Pipe Latch Clocking Using Address Signals to Reduce Data Skew
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional semiconductor memory devices face issues with data skew and reduced valid data windows due to the high operation frequency, leading to inaccurate data output, primarily caused by the complexity of control signals synchronized with synchronization clock signals in pipe latch circuits.
Innovation Solution
A pipe latch circuit design that minimizes the number of control signals synchronized with the synchronization clock signal by generating first and second control clock signals using address information, allowing for sequential data output in a predetermined order, thereby reducing data skew and maximizing the valid data window.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If multiple control signals synchronized with the synchronization clock signal are used in the pipe latch circuit, then the data can be output in a predetermined order, but data skew increases and the valid data window decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the clock signal generation function from the complex control signal synchronization system. Instead of using multiple control signals synchronized with the synchronization clock, the invention generates separate first and second clock signals from the address information, thereby removing the source of data skew while maintaining ordered data output capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the single synchronization clock signal into multiple independent clock signals (first clock signal and second clock signal) generated separately based on address information. This segmentation allows each data output to have its own timing reference, eliminating the skew caused by shared synchronization while preserving the predetermined output order
2Productivity
If the operation frequency is increased to achieve high speed data processing, then productivity improves, but data skew increases and valid data window decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic clock signal generation where the first and second clock signals are generated in real-time based on the address information. This dynamic approach allows the system to adapt to different data output requirements at high frequencies without the static timing constraints that cause skew, enabling both high productivity and reliable data output
3Ease of operation
If complex control signals synchronized with the synchronization clock are used, then data can be latched and output in order, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the address information to serve dual purposes: it not only identifies the data to be output but also directly generates the timing clock signals. This self-service approach eliminates the need for separate complex control signal generation and synchronization circuits, reducing device complexity while maintaining ordered data output capability
Data Source
AI summary
A pipe latch circuit includes a pipe input unit configured to receive a plurality of data in an order corresponding to address information, a control signal generator configured to generate first and second control clock signals by using the address information, where the first and second control clock signals correspond to a synchronization clock signal, and a pipe output unit configured to synchronize an output signal of the pipe input unit with the first and second control clock signals and output the synchronized output signal.