Pipe Latch Control for Latency Error Detection in Memory Training
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional semiconductor memory devices experience abnormal pipe input/output control signals during data training due to misalignment of data strobe and clock signals, leading to unstable operations and potential data errors.
Innovation Solution
A semiconductor device with a pipe latch, a pipe latch control unit, an error detection unit, and an activation control unit that generates and resets pipe input/output control signals based on command signals, latency information, and a pipe reset signal to ensure sequential activation and prevent latency errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If data training is performed by comparing phases of data strobe signal and clock signal, then timing alignment is achieved, but pipe input/output control signals become fail when data strobe signal is not inputted in response to CAS write latency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing data training before normal write operations to pre-align the phases of data strobe signal and clock signal. The training mode allows the system to establish proper timing relationships in advance, so that when normal operations resume, the pipe control signals function correctly without failure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by monitoring whether data strobe signals are properly inputted in response to CAS write latency during training. When latency errors are detected (pipe control signals becoming fail), the system provides feedback to adjust the timing alignment, ensuring that subsequent operations use correctly synchronized signals.
2Ease of operation
If pipe latch operates with sequentially activated control signals, then data latching function is achieved, but abnormal operations occur when control signals are not properly synchronized
Solution Approach 1:
The error detection unit continuously monitors the synchronization status of pipe input/output control signals and provides feedback when latency errors are detected. This feedback mechanism ensures that the pipe latch only operates with properly synchronized control signals, preventing abnormal operations while maintaining the sequential activation required for data latching.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary phase alignment through data training before enabling normal pipe latch operations. This preliminary action ensures that the control signals are properly synchronized in advance, allowing the pipe latch to function reliably without requiring complex real-time synchronization checks during data latching operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A semiconductor device includes a pipe latch suitable for sequentially latching data in response to a pipe input control signal and sequentially outputting data in response to a pipe output control signal, a pipe latch control unit suitable for generating the pipe input/output control signals in response to a command signal and latency information, and resetting the pipe input/output control signals in response to a pipe reset signal, and an error detection unit suitable for receiving the pipe input control signal and the pipe output control signal, detecting a latency error, and generating the pipe reset signal.