Memory Controller Low-Speed Clock Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multi-die memory devices face challenges in reducing power consumption and increasing data bandwidth when operating at low speeds due to the limitations of common clock signals, which consume power and restrict data transfer rates.
Innovation Solution
The system deactivates the common data clock signal and uses an internally generated clock signal with a shorter period, allowing each memory die to produce data in fewer system clock periods, thereby reducing power consumption and enhancing data bandwidth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a common data clock signal is used for multiple memory dies, then device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but power consumption increases and data bandwidth is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single common data clock signal into multiple separate data clock signals, with each memory die receiving its own dedicated data clock signal. This segmentation allows each memory die to operate independently with optimized timing, reducing the power consumption associated with distributing a single common clock across multiple dies while maintaining operational simplicity through automated clock generation.
2Ease of operation
If a common data clock signal is used for multiple memory dies, then device complexity is reduced, but data bandwidth is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the single common data clock into multiple separate data clock signals, one for each memory die. This enables parallel data transfer operations across multiple dies without timing conflicts, effectively increasing the overall data bandwidth of the memory device while the controller automatically manages the clock distribution to maintain ease of operation.
3Use of energy by moving object
If memory dies operate at low speed, then power consumption is reduced, but data transfer rate decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic clock signal generation where the controller adjusts the timing and frequency of data clock signals based on the operational speed requirements. During low-speed operations, the system uses longer clock periods to reduce power consumption, while automatically generating appropriate data clock signals to maintain optimal data transfer rates without requiring manual intervention.
4Productivity
If an internally generated clock signal with shorter period is used, then data bandwidth is increased and productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by having the controller automatically generate and distribute data clock signals based on the operational mode detected. The system monitors whether memory dies are operating at high or low speeds and autonomously adjusts the clock signal parameters accordingly, eliminating the need for external clock distribution infrastructure and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining high data bandwidth.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and devices for a low-speed memory operation are described. A controller associated with a memory device may, for example, identify a clock mode for a system clock and determine that a speed of the system clock is below a threshold. The controller may generate (or cause to be generated) an internal data clock signal having a shorter period than an external data clock signal (which may have a speed based on the system clock speed). Also, the controller may use, instead of the external data clock signal, the internal data clock signal to generate data from the memory device, which may provide reduced latency. Further, the controller may deactivate (or cause to be deactivated) an external data clock that generates the external data clock signal.