Dual-Reference Input Receiver for Wide Data Eye With Fewer Pins
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Solution Overview
Problem
Semiconductor devices face challenges in achieving a wide input data eye while minimizing the number of pins required, as existing differential signaling methods increase pin count and single-ended methods are more vulnerable to noise.
Innovation Solution
A dual reference input receiver is implemented, comprising synchronized and enabled/disabled input buffers that sense differences between input data signals and reference voltages, and a phase detector to determine signal levels, allowing for efficient data reception with reduced pin count and noise resilience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If differential signaling method is used, then noise tolerance and input data eye width are improved, but the number of pins required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functionality of differential signaling into a single-ended signaling structure by using a single data transmission line instead of two. The dual reference voltage system (first reference voltage higher than median, second reference voltage lower than median) combined with synchronized input buffers enables the receiver to detect signal levels with differential-like noise immunity while using only one data pin, thus reducing pin count while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the reference voltage parameters by introducing dual reference voltages that are respectively higher and lower than the median voltage of the input data signal. This parameter change allows the single-ended receiver to achieve wider input data eye and better noise tolerance by comparing the input signal against both reference levels, effectively creating a differential-like detection mechanism without requiring differential signaling lines
2Quantity of substance
If single-ended signaling method is used, then the number of pins is reduced, but noise tolerance and input data eye width deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces reference voltages as intermediary elements that mediate between the single-ended data signal and the decision threshold. By using first and second reference voltages as intermediaries for comparison, the system achieves differential-like noise immunity without requiring differential signaling, thus maintaining the pin reduction benefit while improving noise tolerance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary action by pre-establishing two reference voltage levels (one above and one below the median signal voltage) before the actual data reception. These pre-established reference levels enable the input buffers to quickly and accurately determine signal logic levels even in the presence of noise, improving noise tolerance without increasing pin count
Data Source
AI summary
A dual reference input receiver, and a method of receiving, wherein the input receiver includes a first input buffer which is synchronized with and enabled by a clock signal, senses a difference between the input data signal and a first reference voltage, and amplifies the sensing result; a second input buffer which is synchronized with and enabled by the clock signal, senses a difference between a second reference voltage and the input data signal, and amplifies the sensing result; and a phase detector which detects a difference between a phase of output signals of the first and second input buffers, and outputs a signal corresponding to the detection result. The first and second reference voltages may respectively be higher and lower than a median voltage of the input data signal. Thus, a single input data signal is advantageously used and a wide input data eye is provided.