Semiconductor Memory Apparatus Data Mask Line Elimination
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing semiconductor memory apparatus requires a global data mask line for transmitting data mask signals, which increases the size of the memory apparatus and reduces the net die area, limiting its efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A semiconductor memory apparatus that eliminates the need for a global data mask line by using a data output signal transmitter to determine whether a data signal is masked, allowing the data output signal to be transmitted through a global data line, thereby eliminating the need for a separate data mask line and increasing the net die area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a global data mask line is used to transmit data mask signals, then the data mask function can be implemented, but the area of the semiconductor memory apparatus increases and the net die area decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the data mask signal transmission function from the global data mask line and relocates it to be integrated within the write driver circuit. This removes the need for the separate global data mask line, thereby eliminating the area it occupied and increasing the net die area while preserving the data mask function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the data mask signal processing function into the write driver circuit. By combining these previously separate functions into a single integrated unit, the need for separate signal transmission lines is eliminated, reducing overall circuit area and increasing net die area.
2Reliability
If a global data mask line is included in the semiconductor memory apparatus, then data mask signaling is enabled, but the size of the semiconductor memory apparatus increases
Solution Approach 1:
The global data mask line is extracted and removed from the apparatus. Its functionality is replaced by integrating data mask signal processing directly into the write driver, eliminating the need for this separate transmission line and thereby reducing the overall apparatus size.
Solution Approach 2:
The write driver is enhanced to perform multiple functions: it now handles both data signal processing and data mask signal processing internally. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated lines, reducing the apparatus size while maintaining all necessary signaling capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
A semiconductor memory apparatus includes: a data output signal transmitter configured to receive a data signal and a data mask signal and transmit a data output signal through a global data line, the data output signal being outputted by determining whether the data signal is masked or not; and a write driver configured to receive the data output signal through the global data line and input the received data output signal to a local data line corresponding to the data output signal.