Memory Interface Phase Selection Circuit

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current memory interface devices and circuits face challenges in efficiently configuring clock signals to ensure proper communication with memory devices, leading to complexity and potential bottlenecks in bandwidth and frequency, especially in systems with varying clock frequencies and environmental conditions.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of an interface circuit that includes a shift register to dynamically select and adjust the phase of a clock signal, allowing for optimal communication with memory devices by sweeping through phase values and selecting the appropriate phase based on performance criteria, thereby simplifying calculation logic and reducing complexity in memory interface circuits.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional memory interface circuits use fixed clock signal configurations, then circuit complexity is reduced, but adaptability to varying environmental conditions and clock frequencies deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to environmental conditions and clock frequenciesVSAvoidcircuit complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic phase adjustment by introducing a phase selector and shift register that can dynamically change the phase of the clock signal based on environmental conditions and frequency requirements. This transforms a static clock configuration into a dynamic one that adapts to varying operating conditions, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the phase parameter of the clock signal to optimize memory interface performance under different environmental conditions and clock frequencies. By adjusting the phase parameter dynamically through the shift register and phase selector, the system achieves adaptability without requiring complete redesign of the circuit architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If memory interface circuits implement fixed-phase clock signaling, then device complexity is reduced, but bandwidth and operating speed deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebandwidth and operating speedVSAvoidinterface circuit complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs dynamic phase selection to optimize data capture timing, which directly improves bandwidth and operating speed. The phase selector and shift register enable the circuit to dynamically adjust to optimal timing conditions, maximizing productivity while accepting increased circuit complexity as a necessary trade-off.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If memory interface circuits use simplified clock configuration, then ease of manufacture is improved, but reliability under varying conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereliability of data transferVSAvoidconfiguration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the phase selector receives input about environmental conditions and clock frequency, then adjusts the clock phase accordingly. This feedback loop ensures reliable data transfer under varying conditions by continuously optimizing the timing parameters, justifying the increased configuration complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS8223584B1Apparatus for memory interface configuration
Publication Date: 2012.07.17 ALTERA CORP
  • US8223584B1 patent drawing
  • US8223584B1 patent drawing
  • US8223584B1 patent drawing

AI summary

An apparatus includes a memory circuit and an interface circuit. The interface circuit is coupled to the memory circuit. The interface circuit selects a phase value of clock signal adapted to clock the memory circuit.