Memory Device Pipe Latch Control for High-Speed Data Output

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Solution Overview

Problem

High-speed data input/output operations in memory devices lead to increased error probabilities, deteriorating the reliability of these devices, necessitating improved data output path designs.

Innovation Solution

The memory device incorporates a page buffer group for reading normal data and a control logic for storing logic data, along with a pipe latch control unit that synchronizes data output with a read enable pipe signal, enabling normal data to be output at a double data rate and logic data at a single data rate, enhancing reliability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If high-speed data input/output operations are implemented, then productivity is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to increased error probabilities

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transfer speedVSAvoiddata output reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the data output path into separate dedicated paths for normal data and logic data. Normal data travels through page buffers and column decoders, while logic data travels through a separate control logic path. This segmentation allows each path to be optimized independently, maintaining high-speed performance while reducing errors through dedicated routing and synchronization mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary synchronization actions by generating read enable pipe signals that precede and coordinate the output of normal data and logic data. These synchronization signals are prepared in advance to ensure that data is latched and output at the correct timing, preventing errors that would occur with unsynchronized high-speed operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Device complexity

If normal data and logic data share the same data output path, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to potential data confusion and errors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata output path structureVSAvoiddata output accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the data output system into distinct segments: one path for normal data (through page buffers and column decoders) and another path for logic data (through control logic). This segmentation eliminates data confusion by ensuring that normal data and logic data are routed through separate channels, improving reliability while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces read enable pipe signals as intermediary synchronization mechanisms that coordinate between the separate data paths and the output interface. These intermediary signals ensure that data from either path is output at the correct timing without direct interference between the paths, maintaining reliability while allowing a unified output interface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If data is output without synchronization control, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to timing errors and data corruption

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata output controlVSAvoiddata transfer accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic synchronization using read enable pipe signals that are generated at regular intervals corresponding to the data output timing. These periodic synchronization pulses ensure that data is latched and output at predetermined moments, preventing timing errors while maintaining a simple operational interface through automatic synchronization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs feedback mechanisms where the read enable pipe signals are generated based on the state of the data output path and previous operations. This feedback ensures that synchronization is maintained dynamically, adjusting to the actual data ready status while providing reliable timing control without requiring complex external coordination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS10347305B2Memory device for performing latch operation and method for operating the same
Publication Date: 2019.07.09 SK HYNIX INC
  • US10347305B2 patent drawing
  • US10347305B2 patent drawing
  • US10347305B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A memory device includes a page buffer group configured to read normal data stored in a memory cell array, a control logic configured to store logic data, and a pipe latch control unit configured to latch the normal data outputted from the page buffer group in synchronization with a read enable pipe signal and latch the logic data outputted from the control logic in synchronization with the read enable pipe signal.