Memory Timing Margin Measurement Using Internal Oscilloscope
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing memory sub-systems face challenges in accurately measuring the timing margin, especially as ONFI interface speeds increase, leading to reduced error-free operation due to conservative assumptions and the complexity of measuring each channel, resulting in only a few channels being measured inaccurately.
Innovation Solution
Utilizing an internal oscilloscope within the memory sub-system controller or device to measure the timing margin by sending randomized data through delay tap elements, identifying valid output, and determining the timing window, thereby reducing excessive timing margins based on component assumptions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If external measurement methods are used to measure timing margin, then measurement coverage can be extended, but measurement precision deteriorates due to conservative assumptions and interface speed increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an internal oscilloscope as an intermediary measurement device within the memory sub-system controller. This internal oscilloscope directly measures the timing margin of the memory device through its own measurement resources, avoiding the conservative assumptions and precision limitations of external measurement methods. The internal oscilloscope serves as a mediator that enables accurate measurement without requiring external equipment.
2Measurement precision
If each channel is measured individually using traditional methods, then measurement accuracy can be maintained, but device complexity and measurement time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The internal oscilloscope is designed as a universal measurement device that can measure multiple channels simultaneously. Rather than requiring separate measurement systems for each channel, the single internal oscilloscope resource can be allocated to measure different channels in sequence or concurrently, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining measurement accuracy for each channel.
3Reliability
If conservative timing margin assumptions are used, then error-free operation is ensured, but productivity decreases due to reduced interface speeds
Solution Approach 1:
The internal oscilloscope provides real-time feedback on the actual timing margin of the memory device. This feedback mechanism allows the system to determine the true timing margin without relying on conservative assumptions, enabling the interface to operate at optimal speeds while maintaining error-free operation. The feedback loop continuously monitors timing margin and adjusts operation accordingly.
Data Source
AI summary
A known randomized data pattern at a predetermined reference voltage of the internal oscilloscope is inputted to an internal oscilloscope of the receiving device for each delay tap element of a plurality of consecutive delay tap elements applied to a system clock of a receiving device. A first delay tap element among the plurality of consecutive delay tap elements in which an output of the internal oscilloscope matches the known randomized data pattern is identified. Responsive to identifying the first delay tap element, a last delay tap element among the plurality of consecutive delay tap elements in which the output of the internal oscilloscope matches the known randomized data pattern is identified.