Memory Controller Terminal Layout for Low-Skew Multi-Channel I/O
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Solution Overview
Problem
Memory systems experience signal skew and interference between signals during data input/output operations, which can increase implementation costs.
Innovation Solution
The memory system and controller are designed with adjacent data input/output terminals for different channels, ensuring that package terminals corresponding to specific bits of each channel are also adjacent, thereby preventing signal skew and interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If data input/output terminals for different channels are arranged non-adjacently, then signal interference is reduced, but signal skew increases and implementation cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the data input/output terminals into different groups corresponding to different channels (first data input/output terminal group for first channel, second data input/output terminal group for second channel). By segmenting terminals into channel-specific groups and arranging corresponding bits adjacently within each group, the patent simultaneously reduces signal interference through proper grouping and minimizes signal skew through adjacent positioning of corresponding bits.
2Reliability
If data input/output terminals for different channels are arranged adjacently, then signal skew is reduced, but signal interference increases and implementation cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making specific portions of the terminal arrangement have different properties: terminals corresponding to the same bit position across different channels are arranged adjacently (for skew reduction), while terminals for different channels are organized into distinct groups (for interference reduction). This localized differentiation in arrangement strategy resolves the contradiction between reducing skew and preventing interference.
3Reliability
If complex terminal arrangement strategies are used to prevent signal skew and interference, then signal quality improves, but implementation cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a systematic copying approach where the arrangement pattern for data terminals is replicated across different channels with consistent indexing. Each channel's terminals are arranged following the same pattern (K terminals per group, corresponding bits adjacent), which simplifies manufacturing by providing a repeatable, standardized arrangement strategy rather than requiring complex custom layouts for each channel.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a memory system and a memory controller, in which data input/output terminals in different data input/output terminal groups corresponding to different channels may be arranged adjacent to each other, thereby preventing skew of a signal occurring during data input/output operations and interference between different signals and reducing the cost required for implementing the memory system.