Dynamic On-Die Termination Resistance Control for Memory Signal Integrity
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Solution Overview
Problem
On-die termination (ODT) technologies increase power consumption while attempting to enhance signal integrity in semiconductor integrated circuits, as they require constant impedance matching across transmission lines, which is challenging to manage efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A method of controlling ODT by dynamically setting resistance values of ODT circuits in memory systems to different values during write and read operations, optimizing impedance matching to reduce signal reflection and power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ODT is implemented to enhance signal integrity, then signal reflection is reduced, but power consumption is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the ODT resistance value adjustable and changeable based on operational conditions. The ODT circuit transitions from a static fixed resistance configuration to a dynamic adjustable resistance configuration, allowing the system to optimize between signal integrity and power consumption by selecting appropriate resistance values during different operational phases such as write operations, read operations, and idle states.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by varying the resistance value of the ODT circuit according to different operational modes. The resistance parameter is changed from a single fixed value to multiple selectable values (e.g., first resistance value during write operations, second resistance value during read operations, third resistance value during idle states), enabling the system to adapt impedance matching to specific operational requirements and reduce overall power consumption.
2Reliability
If ODT resistance value is set to optimize signal integrity, then signal reflection is minimized, but impedance matching becomes difficult to manage efficiently
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by implementing a control mechanism that automatically selects and adjusts the ODT resistance value based on the current operational state of the memory system. The controller monitors operational conditions (write operation, read operation, idle state) and provides feedback control signals to configure the appropriate resistance value, thereby simplifying impedance matching management while maintaining signal integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the ODT circuit to automatically configure its own resistance value based on operational conditions without requiring external manual intervention. The system self-adjusts the impedance matching parameters through internal control logic that responds to operational states, making the system easier to manage while maintaining optimal signal integrity.
Data Source
AI summary
In a method of controlling on-die termination (ODT) in a memory system including a plurality of memory units that shares a data bus to transfer data, ODT circuits of the plurality of memory units are enabled into an initial state, a resistance value of the ODT circuit is set to a first resistance value, of at least one write non-target memory unit among the plurality of memory units during a write operation on a write target memory unit among the plurality of memory units, and a resistance value of the ODT circuit is set to a second resistance value, of at least one read non-target memory unit among the plurality of memory units during a read operation on a read target memory unit among the plurality of memory units.