Nonvolatile Memory I/O Circuit for Matched and Unmatched Protocols
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Solution Overview
Problem
As the input/output speed of flash memory devices increases, there is a need for an input/output circuit that can align data signals and strobe signals while maintaining compatibility with both legacy and high-speed protocols, which existing unmatched input/output circuits fail to address.
Innovation Solution
A nonvolatile memory device with a variable sampler, selection circuit, converter, and path controller that can set the alignment of data and strobe signals to either a matched or unmatched mode, allowing for training operations to align signals for high-speed operation and compatibility with various host controllers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If an unmatched input/output circuit is used for high-speed operation, then input/output speed is improved, but compatibility with legacy protocols deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The input/output circuit dynamically switches between matched and unmatched modes based on the protocol being used. The circuit configuration is not fixed but can be reconfigured in real-time to match the requirements of different protocols, allowing high-speed operation with modern protocols while maintaining compatibility with legacy systems
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit changes its electrical parameters (such as impedance matching, signal timing, and delay characteristics) depending on the operating mode. By adjusting these parameters between matched and unmatched configurations, the circuit can optimize performance for high-speed protocols while maintaining compatibility with older protocols that require different parameter settings
2Adaptability or versatility
If a matched input/output circuit is used for legacy compatibility, then adaptability to different protocols is improved, but input/output speed deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit transitions from a static matched configuration to a dynamic system that can switch between matched and unmatched modes. This allows the circuit to use matched mode when communicating with legacy devices and switch to unmatched mode for high-speed operations, eliminating the speed limitation of permanently matched circuits
3Measurement precision
If signal alignment is performed through training operation, then signal alignment precision is improved, but initialization time is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit performs preliminary configuration by pre-setting the unmatched mode and establishing signal paths before actual data transfer begins. The training operation is streamlined to only perform essential alignment tasks, and the circuit is pre-configured to minimize the time required for signal synchronization while still achieving precise alignment
Data Source
AI summary
A nonvolatile memory device may include a variable sampler configured to process a data signal in an amplifier mode or a sampler mode in response to a control signal, a selection circuit configured to transmit the data signal output from the variable sampler to a flip-flop via a delay unit or to the flip-flop via a path that bypasses the delay unit in response to the control signal, a converter configured to amplify a data strobe signal, a clock distribution network configured to transmit the data strobe signal amplified by the converter to the variable sampler or delay the amplified data strobe signal for a predetermined time and transmit the amplified data strobe signal to the flip-flop in response to the control signal, and a path controller configured to generate the control signal according to an input/output mode.