Semiconductor Memory Input Circuit Rank Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional semiconductor memory external signal input circuits are designed for either single-rank or multi-rank configurations, limiting their adaptability and requiring separate circuit designs for different configurations.
Innovation Solution
An external signal input circuit for semiconductor memory that includes an input block to receive and generate internal signals and a control block to output signals corresponding to the rank configuration, while blocking signals that do not match the configuration, allowing the same circuit to function in both single-rank and multi-rank configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate external signal input circuits are designed for single-rank and multi-rank configurations, then each circuit can be optimized for its specific configuration, but the device complexity increases and adaptability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The external signal input circuit is designed with a universal structure that can function in both single-rank and multi-rank configurations. The circuit includes a first input unit for receiving external signals and a second input unit that can be selectively activated based on rank configuration. A control unit manages the selection between different input units, allowing the same circuit hardware to adapt to different memory configurations without requiring separate dedicated circuits for each rank type.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a universal external signal input circuit is designed to work in both single-rank and multi-rank configurations, then adaptability improves, but the circuit complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The external signal input circuit is segmented into distinct functional units: a first input unit for receiving external signals, a second input unit for additional signal processing, and a control unit for managing operation modes. This segmentation allows the circuit to activate only the necessary units based on the detected rank configuration, reducing the effective complexity in any given operation while maintaining universal adaptability across different memory configurations.
3Reliability
If different external signal input circuits are used for different rank configurations, then signal processing can be optimized for each configuration, but the ease of manufacture decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal external signal input circuit design that eliminates the need to manufacture separate circuit variants for single-rank and multi-rank configurations. The same circuit hardware is produced for all memory devices, with the control unit automatically configuring the circuit operation based on the detected rank configuration. This approach significantly simplifies the manufacturing process while maintaining optimized signal processing through selective activation of appropriate input units and control logic.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, an external signal input circuit of a semiconductor memory may include: an input block configured to receive a plurality of external signals and to generate a plurality of internal signals; and a control block configured to output one or more internal signals of the plurality of internal signals that correspond to a rank configuration of the semiconductor memory and to block output of one or more internal signals of the plurality of internal signals that do not correspond to the rank configuration.