Memory Command Signal Delay Circuit for Timing Alignment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In semiconductor memory, accurate timing of internal clock and command signals is crucial for proper data capture and retrieval, but high-frequency memory clock signals and multi-data rate operations complicate the generation of correctly timed signals, leading to potential errors in write and read operations.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with an adjustable delay circuit and shifter is used to synchronize command and clock signals, delaying them to account for propagation delays and programmable latency, ensuring proper alignment with data strobe signals for accurate data capture and output.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If high-frequency memory clock signals are used to increase data transfer rate, then productivity is improved, but timing accuracy of command and clock signals deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by delaying the command signal in advance before it reaches the data path circuitry. The delay circuit intentionally delays the command signal by a predetermined amount of time to account for propagation delays, ensuring that the command signal arrives at the correct timing relative to the clock signal and data strobe, thereby maintaining timing accuracy even at high frequencies
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a delay circuit as an intermediary element between the command signal source and the data path circuitry. This intermediary component actively adjusts the timing of the command signal to compensate for propagation delays and ensure proper synchronization with the clock signal and data strobe at high operating frequencies
2Productivity
If multi-data rate operations are implemented to increase data transfer rate, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The delay circuit is designed to be universally applicable across multiple data rates and operating conditions. By configuring the delay circuit with programmable or adjustable delay parameters, a single circuit implementation can handle various data transfer rates and timing requirements, reducing the need for multiple specialized circuits for different operating modes
3Measurement precision
If signal propagation delays are not compensated to maintain timing accuracy, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The delay circuit performs preliminary compensation for signal propagation delays by intentionally delaying the command signal in advance. This predetermined delay accounts for the time required for signals to propagate through the circuitry, ensuring that the command signal arrives at the data path circuitry in proper synchronization with the clock signal and data strobe, thereby maintaining timing accuracy and reliability
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatuses and methods for capturing data in a memory are disclosed herein. An apparatus may include a command path and a data capture logic. The command path may be configured to receive a command signal and to delay the command signal with a delay based, at least in part, on a plurality of propagation delays. The data capture logic may be coupled to the command path and configured to receive the delayed command signal and a data strobe signal. The data capture logic may further be configured to capture data according to the data strobe signal responsive, at least in part, to receipt of the delayed command signal.