Pad Input Circuit Logic Control for Deep Power-Down Current Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pad input signal processing circuits for semiconductor memory experience unnecessary current consumption when entering deep power down mode by a pad, and require fuse cutting, which complicates stock management and customer response.
Innovation Solution
A pad input signal processing circuit that includes a control unit to set the pad output terminal to a logic level based on a power up signal, and a signal output unit to output command signals, avoiding fuse cutting by using a current sink unit and logic elements to manage NMOS and PMOS transistors, thus preventing unnecessary current consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fuse cutting is used to enable pad-based deep power down mode entry, then the deep power down mode can be entered by pad, but unnecessary current consumption occurs through fuse and NMOS transistors when pad input terminal is at logic high level
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit sets the pad output terminal to logic low level before the deep power down mode entry signal is activated. This preliminary action ensures that when the pad input terminal receives a logic high level signal, the pad output terminal is already in the correct state to prevent current consumption through the fuse and NMOS transistors, eliminating the need for fuse cutting.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of allowing the pad output terminal to follow the pad input terminal state (which would cause current consumption), the control unit inverts the logic by actively setting the pad output terminal to logic low level regardless of the input state. This inversion prevents the harmful current path while maintaining the desired deep power down mode entry functionality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fuse cutting is required for pad-based deep power down mode entry, then deep power down mode can be entered by pad, but stock management becomes difficult and customer response time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and removes the fuse component from the deep power down mode entry mechanism. By replacing the fuse-cutting-based selection with a control unit that dynamically manages the pad output terminal state, the patent eliminates the need for post-manufacturing fuse cutting operations, enabling standard production processes and immediate customer response.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit performs preliminary configuration of the pad output terminal state during normal operation, eliminating the need for post-manufacturing fuse cutting. This allows all memory devices to be produced in standard configurations without requiring subsequent customization, thereby improving stock management and customer response time.
3Device complexity
If pad output terminal is not controlled during power up, then circuit operation is simple, but unnecessary current consumption occurs when entering deep power down mode by pad
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit is activated during power up to set the pad output terminal to logic low level before any deep power down mode entry signal is processed. This preliminary action prevents subsequent current consumption issues while adding minimal complexity to the circuit operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit acts as an intermediary between the pad input terminal and the pad output terminal. It receives the power up signal and the deep power down mode entry signal, and mediates the pad output terminal state to prevent current consumption, adding controlled complexity only where necessary.
Data Source
AI summary
A pad input signal processing circuit includes a control unit for setting a level of a pad output terminal to which a first control signal is input in response to a power up signal, and a signal output unit for outputting a command signal in response to a signal of the pad output terminal and a second control signal.