Dual Reference Voltage Generator for Memory Equalizer Circuits

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current equalizer circuits in high-speed data transmission face challenges in meeting the requirements for equalization processing due to the use of a single stable reference voltage, which limits the effectiveness of data signal recovery.

Innovation Solution

A dual reference voltage generator is introduced to provide two different reference voltages, which are input into separate buffer circuits within the equalizer circuit, allowing the circuit to select the appropriate voltage for data sampling based on previously output data, thereby improving the equalization processing effect.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If only one stable reference voltage is provided in the equalizer circuit, then the circuit structure is simple and stable, but the equalization processing effect cannot meet the requirements of high-speed data transmission

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveequalization processing effectVSAvoidreference voltage structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The single reference voltage is segmented into multiple reference voltages (first reference voltage and second reference voltage) with different values. Each reference voltage is generated by a separate reference voltage generation circuit, allowing independent optimization for different equalization requirements while maintaining overall system stability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a switching mechanism that dynamically selects between different reference voltages based on the equalization processing stage. The reference voltage selection circuit switches between first and second reference voltages depending on the specific equalization requirements, enabling adaptive performance optimization

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If a single reference voltage is used in the equalizer circuit, then the device complexity is low, but the ability to meet different reference voltage requirements during equalization processing is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereference voltage requirement adaptabilityVSAvoidreference voltage generation structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a multi-functional reference voltage system where multiple reference voltage generation circuits can serve different equalization processing stages. The same overall equalizer circuit structure accommodates multiple reference voltages, allowing the system to adapt to different equalization requirements without redesigning the entire circuit

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of reference voltage value from a single fixed value to multiple different values. Each reference voltage generation circuit produces a reference voltage with specific characteristics suitable for different equalization processing requirements, enabling the system to adapt to varying performance needs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS11881281B2Dual reference voltage generator, equalizer circuit, and memory
Publication Date: 2024.01.23 CHANGXIN MEMORY TECH INC
  • US11881281B2 patent drawing
  • US11881281B2 patent drawing
  • US11881281B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A dual reference voltage generator, an equalizer circuit, and a memory are provided. The dual reference voltage generator is configured to receive an original code, a first code and a second code, generate a first reference voltage according to the received original code and first code, and generate a second reference voltage according to the received original code and second code. The first reference voltage is different from the second reference voltage.