Dynamic Reference Voltage Compensation for High-Speed Memory Noise
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
High-speed integrated circuit memories operating at several gigahertz are susceptible to data transmission failures due to environmental noise, particularly electromagnetic interference, as the difference between logic high and low states is only a few hundred millivolts, requiring reduced sensitivity to noise for improved reception accuracy and speed.
Innovation Solution
A data transmission system that adjusts the reference voltage used in the reception circuit based on noise levels, utilizing lowpass filters and an averager to form an average signal reference voltage, which compensates for power supply noise, ensuring accurate data reception by maintaining the reference voltage within the 'eye' defined by the voltage swing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If integrated circuit memories operate at high speeds (several GHz), then productivity is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to susceptibility to environmental noise and small voltage swings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically changes the reference voltage parameter to track and compensate for power supply noise. The reception circuit adjusts the reference voltage level based on detected noise conditions, allowing accurate data reception despite high-speed operation and environmental interference
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by monitoring the power supply noise and using this information to adjust the reference voltage in the reception circuit. This closed-loop approach ensures the reference voltage remains optimal for distinguishing logic states even under noisy high-speed conditions
2Productivity
If the voltage difference between logic high and low states is reduced to enable high-speed operation, then productivity is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates making data reception more susceptible to noise
Solution Approach 1:
The reference voltage parameter is dynamically adjusted to match the actual voltage swing conditions. By changing the reference voltage based on detected noise and operating conditions, the system maintains optimal detection precision even when logic voltage levels are compressed for high-speed operation
3Device complexity
If the reference voltage is kept fixed for simple circuit design, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to inability to compensate for power supply noise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic parameter change by adjusting the reference voltage level based on detected power supply noise conditions. This allows the system to adapt to varying noise environments and maintain reliable data reception without requiring overly complex circuit architecture
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 system significantly reduces the impact of power supply noise, enhancing data integrity and maintaining high-speed memory operations by dynamically adjusting the reference voltage to counteract noise-induced shifts in the voltage levels, thereby improving reception accuracy and reducing errors.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing lowpass filters and an averager to form an average signal reference voltage
Implementation Method 2
utilizing lowpass filters and an averager to form an average signal reference voltage
Data Source
AI summary
In one form, a data transmission system includes transmission and reception circuits. The transmission circuit includes a first driver having an input for receiving a first transmit data signal, an output, a positive power supply terminal for receiving an input/output (I/O) power supply voltage, and a negative terminal for receiving an I/O ground voltage, a second driver having an input for receiving the I/O power supply voltage, an output, and a positive power supply terminal for receiving the I/O power supply voltage, and a third driver having an input for receiving the I/O ground voltage, an output, and a negative power supply terminal coupled to the I/O ground voltage. The reception circuit forms a reference voltage based an average of signal content below a predetermined frequency of outputs of the second and third drivers, and receives a signal from the output of the first driver using the reference voltage.