Memory Module Clocking Architecture for Edge-Selectable Multi-Rate Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Managing clock noise is challenging in high-speed memory modules that support multiple data rates and have strict timing requirements.
Innovation Solution
A configurable clocking architecture that allows independent selection of rising or falling edges of an input clock as references for generating internal and output clocks, maintaining a fixed phase relationship and optimizing performance under varying noise conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple data rates are supported in high-speed memory modules, then data transmission capability is improved, but clock noise and jitter increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic clocking by allowing the memory module to operate at multiple data rates (SDR, DDR, DDR2, DDR3, DDR4) with configurable clock edges. The system dynamically selects between rising edge, falling edge, or both edges for data sampling based on the operating mode, enabling adaptation to different noise conditions and performance requirements while maintaining stable clock signals across varying data rates
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes clock signal parameters by providing independent control over rising and falling edges. Different edge selections (rising-only, falling-only, or both) are used to optimize performance at different data rates. This parameter variation allows the system to minimize jitter and duty cycle distortion by selecting the most appropriate edge configuration for each operating condition
2Manufacturing precision
If strict timing requirements are enforced, then signal integrity is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the clock signal into independent rising edge and falling edge components. Each edge can be independently configured and controlled, allowing precise timing management for each transition type. This segmentation enables the system to meet strict timing requirements by optimizing each edge separately rather than managing the entire clock cycle as a single unit
Solution Approach 2:
The clocking architecture is designed to be universal by supporting multiple operating modes (SDR, DDR, DDR2, DDR3, DDR4) and multiple edge selections within a single system. The same clock generation circuitry can serve different functions by simply changing the edge selection configuration, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining signal integrity across various standards
3Reliability
If clock edges are aligned to minimize jitter, then performance is improved, but configuration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides self-service through automatic edge selection mechanisms that can be configured via control signals. The memory module can autonomously select the optimal edge configuration (rising, falling, or both) based on the operating mode, reducing the burden on external controllers while maintaining optimal performance and minimizing jitter without requiring complex external configuration
Data Source
AI summary
A clocking architecture for a memory module is configurable to independently select either rising or falling edges of an input clock as respective references for generation of an internal clock and an output clock. The clocking architecture supports reference edge selection in both a single data rate (SDR) mode and a double data rate (DDR) mode while maintaining a fixed phase relationship between the input clock and the output clock regardless of the reference edge selection.