Dynamic Latch Activation for Data Alignment Power Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing semiconductor devices consume high power due to large numbers of latch units in data alignment circuits, which increase current consumption and power requirements, despite the need for ensuring timing margins during data transmission.
Innovation Solution
A data alignment circuit that dynamically activates latch units based on operating frequency information, using a first latch unit for initial data storage, a second for subsequent storage, and a third latch unit for re-storing data under high frequency conditions, while deactivating unnecessary units under low frequency conditions to reduce power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a large number of latch units are used in the data alignment circuit to ensure timing margin, then the reliability of data transmission is improved, but the power consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the latch unit configuration adjustable rather than fixed. The controller dynamically selects between first and second latch unit configurations based on operating conditions (frequency ranges), allowing the system to optimize between reliability and power consumption in real-time. This is achieved through mode register set (MRS) commands that reconfigure the number of active latch units according to the current data rate requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of latch unit count based on operating frequency. At lower frequencies (e.g., below 2.133 Gbps), fewer latch units are activated to reduce power consumption, while at higher frequencies (e.g., above 2.133 Gbps), more latch units are activated to ensure adequate timing margin. This parameter adaptation resolves the contradiction by matching resource allocation to actual operational demands.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the data alignment circuit is configured for high frequency operations with multiple latch units, then the stability is improved, but the power consumption increases even during low frequency operations
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically reconfigures the latch unit architecture based on detected frequency ranges. When operating in low frequency mode, the controller deactivates unnecessary latch units, reducing power consumption while maintaining sufficient stability for the current operating conditions. This dynamic adaptation eliminates the need to maintain high-power configuration during low-frequency operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by adjusting the effective number of latch units based on operating frequency. The system transitions between different operational modes (first mode for lower frequencies, second mode for higher frequencies), changing the activation state of latch units accordingly. This ensures operational stability is matched to actual requirements rather than being constantly over-provisioned.
Data Source
AI summary
A semiconductor device includes an information storage circuit suitable for outputting an operating frequency information according to a command; and a data alignment circuit including a plurality of latch units and suitable for aligning input data inputted in series according to a data strobe signal, by determining activation of at least one latch unit among the plurality of latch units depending on the operating frequency information.