Repeater Circuit on Semiconductor Main Data Lines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Semiconductor devices face challenges in reducing chip size while maintaining data transfer timing precision, as increasing prefetches or operation frequency narrows the timing margin, making it difficult to simultaneously minimize peripheral circuits and ensure high-precision timing design.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a semiconductor device with first and second memory cell arrays, main data lines, and repeater circuits that transfer data between these lines, allowing for reduced peripheral circuit size and facilitated timing design by optimizing data routing and amplification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the length of the main data line is designed to be short, then the timing design is facilitated and peripheral circuit size is reduced, but the number of required main amplifiers increases and routing length of read write bus increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the data transfer path into segments by introducing repeater circuits between memory cell arrays and main amplifiers. This segmentation allows the main data lines to be shorter (easier timing design) while the repeater circuits handle the amplification function that would otherwise require longer lines or additional main amplifiers.
Solution Approach 2:
The repeater circuit acts as an intermediary component between the memory cell array and the main amplifier. It receives data from the memory cell array on short main data lines and transfers it to the main amplifier, eliminating the need for long direct connections and reducing peripheral circuit complexity while maintaining timing ease.
2Device complexity
If the length of the main data line is designed to be long, then the size of peripheral circuits is reduced, but high-precision timing control of sub-amplifier becomes necessary
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the amplification function from the main data line path by placing repeater circuits at strategic locations. This allows the main data lines to be shorter and eliminates the need for long lines that would require high-precision timing control of sub-amplifiers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the functional parameters of the data transfer path by introducing repeater circuits that can dynamically control signal timing and amplitude. This allows the system to achieve both short line lengths (for ease of timing design) and sufficient signal strength without requiring high-precision timing control.
3Productivity
If the number of prefetches is increased or operation frequency is improved, then data transfer rate is enhanced, but timing margin in data transfer decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The repeater circuits incorporate feedback mechanisms to monitor and adjust signal timing and amplitude in real-time. This feedback allows the system to maintain adequate timing margins even at higher operation frequencies and prefetch counts, ensuring reliable data transfer while enhancing productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The repeater circuits perform preliminary signal conditioning and timing adjustment before data reaches the main amplifier. This preliminary action ensures that timing margins are maintained even when the number of prefetches is increased or operation frequency is improved, allowing higher data transfer rates without compromising reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A semiconductor memory disclosed in this disclosure includes first and second memory cell arrays, a first main data line that transfers the read data read from the first memory cell array, a second main data line that transfers the read data read from the second memory cell array, a main amplifier coupled to the second main data line, and a repeater circuit coupled to the first main data line and the second main data line.