Dynamic Termination Timing for Memory Signal Integrity
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Solution Overview
Problem
In semiconductor devices, impedance mismatch during high-speed signal transmission and reception leads to signal integrity issues, which existing termination operations fail to fully address by not optimizing the timing and adjustment of termination resistors across ranks effectively.
Innovation Solution
The electronic device and system adjust the entry and end offset periods for termination operations based on data reception delays, allowing for optimized timing and resistor value adjustments in both target and non-target ranks to synchronize data transmission and reception, thereby enhancing signal integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the termination operation is performed using a fixed timing method, then the device complexity is reduced, but the signal integrity deteriorates due to impedance mismatch
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of termination resistor values based on operational conditions. The termination operation timing is varied according to whether it is a first or second write operation, and according to the specific rank being accessed. This dynamic timing control optimizes signal integrity by matching impedance at the appropriate moment for each operational scenario, rather than using a fixed timing approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the timing parameters of the termination operation based on operational context. Specifically, the termination resistor is activated at different times relative to the write latency for first versus second write operations, and different ranks have different termination timing configurations. This parameter adjustment resolves the impedance mismatch problem by optimizing the termination timing for each specific operational case.
2Reliability
If the termination operation timing is optimized for each rank, then the signal integrity is improved, but the device complexity increases due to separate control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a unified termination control mechanism that handles multiple ranks and operational scenarios through a single set of control logic. The same termination controller manages both first and second write operations across different ranks (RANK0 and RANK1), selecting the appropriate timing configuration based on input conditions rather than requiring separate dedicated control circuits for each rank. This universal approach maintains signal integrity while avoiding the complexity of fully independent control mechanisms.
3Productivity
If data reception is delayed by a fixed period, then the timing control is simplified, but the productivity decreases due to suboptimal data transmission timing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adjusts the data reception timing parameter dynamically based on the operational context. When a first write operation is performed, data is received at a first time point relative to the write latency. When a second write operation is performed, data is received at a second time point that is delayed by an additional offset period. This parameter adjustment optimizes data transmission efficiency for each operational scenario while maintaining manageable timing control through a systematic approach.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device includes an enable signal generation circuit configured to activate, when a write operation is performed, a termination enable signal earlier than a time point when a write latency elapses, by a duration amount of an entry offset period; and a data input and output circuit configured to receive, when the write operation is performed, data later than the time point when the write latency elapses, based on the termination enable signal, wherein the data input and output circuit receives the data after the write latency elapses by a duration amount of a first data reception delay period.