Memory Chip Strobe Delay Adjustment for PVT-Consistent Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Strobe signals generated in memory chips experience timing variations due to process, voltage, and temperature fluctuations, leading to inconsistent data access times.

Innovation Solution

A semiconductor chip with a delay amount adjustment circuit that adjusts the strobe signal delay based on chip identification and a test mode signal, using arithmetic operations to generate an op-code signal for precise data synchronization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If fixed delay amount is used for strobe signal, then device complexity is reduced, but data access consistency deteriorates due to PVT variations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata access consistencyVSAvoiddelay adjustment mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic delay adjustment by allowing the delay amount to be modified based on detected PVT conditions. The delay adjustment circuit can change its operation mode (e.g., normal mode, fast mode, slow mode) according to real-time detection of process, voltage, and temperature variations, enabling the system to adapt to changing conditions rather than using a fixed delay amount.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the delay parameter dynamically by introducing a delay amount adjustment circuit that can modify the strobe signal delay based on detected PVT conditions. The circuit includes a delay adjustment unit that can alter the delay amount in response to changes in operating conditions, thereby maintaining data access consistency across varying environmental parameters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If delay amount is adjusted for each chip, then data access consistency is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata access consistencyVSAvoidchip manufacturing process
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service through an automatic detection and adjustment mechanism. The delay adjustment circuit automatically detects PVT conditions and adjusts the delay amount without requiring manual intervention or complex external control systems. The circuit uses internal detection mechanisms to monitor operating conditions and autonomously modifies the delay parameter, simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining consistency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs feedback mechanisms where the delay adjustment circuit continuously monitors PVT conditions and adjusts the delay amount accordingly. The feedback loop detects changes in process, voltage, and temperature parameters and automatically modifies the strobe signal delay to compensate for these variations, ensuring consistent data access across different chips and environmental conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple delay modes are implemented, then adaptability to PVT variations is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovePVT variation adaptationVSAvoiddelay control circuit
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the delay adjustment functionality into distinct operational modes (e.g., normal mode, fast mode, slow mode) that can be selectively activated based on detected PVT conditions. Each mode corresponds to a specific delay amount suitable for particular operating conditions, allowing the system to divide the complex adjustment problem into manageable, pre-defined states that simplify the control logic.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements partial action by providing a limited set of discrete delay modes rather than continuous adjustment capability. This approach uses a manageable number of predefined delay amounts (normal, fast, slow) that cover the most common PVT variation scenarios, avoiding the excessive complexity of full continuous tuning while still achieving adequate adaptability for practical applications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS20250218525A1Semiconductor chip that adjusts strobe signal delay
Publication Date: 2025.07.03 SK HYNIX INC
  • US20250218525A1 patent drawing
  • US20250218525A1 patent drawing
  • US20250218525A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A memory chip includes a delay amount adjustment circuit configured to change a logic level combination of a code signal that adjusts a first delay amount for a strobe signal that is input or output through a conductive via based on a chip ID and a test mode signal after the start of a post-training operation and configured to generate an op-code signal by performing an arithmetic operation on the code signal and a data processing circuit configured to delay the strobe signal by a second delay amount that is based on the op-code signal, configured to latch internal data in synchronization with the strobe signal that is delayed by the second delay amount, and configured to output, as data, the internal data that are latched.