintaining manageable circuit complexity through self-calibration.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution effectively reduces power consumption by precisely calibrating resistance values in high-speed semiconductor devices, enhancing their efficiency and performance.
Implementation Method 1
a first variable resistor having a resistance configured to be adjusted responsive to a resistance control signal
Implementation Method 2
a control circuit configured to generate a voltage across the second variable resistor and to generate the resistance control signal responsive to the generated voltage
Data Source
AI summary
A semiconductor device includes a driver circuit having an output resistance that is controllable responsive to a resistance control signal and a calibration circuit configured to duplicate a resistance behavior of the driver circuit and to generate the resistance control signal responsive to the duplicated resistance behavior. The driver circuit may include a first variable resistor and may be configured to couple an output node to a power supply node via the first variable resistor responsive to an input signal The calibration circuit may include a second variable resistor that is a duplicate of the first variable resistor. The calibration circuit may further include a current source circuit and may be configured to couple the second variable resistor between the power supply node and the current source circuit and to generate the resistance control signal responsive to a voltage of the second variable resistor.