GDDR PHY Self-Sampling Clock Gating for Accurate Read Deserialization
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Solution Overview
Problem
In GDDR memory systems, the physical layer (PHY) circuit may not receive a clock signal during read operations, necessitating self-sampling of data, which can lead to inefficiencies and inaccuracies in data transmission.
Innovation Solution
The semiconductor device includes a gate signal generator, a gating clock signal generator, and a data sampler to generate and synchronize clock signals for sampling and deserializing input serial data signals, ensuring accurate data recovery and transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the PHY circuit samples data itself without receiving a clock signal from GDDR DRAM, then the system can operate during read operations, but the data sampling accuracy and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary clock signal generation mechanism where the PHY circuit generates its own clock signals (first clock signal, second clock signal, third clock signal) to sample data from GDDR DRAM. This intermediary clock system acts as a mediator between the absence of external clock signals and the need for accurate data sampling, enabling the PHY circuit to independently synchronize and capture data bits during read operations without compromising accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If multiple clock signals are generated for data sampling and deserialization, then data sampling accuracy improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the clock signal generation into distinct functional blocks: a first clock signal generator producing a first clock signal for initial sampling, a second clock signal generator producing a second clock signal for further processing, and a third clock signal generator producing a third clock signal for deserialization. This segmentation allows each clock signal to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall system manageability and modularity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic clock signal generation where the second and third clock signals are derived from the first clock signal through configurable division ratios. The clock signal generators can dynamically adjust their output frequencies and phases based on operational requirements, enabling flexible adaptation to different data rates and modes while keeping the base generation logic relatively simple.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the PHY circuit independently samples data without external clock signals, then operational autonomy improves, but the reliability of data transmission deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the PHY circuit monitors its own clock signal generation and data sampling processes. The generated clock signals are used to synchronize multiple sampling operations, and the system can detect and correct timing deviations through the coordinated use of multiple clock signals. This feedback-based synchronization ensures that even when operating autonomously without external clock signals, the data transmission maintains high reliability through self-correcting timing mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A semiconductor device includes a gate signal generator to receive a first clock signal and to generate a first gate signal and a second gate signal based on the first clock signal; a gating clock signal generator to receive a second clock signal and to generate a first gating clock signal, a second gating clock signal and a third gating clock signal based on the first and second gate signals from the gate signal generator and the second clock signal; a data sampler to receive a third clock signal from the gating clock signal generator and to sample an input serial data signal based on the third clock signal; and a deserializer to generate a parallel data signal by deserializing the input serial data signal based on at least one of the first, second, and third gating clock signals from the gating clock signal generator.