Configurable Memory Termination Circuitry for Lower Parasitic Capacitance

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional memory sub-systems face performance degradation due to separate transmit mode and receive mode termination circuitry, which increases parasitic capacitance and occupies more space, limiting the addition of other components.

Innovation Solution

A configurable termination circuitry that combines both modes into a single circuit, reducing parasitic capacitance and space usage, allowing for increased functionality and performance by integrating additional components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate transmit mode and receive mode termination circuitry are used, then signal termination is achieved, but parasitic capacitance increases and space is occupied

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal terminationVSAvoidparasitic capacitance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines separate transmit mode termination circuitry and receive mode termination circuitry into a single configurable termination circuit. This circuit can be configured to operate in either transmit mode or receive mode through control signals, thereby reducing the total component count, decreasing parasitic capacitance, and freeing up space in the memory sub-system while maintaining effective signal termination in both modes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If separate transmit mode and receive mode termination circuitry are used, then signal termination is achieved, but space is occupied limiting additional components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal terminationVSAvoidcircuit space

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines separate transmit mode termination circuitry and receive mode termination circuitry into a single configurable termination circuit. This circuit can be configured to operate in either transmit mode or receive mode through control signals, thereby reducing the total component count, decreasing parasitic capacitance, and freeing up space in the memory sub-system while maintaining effective signal termination in both modes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The configurable termination circuit is designed to perform multiple functions - it can operate as transmit mode termination circuitry or receive mode termination circuitry depending on the configuration control signals. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated circuits for each mode, reducing overall space requirements and enabling additional components to be added to the memory sub-system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If separate transmit mode and receive mode termination circuitry are used, then termination coverage is complete, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetermination coverageVSAvoidcircuit structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines separate transmit mode termination circuitry and receive mode termination circuitry into a single configurable termination circuit. This circuit can be configured to operate in either transmit mode or receive mode through control signals, thereby reducing the total component count, decreasing parasitic capacitance, and freeing up space in the memory sub-system while maintaining effective signal termination in both modes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The termination circuit incorporates dynamic configuration capability through control signals that can switch the circuit between transmit mode and receive mode operation. This dynamic reconfigurability allows a single circuit to adapt its function based on operational requirements, reducing static complexity while maintaining complete termination coverage across different operating modes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11256636B2Configurable termination circuitry

Publication Date: 2022.02.22 MICRON TECHNOLOGY INC

AI summary

A resistance of configurable termination circuitry located at an interface between a memory component and a processing device is adjusted. The configurable termination circuitry includes a plurality of transistors, a plurality of switches coupled to the plurality of transistors, and a plurality of resistors coupled to the plurality of switches. The resistance of the configurable termination circuitry is adjusted based on a mode of the configurable termination circuitry.