Memory Clock Alignment Training for Mixed-Frequency Interfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing difference in frequency between main clock signals and data clock signals in semiconductor memory devices poses a challenge for alignment, limiting the operation speed of memory cores and requiring methods to support training for precise synchronization.
Innovation Solution
A memory device method that performs training through loop operations to align main and data clock signals by generating division ratio information and phase control information, allowing for comparison and adjustment of clock signals to achieve synchronization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the frequency of the data clock signal is increased to rapidly transmit and receive data, then the data transmission speed is improved, but the frequency difference between the main clock signal and the data clock signal increases, making alignment more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The training process is divided into multiple loop operations, where each loop performs phase comparison and adjustment. The division ratio information segments the frequency relationship into manageable units, allowing systematic alignment through iterative phase control information transmission between memory device and memory controller.
Solution Approach 2:
The memory device and memory controller engage in iterative feedback communication during training. Phase control information is transmitted from the memory device to the memory controller, which then adjusts phase comparison results and sends updated phase control information back, creating a closed-loop feedback system that progressively refines clock signal alignment.
2Productivity
If the operation speed of the memory core is increased, then the memory performance is improved, but the structural limitations of the memory core prevent further speed increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the division ratio based on the frequency relationship between main clock and data clock signals. This dynamic adaptation allows the memory device to optimize timing alignment without requiring structural changes to the memory core, effectively decoupling performance improvements from structural complexity increases.
3Adaptability or versatility
If various frequency ratios between main clock signal and data clock signal are supported, then the adaptability to different memory controllers is improved, but the complexity of alignment training increases
Solution Approach 1:
The memory device implements a universal training mechanism that handles multiple frequency ratios through a unified approach. The division ratio information and phase control information framework provides a multi-functional solution that adapts to different frequency relationships without requiring separate training procedures for each ratio, simplifying the overall alignment process.
Data Source
AI summary
A memory device performs first training including a plurality of loop operations to align a main clock signal and a data clock signal, which are received from a memory controller. A method of operating the memory device includes generating division ratio information indicating a division ratio set based on a frequency ratio of the main clock signal to the data clock signal and transmitting the division ratio information to the memory controller to perform the first training. A first loop operation includes: receiving first phase control information, which is generated based on the division ratio information, from the memory controller, dividing the data clock signal based on the division ratio to generate a division data clock signal, selecting a first phase from among a plurality of phases based on the first phase control information, generating a first comparison target clock signal that is shifted from the division data clock signal by the first phase, comparing a phase of the first comparison target clock signal with a phase of the main clock signal, and transmitting a first phase comparison result to the memory controller.