Synchronous Memory Data Alignment Postamble Ringing

Solution Overview

Problem

The write postamble ringing phenomenon in synchronous semiconductor memory devices causes glitches in data strobe signals, leading to errors in data synchronization and loading of undesired data on global data lines, due to noise transitions after the data strobe signal finishes toggling.

Innovation Solution

A data strobe falling pulse masking signal is generated to mask the data strobe falling pulse, preventing further alignment of data during the write postamble, thereby preventing glitches and ensuring accurate data transfer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the data alignment unit continues to align data based on the data strobe signal after the write operation completes, then data synchronization is maintained, but write postamble ringing causes glitches and data errors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata synchronization accuracyVSAvoidwrite postamble ringing noise

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The data alignment suspension signal is generated in advance based on the write pulse signal before the write operation actually completes. This preliminary suspension signal prevents the data alignment unit from continuing to align data after the write operation finishes, thereby avoiding glitches caused by write postamble ringing while maintaining correct data synchronization during the active write period.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses the write pulse signal as feedback to generate the data alignment suspension signal. This feedback mechanism allows the data alignment unit to automatically stop aligning data when the write operation completes, preventing noise-induced errors while maintaining synchronization accuracy during the write process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the data alignment unit stops aligning data early to prevent write postamble ringing, then noise-induced errors are avoided, but data synchronization may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewrite postamble ringing noiseVSAvoiddata synchronization accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The data alignment suspension signal is generated in advance based on the write pulse signal before the write operation actually completes. This preliminary suspension signal prevents the data alignment unit from continuing to align data after the write operation finishes, thereby avoiding glitches caused by write postamble ringing while maintaining correct data synchronization during the active write period.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses the write pulse signal as feedback to generate the data alignment suspension signal. This feedback mechanism allows the data alignment unit to automatically stop aligning data when the write operation completes, preventing noise-induced errors while maintaining synchronization accuracy during the write process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If the data strobe signal continues to toggle after the write operation, then signal completeness is maintained, but ringing noise is generated causing data errors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal completenessVSAvoidringing noise

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The harmful ringing noise is extracted and isolated from the data alignment process by using the data alignment suspension signal. This suspension signal separates the useful data alignment function from the harmful postamble ringing, allowing the data alignment unit to ignore the ringing noise while maintaining signal completeness during the active write operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The write pulse signal, which triggers the write operation, is used as feedback to generate the data alignment suspension signal. This converts the write operation completion indicator into a beneficial control signal that automatically stops data alignment when needed, transforming the potential source of noise into a useful control mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Data Source

PatentUS8259519B2Synchronous semiconductor memory device

Publication Date: 2012.09.04 SK HYNIX INC

AI summary

A synchronous semiconductor memory device includes a data alignment reference pulse generation unit configured to generate a data alignment reference pulse in response to a data strobe signal, a data alignment suspension signal generation unit configured to generate a data alignment suspension signal in response to the data alignment reference pulse, a data strobe termination signal, and a write pulse, and a data alignment unit configured to align input data in response to the data alignment reference pulse and stop aligning the input data in response to the data alignment suspension signal.