Memory Command Clock Alignment With CSP Execution Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Memory devices experience non-recoverable errors during initialization due to misalignment between external and internal clocks, as they lack the capability to report the successful execution of command start point (CSP) commands.
Innovation Solution
A memory device is configured to determine the phase relationship between an external clock and an internally generated clock, and indicates successful or unsuccessful execution of CSP commands by driving dedicated pins to specific voltage levels, allowing retransmission if necessary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the memory device uses internally generated clock for command execution, then the command execution speed is improved, but clock misalignment causes non-recoverable errors during initialization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the memory device monitors the execution status of CSP commands and generates status indicators (pass/fail) that are communicated back to the host device. This feedback loop allows the host to detect initialization errors and trigger retransmission of CSP commands, resolving the reliability issue while maintaining high-speed internal clock operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a preliminary action by having the host device transmit CSP commands during the initialization phase before normal operations begin. The memory device executes these preliminary commands to establish proper clock phase alignment, and the feedback mechanism confirms successful alignment before proceeding to high-speed operations, preventing non-recoverable errors.
2Device complexity
If the memory device lacks CSP command execution reporting capability, then the device complexity is reduced, but non-recoverable errors cannot be detected and reported
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds a feedback reporting mechanism where the memory device generates and transmits status indicators (pass/fail signals) regarding CSP command execution. This minimal feedback capability allows error detection and reporting without significantly increasing device complexity, as it uses existing communication interfaces and adds only essential status signaling functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The memory device performs self-diagnosis by automatically monitoring its own CSP command execution status and generating appropriate status indicators. This self-service capability allows the device to detect and report its own errors without requiring external monitoring complexity, maintaining simplicity while improving reliability.
3Productivity
If CSP commands are not retransmitted upon failure, then the productivity is improved by avoiding repeated initialization, but non-recoverable errors cause system failure
Solution Approach 1:
The feedback mechanism provides the host device with information about CSP command execution status, enabling intelligent decision-making about retransmission. When failures occur, the host can retry initialization sequences; when successes occur, normal operations proceed without redundant retries, optimizing both reliability and productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The preliminary CSP command transmission during initialization serves as a preparatory step that establishes clock alignment before high-productivity operations begin. The feedback from this preliminary action determines whether to proceed or retry, ensuring system continuity while minimizing impact on overall productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and devices for command clock structure are described. A memory device may receive a command to determine a relationship (e.g., a phase relationship) between an external clock and an internally generated clock. In some examples, the memory device may execute the command and may report (e.g., to a host device) whether the command is successfully or unsuccessfully executed. The memory device may report the successful or unsuccessful execution of the command by driving one or more pins to a first value or a second value.