Output Buffer Impedance Correction for Multi-Buffer Activation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The impedance of output buffers in semiconductor devices varies due to manufacturing process conditions, temperature changes, and power supply voltage fluctuations, leading to deviations from set points when multiple unit buffers are activated, affecting data transfer accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A semiconductor device with an output circuit comprising multiple unit buffers, a controller circuit to selectively activate these buffers, and an impedance adjustment part that adjusts the impedance of each unit buffer based on the number of activated buffers, ensuring accurate impedance matching across different activation scenarios.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple unit buffers are activated to increase data transfer capability, then productivity is improved, but impedance accuracy deteriorates due to voltage drop variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic impedance adjustment by detecting the number of activated unit buffers and automatically adjusting the impedance of each buffer accordingly. The impedance adjustment circuit changes the impedance value in real-time based on the activation state, transforming a static impedance setting into a dynamic adaptive system that maintains accuracy regardless of how many buffers are active.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a feedback mechanism where the activation state of unit buffers is detected and used as input to control the impedance adjustment circuit. The circuit receives feedback about the number of active buffers and automatically adjusts impedance values to compensate for voltage drop variations, creating a closed-loop control system that maintains impedance accuracy.
2Manufacturing precision
If impedance is adjusted for each activation scenario to maintain accuracy, then impedance accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the impedance adjustment function into the existing output buffer structure by integrating an impedance adjustment circuit within each unit buffer. This allows multiple buffers to share common adjustment mechanisms and control logic, reducing overall system complexity compared to having separate adjustment circuits for each buffer.
Solution Approach 2:
The impedance adjustment circuit is designed with universal functionality that can adapt to any number of activated buffers. A single control mechanism can adjust impedance values for one or multiple buffers simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate adjustment circuits for each buffer and reducing overall device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A device includes an output circuit including a plurality of unit buffers, each of the unit buffers having an adjustable impedance; a controller circuit operable to selectively activate at least one of the unit buffers; and an impedance adjustment part operable to adjust the impedance of each of the unit buffers in response to a change of the number of the unit buffers that are selectively activated by the controller circuit.