Driver Termination Resistance Control for Temperature-Stable Signal Quality
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing semiconductor integrated circuits face challenges in adjusting termination resistance variations due to temperature fluctuations, leading to potential deterioration of signal quality, particularly when temperature changes are sudden or significant.
Innovation Solution
A semiconductor integrated circuit with a driver, adjustment circuit, and control circuit that adjusts termination resistance by controlling the gate voltage of adjustment transistors based on temperature measurements, using positive and negative voltage characteristics to offset temperature-induced variations, and includes regulators to stabilize power and ground voltages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the number of transistors to be turned on is controlled to adjust termination resistance, then the termination resistance can be adjusted, but the adjustment can only be done in a stepwise manner, making it difficult to adjust the variation of termination resistance caused by sudden or significant temperature changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the control parameter from discrete transistor switching to continuous gate voltage adjustment. By controlling the gate voltage of the adjustment transistor, the termination resistance can be continuously adjusted to precisely match temperature-induced variations, resolving the contradiction between adjustment precision and control complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/discrete transistor switching mechanism with an electrical voltage control mechanism. The control circuit outputs a voltage signal that directly modulates the adjustment transistor's resistance, eliminating the need for complex stepwise switching control and enabling precise continuous adjustment.
2Reliability
If a plurality of transistors is arranged in a driver with calibration circuit control, then termination resistance variation can be adjusted, but signal quality may deteriorate when temperature fluctuates suddenly or with great amount
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the termination resistance dynamic by continuously adjusting it based on real-time temperature feedback. The control circuit monitors temperature changes and dynamically modifies the gate voltage to compensate for temperature-induced resistance variations, enabling the system to adapt to sudden or significant temperature fluctuations and maintain signal quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the temperature sensor continuously monitors temperature changes and feeds this information to the control circuit. The control circuit then adjusts the adjustment transistor's gate voltage accordingly, creating a closed-loop system that automatically compensates for temperature variations and maintains optimal signal quality.
3Manufacturing precision
If gate voltage of adjustment transistor is controlled to value corresponding to measured temperature, then variation of termination resistance due to temperature is adjusted, but power consumption and chip size may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by using only the necessary portion of the adjustment transistor's control range to achieve sufficient termination resistance matching. The control circuit adjusts the gate voltage to the minimum required level to compensate for temperature variations, avoiding excessive power consumption while maintaining adequate precision in termination resistance matching.
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 adjusts termination resistance variations, improving signal quality by suppressing fluctuations and maintaining waveform integrity, while reducing power consumption and chip size.
Implementation Method 1
an adjustment circuit provided with an adjustment-side termination resistor whose one end is connected to the output node and an adjustment transistor connected to the other end of the adjustment-side termination resistor; and a control circuit that controls a gate voltage of the adjustment transistor
Data Source
AI summary
Signal quality is improved in a semiconductor integrated circuit provided with a driver.The semiconductor integrated circuit includes a driver circuit, an adjustment circuit, and a control circuit. In this semiconductor integrated circuit, the driver outputs an output signal from an output node. The adjustment circuit is provided with an adjustment-side termination resistor whose one end is connected to the output node and an adjustment transistor connected to the other end of the adjustment-side termination resistor. The control circuit controls a gate voltage of the adjustment transistor to a value corresponding to a measured temperature.