Pseudo-Differential Receiver Circuit With Voltage-Adaptive Delay Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing semiconductor apparatuses face challenges in high-speed data communication due to variations in reference voltage levels, which affect the setup and hold margins of data alignment, particularly in receiver circuits using pseudo-differential structures.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a receiver circuit with multiple receivers and delay circuits that differentially amplify input signals and reference voltages, utilizing variable delays based on voltage level differences to align output signals, ensuring consistent timing regardless of reference voltage fluctuations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a pseudo-differential receiver structure is used to receive data through a serial bus, then data communication capability is achieved, but setup and hold margins deteriorate due to variations in reference voltage levels

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata communication reliabilityVSAvoidtiming alignment precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The delay amount in the delay circuit is dynamically adjusted based on the detected voltage level of the reference voltage signal. When the reference voltage level varies, the delay circuit automatically modifies its delay characteristic to compensate, ensuring that the first and second output signals remain substantially aligned in time. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by making the timing alignment precision dependent on real-time voltage conditions rather than fixed design parameters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention implements a feedback mechanism where the voltage level of the reference voltage signal is detected and used to control the delay circuit's operation. The delay circuit receives feedback about the reference voltage level and adjusts its delay amount accordingly, creating a closed-loop system that maintains timing alignment despite voltage variations. This feedback approach directly addresses the contradiction by using information about voltage variations to correct timing misalignment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Manufacturing precision

If multiple receivers and delay circuits are added to compensate for voltage variations, then timing alignment is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal alignment precisionVSAvoidreceiver circuit complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The delay circuit is designed to perform multiple functions: it delays the first output signal, detects the voltage level of the reference voltage signal, and automatically adjusts its delay amount based on detected voltage variations. By integrating these functions into a single multi-functional component, the invention achieves improved signal alignment without proportionally increasing device complexity. The delay circuit essentially does the work of multiple separate components through its multi-functional design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The delay circuit is self-adjusting based on the voltage level of the reference voltage signal. It automatically detects voltage variations and modifies its own delay characteristic without requiring external control circuits or additional adjustment mechanisms. This self-service capability reduces the need for additional complexity in the overall receiver structure while maintaining precise timing alignment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach enhances setup and hold margins, ensuring reliable data alignment and synchronization across varying reference voltage levels, thereby improving the efficiency and accuracy of high-speed data communication.

Implementation Method 1

The first receiver may be configured to generate, based on a clock signal, a first output signal by differentially amplifying an input signal and a reference voltage. The second receiver may be configured to generate, based on a complementary clock signal, a second output signal by differentially amplifying the input signal and the reference voltage.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDifferential amplification:

Data Source

PatentUS12609683B2Receiver circuit, and semiconductor apparatus and semiconductor system using the same
Publication Date: 2026.04.21 SK HYNIX INC
  • US12609683B2 patent drawing
  • US12609683B2 patent drawing
  • US12609683B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A receiver circuit is configured to generate, based on a clock signal, a first output signal by differentially amplifying an input signal and a reference voltage and to generate, based on a complementary clock signal, a second output signal by differentially amplifying the input signal and the reference voltage. The receiver circuit is configured to generate a first delay output signal and a second delay output signal by delaying the first output signal and the second output signal. The receiver circuit is configured to variably delay the first output signal based on the first output signal and the reference voltage and to variably delay the second output signal based on the second output signal and the reference voltage.