ODT Control Pipeline Switching Across Wide Memory Clock Ranges
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional semiconductor devices face challenges in securing a time margin for higher-speed operations due to latency issues and impedance mismatching, which become more pronounced as operating frequency increases, making it difficult to transmit commands effectively across a wider frequency range.
Innovation Solution
The semiconductor device employs an on-die termination (ODT) control circuit with a pipeline structure that changes in response to the frequency of the clock signal, utilizing a clock buffer, delay-locked loop, and control block, including a frequency detection circuit and logical operators to generate a pipe line control signal, thereby ensuring consistent latency across varying frequencies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the operating frequency is increased to achieve higher-speed operation, then the processing speed is improved, but the time margin for command execution is reduced and latency issues become more pronounced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the pipeline structure adjustable based on operating frequency. The control block dynamically selects between different pipeline configurations (first pipeline for lower frequencies, second pipeline for higher frequencies) to optimize performance across the frequency spectrum, resolving the contradiction between speed and time margin
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the latency parameter of the ODT control circuit based on frequency. By detecting the operating frequency and selecting appropriate pipeline structures with different latency characteristics, the system maintains consistent effective latency across varying frequencies, thereby preserving time margin even at higher operating speeds
2Device complexity
If a fixed pipeline structure is used in the ODT control circuit, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability deteriorates due to latency specification violations at higher frequencies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic adaptability to the pipeline structure through frequency detection and conditional selection. The control block adjusts the pipeline configuration based on detected frequency ranges, ensuring reliability across different operating conditions without requiring a completely complex fixed structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal ODT control circuit that can operate reliably across a wide frequency range by incorporating multiple pipeline structures that can be selectively activated. This multi-functional approach allows the same circuit to serve different frequency requirements, improving reliability without proportionally increasing complexity
3Adaptability or versatility
If the pipeline structure is changed to accommodate higher frequencies, then the operating frequency range is expanded, but the device complexity increases due to multiple pipeline configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the frequency operating range into distinct bands (lower frequency range and higher frequency range), with each segment having an optimized pipeline structure. This segmentation allows the system to handle different frequency ranges with appropriate configurations, expanding adaptability while managing complexity through structured division
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary frequency detection and pipeline selection before the ODT control circuit operates. By detecting the frequency range in advance and pre-selecting the appropriate pipeline structure, the system prepares the optimal configuration ahead of time, enabling wide frequency adaptability without requiring complex real-time adjustments
Data Source
AI summary
A semiconductor device according to example embodiments that may include an on-die termination (ODT) control circuit having a pipe line structure which changes in response to a frequency of a clock signal and a termination resistance generator for generating termination resistance in response to a termination resistance control signal.