Edge Transition Detector With Feedback for Minimum Pulse Width
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Solution Overview
Problem
In integrated circuits, such as SRAM memory devices, there is a need to generate a signal on lines like WLEN or BLEN with minimum acceptable pulse duration to ensure normal signaling function without slowing device operation, while overcoming variability in capacitance and drive energy across manufacturing runs and temperature ranges.
Innovation Solution
An edge transition detector is implemented with a switch and feedback path to transition the output signal from one logic level to another in response to an input signal, using a logic device to enable the switch and disable conductivity once the transition is complete, minimizing the duration of the output signal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the signal line is maintained in a logic high state for a longer period to ensure reliable signaling function, then the signaling reliability is improved, but the device operation speed deteriorates due to increased cycle time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the signal pulse width adaptive rather than fixed. The edge transition detector dynamically adjusts the high state duration based on real-time feedback from the signal line voltage level, allowing the system to optimize between reliability and speed for each individual transition event rather than using a conservative fixed duration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by monitoring the voltage level on the signal line during the high state and using this information to terminate the pulse early. The detector continuously samples the signal line state and automatically ends the high period once the transition is confirmed, eliminating the need for overly conservative predetermined pulse widths and thereby improving operation speed while maintaining reliability.
2Reliability
If the drive signal magnitude and duration are increased to overcome variability in capacitance and drive energy across manufacturing runs and temperatures, then the signaling function reliability is improved, but the energy consumption increases and device speed deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts the drive signal characteristics based on actual signal line conditions rather than using fixed conservative values. By monitoring the voltage transition in real-time, the detector adjusts the pulse duration to the minimum necessary amount, avoiding excessive energy consumption while ensuring reliable signaling across all manufacturing and temperature variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The edge transition detector performs self-service by automatically detecting when the signaling function has been successfully achieved and terminating the drive signal accordingly. This self-regulating mechanism eliminates the need for external control or conservative overdesign, allowing the system to use only the necessary energy for each signaling event while maintaining reliability across all operating conditions.
3Reliability
If the signal pulse duration is extended to account for unknown or variable capacitance in circuit nodes, then the signaling reliability is improved, but the device cycle time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses feedback by continuously monitoring the voltage level on the signal line during the pulse and automatically terminating the high state once the transition is detected. This real-time feedback mechanism eliminates the need to account for maximum possible capacitance values in advance, allowing the system to achieve reliable signaling with minimum necessary pulse duration and thereby reducing cycle time losses.
Solution Approach 2:
The system rushes through the signaling process by using minimum necessary pulse duration determined by actual conditions rather than maximum conservative estimates. The edge transition detector enables the system to skip unnecessary waiting time by immediately terminating the pulse once the transition is confirmed, thereby reducing cycle time while maintaining reliability despite variable capacitance.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an edge transition detector, and a method of operating an edge transition detector. An integrated circuit includes an edge transition detector for producing an output signal at an output node in response to an input signal. The edge transition detector includes a switch coupled to the output node. The edge transition detector includes a logic device with a first input coupled to the input node and an output coupled to a control terminal of the switch to enable the switch to conduct, thereby effecting a transition of the output signal from a first logic level to a second logic level in response to the input signal. A feedback path is provided from the output node to a second input of the logic device to disable switch conductivity when the output signal completes the logic transition from the first logic level to the second logic level.