Memory Signal Calibration via Delayed Sampling for DDR Timing

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing memory signal calibration methods for DDR SDRAMs face challenges in accurately determining the timing of the data strobe signal due to variations in voltage and temperature, leading to incorrect or incomplete read data.

Innovation Solution

A memory signal calibration apparatus and method that includes an enablement signal setting circuit, a gating circuit, and a calibration circuit. The calibration circuit generates a pulse indicating signal corresponding to the clock pulse section of the data strobe signal, delays the data strobe enablement setting signal to generate first and second delay signals, and samples the pulse indicating signal to adjust the timing of the data strobe enablement signal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the position of the preamble section is used to set the timing of the DQS_EN signal, then the sampling circuit can correctly sample the DQ signal under stable conditions, but the timing becomes inaccurate when voltage and temperature vary

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecorrect sampling of DQ signalVSAvoidtiming accuracy of DQS_EN signal
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary calibration of the DQS_EN signal timing by sampling the DQ signal at multiple different timing positions and determining the optimal timing in advance. This preliminary action creates a timing reference that compensates for voltage and temperature variations, allowing the system to maintain accurate sampling without requiring real-time adjustment during normal operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the sampling circuit samples the DQ signal at multiple timing positions, compares the sampling results, and uses this feedback information to determine the optimal timing for the DQS_EN signal. This feedback loop continuously adapts to voltage and temperature changes, maintaining timing accuracy under varying conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Device complexity

If logic gates are used to implement the delay circuit, then the device complexity is reduced, but the determination accuracy of the data strobe signal timing is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimplicity of delay circuitVSAvoidtiming determination accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary calibration mechanism that uses multiple sampling positions and comparison logic to determine the optimal timing. Instead of relying solely on a simple delay circuit, the intermediary calibration process measures the actual signal characteristics and adjusts the timing accordingly, achieving high precision without significantly increasing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the timing determination process into multiple discrete sampling positions. By dividing the timing adjustment into distinct steps (first timing position, second timing position, etc.), the system can precisely identify the optimal timing point while using relatively simple circuitry at each segment, avoiding the need for a complex continuous adjustment mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS20250054534A1Memory signal calibration apparatus and method
Publication Date: 2025.02.13 REALTEK SEMICON CORP
  • US20250054534A1 patent drawing
  • US20250054534A1 patent drawing
  • US20250054534A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The present disclosure discloses a memory signal calibration apparatus and a memory signal calibration method. A gating circuit generates a data strobe enablement setting signal according to a setting control signal, generates an enabling state of the data strobe enablement signal and performs gating on a data strobe signal according to the enabling state to generate a gated data strobe signal. A calibration circuit is configured to generate a pulse indicating signal having an indicating state corresponding to a clock pulse section of the data strobe signal, delay the data strobe enablement setting signal to generate a first delay signal, delay the first delay signal to generate a second delay signal, sample the pulse indicating signal according to the first and the second delay signals to generate a sampling result, and controls an enablement signal setting circuit adjusts the setting control signal according to a sampling result so as to control the gating circuit adjusts the timings of the data strobe enablement setting signal and the data strobe enablement signal.