Semiconductor Memory Output Circuit with Adjustable Slew Rate Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing semiconductor memory apparatuses have a fixed slew rate and data output timing, limiting their applicability to high-speed operations and restricting their range due to the fixed resistor and transistor turn-on resistances.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a bias generator and slew rate controller to dynamically control pull-up and pull-down slew rates, allowing for variable data output timing and slew rates based on set values, enabling flexible operation suitable for different systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed resistor and transistor turn-on resistance are used to control slew rate, then the circuit structure remains simple, but the slew rate cannot be varied and the apparatus is not applicable for high-speed operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing fixed resistors with dynamically controllable transistor switches in the pull-up and pull-down circuits. The slew rate is no longer fixed but can be varied by controlling the on/off state of transistors P2 and N2, enabling the circuit to adapt to different speed requirements while maintaining a relatively simple structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by using bias voltages (first bias and second bias) to control the resistance characteristics of transistors P2 and N2. By adjusting these bias parameters, the slew rate can be dynamically changed without fundamentally altering the circuit topology, thus achieving versatility while keeping the circuit structure manageable.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed data output timing is used, then the circuit design is simplified, but the applicable range is excessively limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the data output timing dynamic by using controllable transistors instead of fixed RC time constants. The timing can be adjusted by controlling the switch timing of transistors P2 and N2, allowing the same circuit to serve multiple applications with different timing requirements without increasing significant complexity.
3Speed
If high-speed operation is required, then performance is improved, but the fixed slew rate limits the system's ability to adapt to different operational requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables parameter changes by using controllable bias voltages to adjust the effective resistance in the pull-up and pull-down circuits. This allows the slew rate to be optimized for high-speed operations when needed, while also allowing slower operation modes, thus achieving both high performance and system adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for outputting data of a semiconductor memory apparatus, which is capable of varying the slew rate and the data output timing, includes a bias generator that generates a bias having a level corresponding to a set value, a slew rate controller that controls a pull-up slew rate or a pull-down slew rate of input data on the basis of the bias generated by the bias generator, and a data outputting unit that outputs data on the basis of the slew rate controlled by the slew rate controller. Therefore, it is possible to satisfy various operational conditions without changing the structure of the circuit and to correspond rapidly and appropriately with a change of the system, which enables the applied range of the products to be extended.