Nonvolatile Memory Interface Circuit Off-Chip Variation Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing nonvolatile memory interface circuits struggle to compensate for off-chip variations in real time, leading to decreased valid window margins and compromised signal integrity, especially under conditions of voltage and temperature variations.
Innovation Solution
The proposed nonvolatile memory interface circuit includes a main path circuit, first and second capture path circuits, and off-chip compensation logic. This configuration allows for the capture of data signals using delayed data strobe signals, generation of sampling data strobe signals, and real-time compensation for off-chip variations by adjusting offset information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If real-time off-chip variation compensation is implemented, then signal integrity is maintained, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The interface circuit is divided into multiple independent capture path circuits (first capture path circuit, second capture path circuit, etc.), each handling specific sampling operations. This segmentation allows the complex compensation function to be distributed across multiple simpler modular units, making the overall system more manageable and implementable
Solution Approach 2:
Sampling data strobe signals are introduced as intermediary signals to capture data at multiple different timing points. These sampling signals act as mediators between the main data path and the compensation logic, enabling the system to gather information about off-chip variations without directly interfering with the main data transmission path
2Measurement precision
If multiple capture path circuits are used for off-chip compensation, then compensation accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The compensation function is segmented into multiple capture path circuits that operate in parallel. Each capture path circuit uses delay lines to create sampling signals at different phases, allowing the system to measure off-chip variations from multiple perspectives and achieve more accurate compensation through aggregated data
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses multiple capture path circuits, which may seem excessive for basic compensation needs. However, this excessive action provides redundant measurement paths that improve compensation accuracy by capturing variations from multiple angles, allowing the system to select or combine the most accurate measurements
Data Source
AI summary
A storage device includes at least one nonvolatile memory device, and a controller configured to control the at least one nonvolatile memory device, wherein the controller includes a nonvolatile memory interface circuit configured to communicate with the at least one nonvolatile memory device through at least one channel, wherein the nonvolatile memory interface circuit includes a margin collector configured to collect margin information by comparing read data with sampling data, an on-chip margin search logic configured to track a valid window margin by adjusting an offset value based on the margin information, and a compensation calculator configured to determine off-chip variation corresponding to the offset value when the valid window margin is in a margin lock state.