Output Driver Control Codes for Leakage Blocking at Power-Up
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional data output circuits experience leakage current issues from power-up to initialization due to undetermined control code values, leading to inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A data output circuit with a control code generation unit that produces initial, calibration, and blocking values for control codes, adjusting the calibration value during a calibration section and using these values to manage transistor pairs between an output pad and driving voltage nodes, effectively blocking current flow before initialization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the output driver is enabled before control code initialization, then the device can operate earlier, but leakage current occurs between the output pad and voltage nodes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by setting control codes to a predetermined blocking value before the initialization section, which prevents leakage current from occurring in the first place rather than correcting it afterward. This allows the output driver to be enabled early without suffering from leakage issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of control code values dynamically across different sections: using a blocking value before initialization to prevent leakage, initial values during initialization for basic functionality, and calibration values after initialization for optimized performance. This parameter transformation resolves the contradiction between early operation and leakage prevention.
2Loss of energy
If control codes are initialized immediately after power-up, then leakage current is reduced, but calibration time is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the operation into distinct sections with different control code values: a blocking section before initialization, an initialization section with initial values, and a calibration section with calibration values. This segmentation allows the system to minimize leakage during the blocking section while dedicating specific calibration time in the calibration section, thus resolving the contradiction between leakage reduction and calibration time.
3Loss of energy
If transistor pairs are kept inoperable before initialization, then leakage current is minimized, but the device cannot respond to data signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making different transistor pairs operate with different control code values simultaneously. The first transistor pair uses a blocking value to prevent leakage, while the second transistor pair can be configured with initial or calibration values to maintain data signal responsiveness. This localized differentiation resolves the contradiction between leakage minimization and operational responsiveness.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a data output circuit including: a control code generation unit suitable for generating a control code; and a driving unit suitable for driving an output pad with driving power determined by the control code in response to a data signal, wherein the control code generation unit generates an initial value of the control code in an initialization section, a calibration value of the control code in a calibration section, and a blocking value of the control code before the initialization section, wherein the calibration value is adjusted by a calibration operation in the calibration section, and wherein the driving unit is blocked by the blocking value.