Semiconductor Memory Clock-Frequency Detection for Fast Mode Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional semiconductor memory devices require a long time to change operation modes due to the need for external mode register setting commands when the frequency of the input clock signal changes.

Innovation Solution

A semiconductor memory device with an integrated frequency detection circuit that detects the input clock signal frequency and generates control signals to change operation modes internally, eliminating the need for external commands.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a mode register setting command is received from outside to change the operating state, then the operation mode can be changed, but it takes a long time to change the operation mode

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation mode change capabilityVSAvoidtime to change operation mode

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The frequency detection circuit automatically detects the clock signal frequency and generates the appropriate driving control signal without requiring external mode register setting commands. The semiconductor memory device serves itself by internally determining the operating state based on the detected frequency, eliminating the need for external intervention and reducing mode change time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements a feedback mechanism where the frequency detection circuit continuously monitors the clock signal frequency and adjusts the driving control signal accordingly. The detected frequency information is fed back to the status register, which generates the appropriate driving control signal to maintain optimal operation at the current frequency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Adaptability or versatility

If the frequency of the input clock signal is changed, then the operation mode should be changed to match, but conventional devices require external commands causing delay

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefrequency adaptation capabilityVSAvoidresponse speed to frequency change

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The semiconductor memory device automatically adapts to frequency changes by using the frequency detection circuit to monitor the clock signal and internally generate the appropriate driving control signal. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for external mode register setting commands, enabling rapid response to frequency changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The frequency detection circuit continuously monitors the clock signal frequency in advance, so when a frequency change occurs, the system is already prepared to generate the appropriate driving control signal immediately, rather than waiting for external commands after the frequency change has been initiated.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS12424252B2Semiconductor memory device for determining operation state with detecting frequency of input clock signal

Publication Date: 2025.09.23 FIDELIX

AI summary

A semiconductor memory device of the disclosure comprises a frequency detection circuit that detects the frequency of an input clock signal generated during a measurement time and generates a frequency confirmation data having the information on the frequency of the input clock signal; a status register that receives the frequency confirmation data and generates 1-st to m-th driving control signals; and a 1-st to an m-th operating circuit. In the semiconductor memory device of the disclosure, the operating state can be changed by detecting a frequency change of an input clock signal without an external mode register setting command. As a result, according to the semiconductor memory device of the disclosure, the time required to change the operating mode is reduced.