Memory Read Clock Selection for Accurate Data Latching

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Solution Overview

Problem

The distortion of clock signals in semiconductor memories leads to incorrect data latching and failure in duty cycle adjustment, particularly at higher memory speeds, causing issues in data acquisition by the CPU.

Innovation Solution

A control apparatus with a receiving module, clock module, selection module, and latch module is introduced to handle distorted clock signals by using an internal clock signal for data latching, ensuring correct data retrieval and reducing power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the memory uses an external clock signal for data latching, then the data latching process is simple, but the clock signal distortion causes incorrect data retrieval

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata latching processVSAvoiddata retrieval accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary clock selection mechanism that mediates between the distorted external clock signal and the data latching process. The controller selectively switches between the external clock signal and an internal reference clock signal based on signal quality assessment, preventing distorted clocks from causing incorrect data retrieval while maintaining the simplicity of external clocking when conditions permit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the memory generates an internal clock signal for data latching, then the data latching accuracy is maintained, but the power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata latching accuracyVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic clock source selection mechanism that adapts between external and internal clock signals based on real-time signal quality conditions. The controller monitors the external clock signal and dynamically switches to internal clock generation only when necessary, optimizing the balance between data latching accuracy and power consumption by avoiding continuous internal clock generation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Speed

If the memory adjusts the duty cycle of the clock signal, then the clock signal timing is optimized, but the clock signal distortion occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclock signal timingVSAvoidclock signal quality
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary clock selection mechanism that mediates between the distorted external clock signal and the data latching process. The controller selectively switches between the external clock signal and an internal reference clock signal based on signal quality assessment, preventing distorted clocks from causing incorrect data retrieval while maintaining the simplicity of external clocking when conditions permit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP4325492B1Control apparatus, memory, signal processing method, and electronic device
Publication Date: 2026.01.21 CHANGXIN MEMORY TECH INC
  • EP4325492B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4325492B1 patent drawingFigure 2~4
  • EP4325492B1 patent drawingFigure 5(1)~7

AI summary

The embodiments of the present disclosure provide a control apparatus, a memory, a signal processing method, and an electronic apparatus. The control apparatus includes: a receiving module, configured to receive a read clock signal from the memory, and output the read clock signal; a clock module, configured to generate a first internal clock signal; a selection module, configured to receive the read clock signal and the first internal clock signal, and output one of the read clock signal and the first internal clock signal as a target read clock signal; and a latch module, configured to receive the target read clock signal and a read data signal sent by the memory, and perform latch processing on the read data signal by using the target read clock signal.