Internal Clock Control for Semiconductor Power-Down Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Semiconductor devices operating with internal clock signals face challenges in efficiently managing power-down modes and data access operations due to the need for precise timing and control signals, which are not effectively addressed by existing technologies.
Innovation Solution
The semiconductor device incorporates an internal clock generator and shift signal generators to produce multiple internal clock signals, which are used to shift and control the clock enable signal, enabling precise control signals for power-down modes and data operations, including generating control signals for command address and clock buffers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If multiple internal clock signals are generated to operate at high speed, then data access speed is improved, but timing control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the clock control function into multiple segments by generating separate internal clock signals (first internal clock signal and second internal clock signal) with different phases. Each clock signal is used for specific operations (power-down mode control and data access control respectively), thereby segmenting the complex timing control into manageable parts that can be handled independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (the internal clock generator and phase-shifted clock signals) between the external clock signal and the various control operations. This intermediary system automatically manages the timing and phase relationships, eliminating the need for complex manual timing control while enabling high-speed operation with multiple clock phases.
2Ease of operation
If clock enable signal is used to release power-down mode, then power management is simplified, but precise timing control is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by generating the first internal clock signal in advance based on the external clock signal, and using this pre-generated clock signal to control the power-down mode timing. This allows the system to prepare the appropriate clock phase before the power-down transition is needed, ensuring both easy power management through the clock enable signal and precise timing control through the pre-synchronized internal clock.
Data Source
AI summary
The semiconductor device includes an internal clock generator, a shift signal generator and a first control signal generator. The internal clock generator generates a first internal clock signal and a second internal clock signal in response to an external clock signal. The shift signal generator shifts a clock enable signal in response to the first internal clock signal to generate first and second shift signals, and the shift signal generator shifts the clock enable signal in response to the second internal clock signal to generate third and fourth shift signals. The first control signal generator generates a first control signal in response to the first and third shift signals.