Memory Data Output Circuit for Retraining Status Signaling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional memory devices face challenges in efficiently transmitting status data to memory controllers, making it difficult to determine when a retraining operation is necessary due to skew between data and clock signals, which can lead to failure in write or read operations.
Innovation Solution
A memory device with a data output circuit that transmits status data through multiple data lines during a latency period in response to a read enable signal, allowing the memory controller to determine if a retraining operation is required, thereby improving memory performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If status data is transmitted through data lines during latency period, then retraining operation timing can be determined timely, but data transmission efficiency may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the data transmission process into two distinct phases: (1) transmitting status data during the latency period to enable timely retraining determination, and (2) transmitting actual memory data during the period subsequent to the latency period. This segmentation allows status data to be communicated without interfering with the main data transmission efficiency, as each phase serves its specific purpose independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by transmitting status data during the latency period before the main data transmission begins. This preliminary transmission of status information allows the memory controller to determine whether retraining operations are needed in advance, ensuring that subsequent data transmission can proceed with optimal timing and avoiding potential failures.
2Reliability
If retraining operation is performed to account for skew, then write or read operation reliability is improved, but operation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where status data indicating the presence of skew is transmitted from the memory device to the memory controller during the latency period. Based on this feedback, the memory controller intelligently determines whether a retraining operation is necessary. This feedback-driven approach ensures that retraining operations are performed only when actually needed, improving reliability while minimizing unnecessary operation time increases.
Solution Approach 2:
By transmitting status data during the latency period, the system performs preliminary assessment of whether retraining is needed before the main data transmission. This allows the memory controller to prepare and execute retraining operations in advance if necessary, ensuring reliable subsequent operations without adding significant overhead to the overall process time.
Data Source
AI summary
A memory device includes a memory cell array configured to store data; and a data output circuit configured to transmit status data to an external device through at least one data line in a latency period in response to a read enable signal received from the external device and transmit the data read from the memory cell array to the external device through the at least one data line in a period subsequent to the latency period.