Memory Chip Swap Signaling Without a Dedicated Mode Pin

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Solution Overview

Problem

Interference between wirings and degraded signal integrity occur when multiple chips are mounted on a double-layer printed circuit board due to increased channel lengths, and allocating a separate pin for swap mode determination increases chip size.

Innovation Solution

A memory chip identifies swap mode based on a command and address without a separate pin, using a swap command set to control the swap mode, and a memory controller determines the swap mode by checking a status command response.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a separate pin is allocated for swap mode determination, then the chip can identify connected chips, but the chip size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechip identification capabilityVSAvoidchip size

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes existing pins serve multiple functions: they are used for both data transmission and swap mode determination. The interface circuit receives swap command sets through existing data pins, eliminating the need for dedicated identification pins while maintaining full adaptability for chip connection identification

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the swap mode determination function with the existing data communication function. By merging these two functions into the same pin infrastructure, the chip achieves identification capability without adding separate pins, thus reducing chip size while maintaining functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Productivity

If channel lengths increase due to double-layer PCB mounting, then multiple chips can be mounted, but wiring interference increases and signal integrity degrades

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechip mounting capacityVSAvoidsignal integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary swap mode determination through command sets received before normal data transmission. By establishing the swap mode early in the communication sequence, the system can properly interpret subsequent data signals, ensuring signal integrity is maintained throughout the transmission process despite long channel lengths

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses feedback mechanisms where the memory controller transmits swap command sets and receives responses to determine swap mode. This feedback loop allows the system to adapt to the actual physical connection configuration, compensating for signal degradation by correctly interpreting received signals based on the determined swap mode

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS12518805B2Memory chip, memory controller and operating method of the memory chip

Publication Date: 2026.01.06 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

A memory chip, a memory controller, and an operating method of the memory chip are provided. The memory chip includes a plurality of pins; and an interface circuit configured to receive a swap command set from a memory controller through the plurality of pins, obtain a swap command and a swap address from the swap command set, generate a swap enable signal based on the swap command and the swap address, and swap and output a data signal according to the swap enable signal.