Semiconductor Memory Device Dynamic Mode Switching

Solution Overview

Problem

Current semiconductor memory devices face challenges in balancing power consumption and efficiency, with stationary devices struggling to reduce power consumption and portable devices finding it difficult to improve efficiency, depending on their respective power supply conditions.

Innovation Solution

A semiconductor memory device that includes multiple mode control circuits and a selecting unit to enable or disable operating modes based on a selecting signal, allowing it to operate in optimized performance modes for different conditions, with a power voltage generating unit generating voltages corresponding to these modes and pad groups handling data input/output accordingly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a semiconductor memory device is designed for high efficiency operation (stationary product), then performance and speed are improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation efficiencyVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic mode switching capability that allows the semiconductor memory device to transition between first and second operating modes based on operational requirements. The mode control circuit receives mode selection signals and dynamically configures the device operation, enabling adaptation between high-efficiency and low-power states rather than being fixed in one operating mode.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes operational parameters by switching between different operating modes with distinct characteristics. The first operating mode is configured for high efficiency with optimized performance parameters, while the second operating mode is configured for low power consumption with adjusted timing and operational parameters. This parameter variation allows the device to adapt to different usage scenarios.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Use of energy by moving object

If a semiconductor memory device is designed for low power consumption (portable product), then battery life is extended, but operation efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidoperation efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic mode switching capability that allows the semiconductor memory device to transition between first and second operating modes based on operational requirements. The mode control circuit receives mode selection signals and dynamically configures the device operation, enabling adaptation between high-efficiency and low-power states rather than being fixed in one operating mode.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes operational parameters by switching between different operating modes with distinct characteristics. The first operating mode is configured for high efficiency with optimized performance parameters, while the second operating mode is configured for low power consumption with adjusted timing and operational parameters. This parameter variation allows the device to adapt to different usage scenarios.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple operating modes are implemented in a single device, then adaptability to different usage conditions is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperating mode flexibilityVSAvoidcontrol circuit complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the control functionality by dividing the control circuit into a mode control circuit that handles mode selection and switching, and separate first and second control circuits that handle specific operations in each mode. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each control path while maintaining overall system manageability through the mode control circuit's coordination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a universal mode control circuit that manages both operating modes and can be configured through mode selection signals to enable either the first control circuit or the second control circuit. This multi-functional approach allows a single control structure to serve multiple operating modes, reducing the need for completely separate control paths for each mode.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS7821851B2Semiconductor memory device capable of operating in a plurality of operating modes and method for controlling thereof

Publication Date: 2010.10.26 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

A semiconductor memory device capable of operating in a plurality operating modes and a method for controlling the device may be provided. The semiconductor memory device may include a selecting unit and a plurality of control circuits operating in a plurality of operating modes. The selecting unit may transmit a selecting signal to select one of the plurality of operating modes. The plurality of control circuits may control operations of the semiconductor memory device in the plurality of operating modes, and the plurality of control circuits may be either enabled or disabled in response to the selecting signal. The semiconductor memory device and the method of controlling the device may have a capability of providing optimized performance in response to a change of operational conditions by selecting one of a plurality of the operating modes.