Semiconductor Memory Read Clock Signal Power Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing frequency of toggling clock signals in semiconductor memory devices leads to higher power consumption, especially due to unnecessary toggling of the read clock signal during operations like precharging, which is exacerbated by the increasing number of data pads and frequent usage of the read clock signal.
Innovation Solution
A semiconductor memory device is designed with an output enable signal generation circuit, a sampling control signal generation circuit, and a read clock signal generation circuit that synchronize and control the read clock signal to toggle only during the necessary period for data output, using a sampling control signal activated from the output enable signal's activation to the end of data output, thereby reducing power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the read clock signal is used frequently and at high frequency to support data output operations, then the data output speed and productivity are improved, but the power consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by controlling the read clock signal to toggle only during specific active periods when data output is required, rather than continuously. The sampling control signal generates clock cycles only during the active period from output enable signal activation to data output completion, reducing unnecessary toggling and associated power consumption while maintaining required data output speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the read clock signal's active period adjustable and adaptive. The sampling control signal dynamically determines the active period based on the output enable signal and data output timing, allowing the clock signal to be active only when needed and inactive during precharging and other non-data-output periods, thus optimizing the balance between speed and power consumption.
2Reliability
If the read clock signal toggles continuously to maintain stable operation, then the operational stability is improved, but the power consumption increases due to unnecessary toggling during precharging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by implementing periodic action through the sampling control signal that enables clock signal generation only during the active data output period. The clock signal toggles periodically only when data output is active, remaining inactive during precharging and other non-operational periods, thereby maintaining operational stability during active operations while eliminating unnecessary power consumption during idle periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the taking out principle by extracting the unnecessary toggling portion from the clock signal operation. The sampling control signal separates the useful function (data output synchronization) from the harmful effect (continuous toggling), allowing the clock signal to be extracted and activated only during the necessary active period, removing the harmful continuous toggling during precharging while preserving the useful synchronization function during data output.
3Speed
If the frequency of the read clock signal is increased to match higher data output requirements, then the data output speed is improved, but the power consumption increases proportionally
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by making the clock signal frequency and active period adaptive rather than fixed. The sampling control signal dynamically adjusts the clock signal's active duration and frequency based on the actual data output requirements, allowing high frequency operation only when data output speed is required while reducing frequency and power consumption during precharging and idle periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies periodic action by implementing the read clock signal as a periodic signal activated only during necessary intervals. The sampling control signal generates clock cycles at high frequency only during the active data output period, while remaining inactive during precharging and other non-data-output periods, thus achieving high data output speed when needed while reducing overall power consumption through periodic rather than continuous operation.
Data Source
AI summary
Semiconductor memory device and operation method thereof includes an output enable signal generator configured to synchronize a read command to a data clock signal to generate an output enable signal according to a CAS latency, a sampling control signal generator configured to generate a sampling control signal that is activated during a period corresponding to an activation timing of the output enable signal and an end timing of data output, a read clock signal generator configured to sample the data clock signal in response to the sampling control signal to generate a read clock signal and a data output circuit configured to output data according to the read clock signal.