Semiconductor Memory Mode Register Readback via Reset Pin

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional semiconductor memory devices do not support reading mode setting codes set in mode registers, making it difficult to diagnose malfunctions and affecting the reliability of the devices.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a command decoder, code converter, and code outputting unit to generate and output serial mode setting codes, enabling the reading of mode setting codes through a reset pin, allowing for the checking of accurately set codes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If mode setting codes are set in mode registers, then operating characteristics are controlled, but the codes cannot be read to verify accuracy

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovereliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The reset pin is made multi-functional by enabling it to output serial mode setting codes in addition to its traditional reset function. The control unit switches the pin's function based on operation mode signals, allowing the same hardware resource to serve dual purposes without increasing device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The semiconductor memory device reads and outputs its own mode setting codes through the reset pin without requiring external reading circuits or additional pins. The device serves itself by using internal resources (control unit, code converter) to generate and output the codes, eliminating the need for separate verification hardware

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If conventional mode register structure is used, then mode setting is simple, but malfunction diagnosis is difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoiddifficulty of detecting and measuring

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit acts as an intermediary that receives external read requests through command signals, converts them into internal read operations, and manages the output process. This intermediary layer enables easy external access to mode setting codes without complicating the internal register structure or requiring direct external circuit connections

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS7478208B2Semiconductor memory devices including mode registers and systems including the same

Publication Date: 2009.01.13 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

Semiconductor memory devices are provided. The semiconductor memory device includes a command decoder, a code converter and a code outputting unit. The command decoder is configured to receive a plurality of command signals from an external source, decode the plurality of command signals and generate a mode register reading signal responsive to the decoded plurality of command signals. The code converter is configured to receive mode setting codes generated based on the decoded plurality of command signals and convert the mode setting codes to serial mode setting codes. The code outputting unit is configured to receive the serial mode setting codes and output the serial mode setting codes to the external source responsive to the mode register reading signal. Systems including the semiconductor memory devices are also provided.