Multi-level Receiver with Termination-off Mode for Power and Throughput Trade-offs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current memory systems face challenges in efficiently managing power consumption and data throughput due to the need for active termination in multi-level signaling, which increases power usage and complexity, while binary-level signaling lacks the high throughput required for high-speed operations.
Innovation Solution
A multi-level receiver system with a termination-off mode that partitions receivers for different signaling types, allowing for dynamic switching between high-throughput multi-level signaling and low-power binary-level signaling, enabling efficient data reception and reduced power consumption by avoiding termination currents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If active termination is used in multi-level signaling, then data throughput is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The receiver is designed to dynamically switch between termination-on and termination-off modes based on the detected signaling type. The system adapts its termination state in real-time, enabling high throughput when multi-level signaling is detected and reducing power consumption when binary signaling is used, thus resolving the contradiction between throughput and power usage
2Productivity
If active termination is used in multi-level signaling, then data throughput is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The receiver is designed as a universal multi-functional device that can handle both multi-level and binary signaling types within a single architecture. By integrating both termination-on and termination-off capabilities in one receiver, the system eliminates the need for separate dedicated receivers, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining high throughput capability
3Use of energy by moving object
If binary-level signaling is used, then power consumption is reduced, but data throughput decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the termination parameter dynamically based on the signaling type being used. When binary-level signaling is detected, the receiver switches to termination-off mode, optimizing power consumption. When multi-level signaling is detected, it switches to termination-on mode, maximizing data throughput. This parameter adaptation allows the system to achieve both low power consumption and high throughput at different operational states
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and devices for multi-level receivers with various operating modes (e.g., on-die termination mode, termination-off mode, etc.) are described. Different modes may be utilized for receiving different types of signaling over a channel. Each mode may correspond to the use of a respective set of receivers configured for the different types of signaling. For example, a device may include a first set of receivers used to receive a first type of signal (e.g., with the channel being actively terminated) and a second set of receivers used to receive a second type of signal (e.g., with the channel being non-terminated). When communicating with another device, based on the type of signaling used for communications, either the first set of receivers or the second set of receivers may be enabled (e.g., through selecting a receiver path for the corresponding mode).