Grouped Latching Mechanism for Memory Timing Window
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Solution Overview
Problem
In memory devices, particularly stacked DRAM devices, the narrow timing windows for setup and hold times are compromised by variations in waveform and resistance due to power bus noise, signal couplings, and process/temperature/voltage variations, leading to reduced effectiveness in high-frequency operations.
Innovation Solution
The memory devices process and latch data in groupings or subsets of bits instead of individual bits, using a reduced set of timing signals generated by a timing circuit, which includes phase splitters to align with data strobe signals, thereby increasing the timing window and reducing bit-to-bit variations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If data is processed and latched at individual bit level with separate clock signals, then data transfer accuracy is maintained, but timing window becomes narrow and susceptible to variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple individual bit latching operations into a grouped latching operation. Multiple data bits are latched simultaneously using a single clock signal instead of separate clock signals for each bit. This combines multiple timing-critical operations into one broader timing window, reducing susceptibility to waveform variations and timing errors while maintaining data accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If multiple separate clock signals are used for latching individual bits, then each bit can be latched precisely, but the system becomes more complex and power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal clock signal that serves multiple latching functions simultaneously. A single clock signal is used to latch multiple data bits in a grouped operation, replacing the need for multiple separate clock signals. This multi-functional approach reduces device complexity while maintaining latching precision through the coordinated grouping of bits.
3Reliability
If individual bit latching with separate clock signals is used, then data integrity is maintained, but power consumption increases due to multiple clock signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple clock signal generations and distributions into a single clock signal operation. By grouping multiple data bits and latching them simultaneously with one clock signal, the system reduces the total number of clock signals required, thereby reducing dynamic power consumption associated with clock signal switching and distribution while maintaining data integrity through coordinated latching.
Data Source
AI summary
A memory device includes a timing circuit configured to: receive an input signal, wherein the input signal is one signal within a group of input signals (e.g., multiple bits or nibbles) that are communicated according to a sequence with each of the input signals individually in serial to parallel operations, and generate a grouped latching timing signal based on the received input signal, wherein the timing signal corresponds to nibbles of the data.