Memory Driver Reinforcement Circuit for Impedance and Pre-Emphasis
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing circuit for controlling a semiconductor memory apparatus faces issues with deteriorated impedance characteristics due to increasing capacitance as the number of drivers increases, and requires a separate driver for the pre-emphasis function, leading to a larger layout area.
Innovation Solution
The proposed circuit includes an impedance adjusting unit, a driving reinforcing control unit, and a driving reinforcing unit that adjusts code values using an adjustment code to reinforce the driving capability of drivers, allowing for improved impedance characteristics and reduced layout area without the need for a separate driver.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the number of drivers is increased to correspond to various data input and output impedances and to achieve the pre-emphasis function, then the adaptability and driving capability are improved, but the capacitance increases and impedance characteristics deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple driver functions (impedance matching and pre-emphasis) into a single integrated driver structure. The driver includes a plurality of transistors that can be selectively activated to provide both impedance matching for various data input/output impedances and pre-emphasis function, eliminating the need for separate drivers and reducing overall capacitance.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated driver is designed to perform multiple functions: it can provide different impedance values to match various data input and output impedances, and it can also achieve the pre-emphasis function by selectively activating specific transistors. This multi-functional design reduces the total number of drivers needed while maintaining adaptability.
2Power
If a separate driver is added to achieve the pre-emphasis function, then the driving capability is improved, but the layout area increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the pre-emphasis function into the existing driver structure by adding specific transistors (fifth to eighth transistors) to the driver circuit. This allows the same driver to provide both normal driving and pre-emphasis functions, eliminating the need for a separate pre-emphasis driver and reducing the overall layout area.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple drivers are used to correspond to various impedances, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal driver structure that can adapt to various impedance conditions through selective transistor activation. The driver includes multiple transistors (first through eighth transistors) with different configurations that can be enabled or disabled based on the required impedance, allowing a single driver to replace multiple specialized drivers.
Data Source
AI summary
A circuit for controlling a driver of a semiconductor memory apparatus includes at least one driving unit in which impedance is set according to a code value, an impedance adjusting unit that outputs a first code and a second code for setting the impedance of the at least one driving unit, a driving reinforcing control unit that outputs an adjustment code for a time corresponding to timing data, and a driving reinforcing unit that outputs a first reinforcing code and a second reinforcing code obtained by adjusting the first code and the second code using the adjustment code, such that a driving capability of the at least one driving unit is reinforced.