I/O Driver Phase Mixing for Fine-Resolution Slew Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current timing control methods in integrated circuit devices, such as semiconductor memory devices, offer only coarse control over the slew rate of output signals, limiting the precision with which the rate of change during logic state transitions can be managed, and require multiple inverter delays, which restricts fine resolution timing adjustments.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of phase mixer circuitry in adjustable driver circuits allows for fine resolution control of the slew rate by configuring phase mixers with control words to adjust the timing of driver lines, enabling more precise timing control without the need for external generation of late signals and reducing real estate requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple inverter delays are used for timing control, then coarse timing adjustment is achieved, but fine resolution timing control is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical inverter delay system with a phase mixer circuit that operates on clock signals. The phase mixer uses phase shifted clock signals to enable fine-resolution timing control without requiring multiple inverter stages, thereby achieving precise timing control while reducing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the control parameter from inverter delay stages to phase shift amounts of clock signals. By varying the phase shift parameter in the phase mixer circuit, fine-resolution timing control is achieved continuously rather than in discrete inverter delay steps, improving timing precision without increasing complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If static timing configuration is used, then implementation is simple, but adaptability to different timing requirements is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic timing control through the phase mixer circuit, which can adjust timing characteristics in real-time based on control signals. This allows the system to adapt to different timing requirements dynamically while maintaining a relatively simple circuit structure compared to static multi-inverter approaches.
Solution Approach 2:
The phase mixer circuit serves multiple functions: it provides fine-resolution timing control, supports different timing configurations, and can be applied to various output drivers. This multi-functionality increases adaptability without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a terminal, a first plurality of driver lines, and a first phase mixer. The driver lines drive the terminal to a first logic state responsive to a first enable signal. The first phase mixer is coupled to a first one of the first plurality of driver lines. The first phase mixer is operable to receive the first enable signal and a first delayed enable signal derived from the first enable signal and generate a first signal on the first driver line having a first configurable delay with respect to the first enable signal by mixing the first enable signal and the first delayed enable signal.