PAM3 pDBI Logic Circuit Without Separate DBI Lanes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing data bus inversion (DBI) encoding methods using the PAM3 signaling method are limited by the need for dummy data transmission, leading to increased power consumption and area usage due to separate DBI input/output lanes.

Innovation Solution

A partial-Data Bus Inversion (pDBI) logic circuit that embeds DBI encoding data within sequence data using the PAM3 signaling method, eliminating the need for separate DBI input/output lanes by generating and embedding pDBIs instead of dummy data.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If DBI encoding is performed using separate DBI input/output lanes with dummy data, then data transmission reliability is improved, but power consumption and device area increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transmission reliabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the DBI encoding function into the existing data transmission path by embedding pDBI information within the sequence data itself. The pDBI logic circuit processes sequence data to generate embedded pDBI values that are transmitted alongside actual data bits through the same PAM3 signaling channels, eliminating the need for separate DBI input/output lanes while maintaining encoding reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The sequence data serves multiple functions simultaneously: it carries actual data information and embeds pDBI encoding information within the same transmission stream. The PAM3 signaling method is used universally for both data and pDBI transmission, allowing the same physical channels to perform multiple functions without requiring dedicated separate lanes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If separate DBI input/output lanes are provided for DBI encoding, then encoding functionality is improved, but device area increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveencoding functionalityVSAvoiddevice area

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the DBI encoding functionality with the existing data transmission infrastructure. The pDBI logic circuit integrates encoding operations within the data path, and the same PAM3 signaling channels used for data transmission also carry embedded pDBI information, eliminating the need for additional dedicated lanes and reducing device area

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The pDBI encoding information is nested within the sequence data transmission stream. The embedded pDBI values are incorporated into the same data path as the actual data bits, with the sequence data acting as a container that holds both functional information types without requiring separate physical lanes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Reliability

If dummy data is transmitted alongside sequence data, then transmission protocol compliance is improved, but pin efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransmission protocol complianceVSAvoidpin efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the previously wasted dummy data transmissions into useful pDBI encoding information carriers. Instead of transmitting meaningless dummy values that consumed pin resources, the system now embeds functional pDBI encoding data within the sequence structure, turning the placeholder requirement into a beneficial encoding mechanism that improves both protocol compliance and pin efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Data Source

PatentUS20260105020A1pDBI Logic Circuit, Semiconductor Device Including the Same, and pDBI Encoding Method using the Same

Publication Date: 2026.04.16 KWANGWOON UNIVERSITY INDUSTRY ACADEMIC COLLABORATION FOUNDATION

AI summary

A pDBI encoding method comprising: generating sequence data; grouping the sequence data according to a predetermined burst length; generating process sequence data and pDBI (partial-Data Bus Inversion) based on the grouped sequence data; and generating PAM3 (3-level pulse amplitude modulation) output data based on the process sequence data and the pDBI.