Memory Interface Phase Clock Control for Low-Power DQ Signaling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing semiconductor devices face challenges in efficiently managing clock signals for data transmission between memory controllers and memory devices, leading to increased power consumption and potential phase errors.
Innovation Solution
A semiconductor device with a memory controller and memory interface that generates multiple phase clock signals based on a data strobe signal, with an adaptive control circuit determining the number of phase clock signals to be used based on the operating frequency, to optimize clock signal transmission and reduce power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple phase clock signals are provided to all DQ driving circuits, then data transmission reliability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the number of phase clock signals provided to DQ driving circuits based on the operating frequency. At lower frequencies (e.g., 2000 MT/s), only a subset of phase clock signals (e.g., 2 out of 4) is activated, while at higher frequencies (e.g., 3200 MT/s), all phase clock signals are provided. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by optimizing the balance between reliability and power consumption according to actual operating conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The adaptive control circuit changes the parameter of clock signal quantity based on operating frequency thresholds. When the operating frequency exceeds a first threshold, the circuit provides a first number of phase clock signals; when it exceeds a second threshold (higher than the first), it provides a second number of phase clock signals. This parameter change strategy allows the system to improve reliability when needed while reducing power consumption during normal operation.
2Productivity
If the number of phase clock signals is increased, then data transmission speed is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clock signal distribution is segmented into multiple groups corresponding to different operating frequency ranges. The adaptive control circuit segments the DQ driving circuits into different operational modes, providing different numbers of phase clock signals to different segments based on the current operating frequency. This segmentation allows high-speed transmission when required without permanently increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The same clock generation circuit and DQ driving circuits serve multiple functions by adapting to different operating frequencies. The system uses a universal architecture that can operate with varying numbers of active phase clock signals, allowing the hardware to function efficiently across a wide range of speeds without requiring separate dedicated circuits for each speed tier.
3Reliability
If phase clock signals are provided to all DQ driving circuits at high operating frequency, then data transmission reliability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static clock distribution architecture to a dynamic one where the number of active phase clock signals changes based on operating frequency. At high operating frequencies where reliability is critical, all phase clock signals are activated; at lower frequencies, fewer signals are active, reducing power consumption. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction between reliability and power consumption in the stationary object.
Solution Approach 2:
The adaptive control circuit monitors operating frequency and changes the parameter of active clock signal quantity accordingly. When operating frequency exceeds the second threshold, the system changes to providing all phase clock signals to ensure reliability; when below the threshold, it reduces the number of active signals to conserve power. This parameter change strategy effectively manages the trade-off between reliability and power consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
A semiconductor device has a memory controller configured to provide a data strobe signal, and a memory device configured to receive a data signal provided from the memory controller or output a data signal to the memory controller, wherein the memory device includes a memory interface including a plurality of DQ driving circuits, the memory interface being configured to generate a plurality of phase clock signals based on the data strobe signal, determine a number of phase clock signals provided to the plurality of DQ driving circuits based on an operating frequency of the memory device, and provide the determined number of phase clock signals to the plurality of DQ driving circuits.