Multiphase Clock Circuit for Semiconductor Memory Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Faster clock signals in semiconductor memories pose challenges for performing memory operations with correct timing, leading to increased power consumption and reduced performance.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a multiphase clock circuit and read command path that uses internal clock signals to provide control signals for read and write operations, allowing for reduced initial clock cycles and adjusted timing to satisfy read latency information, thereby reducing power consumption and allowing time for clock circuit adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If faster clock signals are used to clock the memories, then memory access speed is improved, but power consumption increases and timing accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the clock signal generation into multiple phases (first through fourth phases) with different frequencies. The multiphase clock circuit generates clock signals at different frequencies for different operational stages, allowing fast clocking during critical path operations while using slower clocking for less time-sensitive operations, thereby reducing overall power consumption while maintaining high-speed access when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic clock frequency adjustment where the clock signal frequency changes based on operational requirements. The multiphase clock circuit provides different clock frequencies (e.g., higher frequency for read commands, lower frequency for standby or less critical operations), allowing the system to adapt clock speed to actual needs and reduce power consumption during low-performance periods.
2Speed
If faster clock signals are used to clock the memories, then memory access speed is improved, but timing accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the clocking system into multiple phases with distinct frequency domains. Critical timing operations (such as read command processing) use higher frequency clock phases, while less time-sensitive operations use lower frequency phases. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high speed where needed while maintaining timing accuracy in other operational domains.
Solution Approach 2:
The multiphase clock circuit acts as an intermediary between the external data clock and internal memory operations. It generates intermediate clock signals with appropriate frequencies and phases for different operational stages, ensuring that timing requirements are met for high-speed operations while providing buffered, stable clocking for other functions.
3Manufacturing precision
If more initial clock cycles are required, then timing accuracy is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic clock cycle adjustment where the number of clock cycles required for operations is reduced through optimized phase alignment. The multiphase clock circuit is designed to provide properly phased clock signals that reduce the number of cycles needed for stabilization and timing setup, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining timing accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary phase alignment and clock signal preparation through the multiphase clock circuit before actual memory operations begin. The clock circuit pre-establishes proper phase relationships and frequency domains, so that when operations start, fewer additional clock cycles are needed for timing setup, reducing overall power consumption while maintaining accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
In an example apparatus, a command path receives read commands and provides respective control signals for each read command. The command path is configured to provide initial control signals for an initial read command responsive to a first clock edge of a clock signal of a plurality of multiphase clock signals and to further provide respective control signals for subsequent read commands responsive to receipt of the subsequent read commands. The example apparatus further includes a read data output circuit configured to receive the control signals from the command path and further receive read data in parallel. The read data output circuit is configured to provide the read data serially responsive to the control signals.