Memory Command Protocol With Hybrid Gap Control for Fewer Address Pins
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing memory devices face challenges in efficiently accessing memory cells with reduced operational latency, increased density, and flexibility in command/address bus pins without increasing die size or activation cycle count.
Innovation Solution
A multi-clock cycle memory command protocol that allows for the transmission of additional address bits over multiple clock cycles, using a hybrid gap controlled approach to reduce the number of required pins and improve access efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If additional address bits are transmitted over multiple clock cycles, then the number of required pins is reduced, but the operational latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic gap insertion between command sequences based on hybrid gap control signals. The memory device dynamically adjusts the timing between address transmission phases by inserting variable gaps (0, 1, or 2 clock cycles) according to the specific command type and address width requirements, optimizing the balance between pin reduction and latency minimization for different operational scenarios
2Device complexity
If more address bits are transmitted with fewer pins, then the device complexity is reduced, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the timing parameters of the command protocol by introducing hybrid gap control that dynamically adjusts the number of clock cycle gaps between address transmission phases. This parameter change allows the system to accommodate variable address widths (up to 22 address bits) using a fixed 7-pin interface, with gap values of 0, 1, or 2 clock cycles selected based on command type and address requirements, thereby managing timing precision without increasing pin count
3Productivity
If the number of clock cycles is increased to transmit additional address bits, then the productivity is improved, but the loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by transmitting only the necessary number of address bits in each clock cycle phase, rather than transmitting all address bits continuously. The hybrid gap control inserts selective pauses (0, 1, or 2 clock cycles) between transmission phases, allowing the system to transmit up to 22 address bits using a 7-pin interface while minimizing unnecessary time extension through targeted rather than continuous transmission
4Adaptability or versatility
If the command protocol is made more flexible to support variable page sizes, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by designing a hybrid gap controlled command protocol that serves multiple functions: it supports variable address widths (up to 22 bits), accommodates different page sizes, and handles various command types (activate, read, write, refresh) all through the same 7-pin interface. The hybrid gap control mechanism provides a unified framework that adapts to different operational requirements without requiring separate dedicated protocols for each function
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for providing memory access commands to memory circuitry using a gap controlled multi-clock cycle memory command protocol is described. More than one memory commands are combined into one multi-clock cycle memory command using gap controlled multi-clock cycle memory command protocol. The number of clock cycles included in the gap between two clock cycles in the multi-clock cycle memory command is controlled and adjustable.