Reference Voltage Generator Units for Termination Mismatch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional reference voltage generators in semiconductor systems do not accurately account for variations in ground and power supply voltages between transmitter and receiver units, leading to signal mismatch and degradation in signal integrity.
Innovation Solution
A system with multiple reference voltage generator units connected to a common voltage, each receiving unique termination voltages from adjacent termination circuits, generating reference voltages based on an average of low and high signals, using resistors to distribute termination and common voltages, thereby improving signal accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a conventional reference voltage generator uses a single reference voltage based on ground and power supply voltages, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision of signal levels deteriorates due to voltage variations between transmitter and receiver
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single reference voltage into multiple reference voltages (first reference voltage and second reference voltage), each corresponding to different signal levels. This segmentation allows the receiver to accurately detect both high and low signal levels despite voltage variations between transmitter and receiver, resolving the contradiction between simple structure and precise measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of reference voltage from a single fixed value to multiple variable values that adapt to different signal conditions. By generating multiple reference voltages based on the received signal characteristics, the system maintains measurement precision while managing device complexity through intelligent voltage adaptation.
2Reliability
If termination resistors are added to improve signal integrity, then signal reflection is reduced, but the device complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the termination function with the reference voltage generation function by using the same termination resistor network to both terminate the transmission line and generate reference voltages. This merging eliminates the need for separate termination circuits while maintaining signal integrity, thus improving reliability without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The termination resistor network serves multiple functions: it provides impedance matching to reduce signal reflection, generates the first reference voltage from the high signal level, and enables the generation of the second reference voltage. This multi-functionality approach improves signal integrity while minimizing additional device complexity by making existing components serve multiple purposes.
3Measurement precision
If multiple reference voltage generator units are used to account for voltage variations, then the measurement precision of signal levels improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the reference voltage generation into multiple units, each responsible for generating a specific reference voltage based on different signal levels. This segmentation improves measurement precision by providing accurate reference voltages for both high and low signal states, while the modular structure allows for manageable device complexity through functional division.
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 reduces data error rates and enhances the performance of semiconductor device systems by providing more accurate reference voltages, minimizing signal mismatch and improving signal integrity.
Implementation Method 1
using resistors to distribute termination and common voltages
Data Source
AI summary
A system including a plurality of transmission lines, a transmitter outputting respective signals to each of the plurality of transmission lines, a receiver receiving each of the plurality of signals via respective transmission lines, the receiver including a connection path connected to a termination voltage, a plurality of termination circuits distributed along the connection path, each termination circuit receiving a unique termination voltage from the connection path, receiving a respective signal and outputting a terminated input signal, a reference voltage generator including multiple reference voltage generator units connected to a common voltage, each reference voltage generator unit uniquely receiving at least one unique termination voltage and outputting a reference voltage, and a plurality of data input buffers receiving respective signals and an appropriate reference voltage of the multiple reference voltages output from the reference voltage generator.