Multi-Channel Calibration Circuit for Precise Output Impedance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Semiconductor devices with multiple channels face challenges in accurately controlling impedance in data output circuits due to process variations and temperature changes, leading to inefficiencies in calibration.
Innovation Solution
A calibration circuit is implemented to generate and adjust calibration codes for each channel independently, using a shared calibration terminal and relay circuits to minimize current consumption by transferring adjustment codes after calibration, ensuring accurate impedance control across channels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a calibration circuit is provided for each channel independently, then impedance control precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple calibration circuits into a single shared calibration circuit that serves multiple channels. The calibration circuit is controlled by calibration control signals from different channels, allowing it to sequentially perform calibration for each channel. This merging approach maintains impedance control precision while reducing device complexity by eliminating redundant calibration circuit components across channels.
Solution Approach 2:
The shared calibration circuit is designed to perform multiple functions by serving different channels sequentially. It responds to calibration control signals from any channel and performs impedance calibration for the requesting channel. This multi-functionality allows one calibration circuit to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate calibration circuits, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining precision.
2Measurement precision
If calibration is performed for each channel separately, then impedance accuracy is improved, but calibration time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration circuit operates periodically, performing calibration for different channels in sequential time slots. When a calibration control signal is received from any channel, the calibration circuit executes calibration for that specific channel. This periodic, sequential operation ensures each channel receives accurate calibration while avoiding simultaneous calibration conflicts, thereby optimizing the balance between calibration accuracy and total calibration time.
3Reliability
If multiple calibration circuits are provided, then calibration reliability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple calibration circuits into a single shared calibration circuit that is activated only when calibration is needed. The calibration circuit remains in a low-power state and is activated by calibration control signals from any channel. This approach maintains calibration reliability by ensuring a functional calibration circuit is available to all channels while significantly reducing power consumption compared to having multiple continuously active calibration circuits.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a first channel, a second channel and a calibration circuit. The first channel includes a first command control circuit. The second channel includes a second command control circuit independent of the first command control circuit. The calibration circuit is shared by the first channel and the second channel to generate a calibration code responsive to a calibration command generated responsive to a first calibration command from the first command control circuit and a second calibration command from the second command control circuit.