Mode Register Page Access for Faster Multi-Read/Write Operations
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Solution Overview
Problem
As the number of mode registers in semiconductor memory devices increases, the requirement for full command data in read and write operations leads to slower mode register access times.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a mode register page access (MRPA) mode that allows for multiple read or write operations to be performed on the same page without requiring full command data for each operation, using specific command sequences and control signals to enter and exit this mode.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If full command data is transmitted for each mode register read/write operation, then operation completeness is ensured, but access speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by establishing a mode register page access mode where the page address is pre-loaded into the mode register. Once in this mode, subsequent read/write operations within the same page do not need to re-transmit the full page address, only the row address is required. This preliminary setup of the page address eliminates redundant data transmission for subsequent operations, resolving the contradiction between command data requirements and access speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the mode register access into two parts: the initial full command to enter the page access mode (transmitting both page address and row address), and subsequent simplified commands within that mode (transmitting only row address). This segmentation allows the system to optimize for speed during repeated access to the same page while maintaining completeness for the initial setup, resolving the contradiction between data completeness and transmission speed.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple mode registers are supported, then functionality is enhanced, but command data requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by creating a mode register page access mode that works for multiple mode registers within the same page. Once the page access mode is entered for a particular mode register, the same simplified command structure can be used to access other mode registers within that page without requiring full command data transmission for each. This multi-functional approach maintains the ability to access multiple mode registers while reducing the time cost of repeated access operations.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments disclosed herein provide techniques for entering, remaining, and exiting a mode register page access (MRPA) mode in a semiconductor device (e.g., a memory device). A command is used to cause the memory device to enter the MRPA mode when accessing the mode register, and a subsequent command is used to cause the memory device to remain in the MRPA mode for continued access to the mode register. While in the MRPA mode, subsequent commands enable the memory device to be accessed using a mode register address for a read command, or a mode register address and an operation code (OP code) for a write command.