On-Die Resistor Calibration Using External Reference Comparison
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Solution Overview
Problem
The calibration of on-die resistors integrated into system on chip (SoC) faces limitations due to low accuracy, as it relies on external calibration methods.
Innovation Solution
A semiconductor device with an on-die resistor circuit, a calibration circuit, and a calibration control circuit that performs calibration by generating a calibration current and comparing it with an external resistor to accurately set and store the resistance value of the on-die resistor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If external calibration means are used to calibrate the on-die resistor, then the calibration can be performed, but the accuracy of calibration is not high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the calibration circuit with the on-die resistor into a single integrated structure. The calibration circuit includes a calibration current source, a first converter that converts the voltage across the on-die resistor to a digital value, and a second converter that converts the voltage across a reference resistor to a digital value. By integrating these components on the same die, the system achieves high-accuracy calibration without requiring complex external calibration equipment, thus resolving the contradiction between calibration accuracy and device complexity.
2Manufacturing precision
If the resistance value of the on-die resistor is adjusted through external calibration, then the impedance matching can be improved, but the calibration accuracy is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration system performs self-calibration by comparing the digital values obtained from the on-die resistor and the reference resistor. The controller automatically adjusts the on-die resistor value based on this comparison without requiring external calibration equipment or manual intervention. This self-service approach achieves high manufacturing precision while maintaining ease of manufacture, as the calibration process is automated and integrated into the device itself.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution enhances the accuracy of on-die resistor calibration, allowing for precise resistance value adjustments within the semiconductor device, improving impedance matching and overall device performance.
Implementation Method 1
a current generating circuit configured to supply a calibration current to the on-die resistor and a comparing circuit configured to compare a first input voltage that is generated by the calibration current and the on-die resistor with a second input voltage that is generated by the calibration current and an external resistor
Implementation Method 2
a comparing circuit configured to compare the magnitude of a first input signal that is generated by the calibration current and the on-die resistor with a magnitude of a second input signal that is generated by the calibration current and an external resistor
Data Source
AI summary
A semiconductor device includes an on-die resistor circuit comprising an on-die resistor, a calibration circuit configured to perform a calibration operation on the on-die resistor, and a calibration control circuit configured to control the calibration operation of the calibration circuit. The calibration circuit includes a current generating circuit configured to supply a calibration current to the on-die resistor and a comparing circuit configured to compare the magnitude of a first input signal that is generated by the calibration current and the on-die resistor with a magnitude of a second input signal that is generated by the calibration current and an external resistor.