Selective Equalization for Multi-Level Signal Transition Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing semiconductor memory devices face challenges in efficiently generating and transmitting multi-level signals due to limitations in transition times and power consumption, particularly in high-speed communication scenarios.

Innovation Solution

The method involves receiving input data with multiple bits and adjusting the drive strength of driving paths based on the input data to change the transition times of output data signals, while maintaining specific transition times, thereby generating and transmitting multi-level signals efficiently.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If multi-level signaling is used to increase communication speed, then data transmission rate is improved, but signal transition time control becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transmission rateVSAvoidsignal transition time control

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the drive strength control into multiple independent driving paths (first driving path, second driving path, third driving path) corresponding to different voltage level transitions. Each path can be independently controlled to achieve precise transition time management for multi-level signaling, resolving the complexity issue while maintaining high data transmission rates.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic drive strength adjustment by selectively activating different driving paths based on the required voltage level transitions. The drive strength is dynamically changed during operation to optimize transition times for different signal levels, enabling efficient multi-level signaling without excessive complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Speed

If drive strength is increased to reduce transition time, then signal transmission speed is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransition timeVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by assigning different drive strengths to different driving paths based on their specific functions. The first driving path (for first voltage level transitions) uses a different drive strength than the second and third driving paths (for second voltage level transitions). This localized optimization reduces overall power consumption while maintaining necessary transition speeds for each specific signal level change.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS12272396B2Method of generating a multi-level signal using selective equalization, method of transmitting data using the same, and transmitter and memory system performing the same

Publication Date: 2025.04.08 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

In a method of generating a multi-level signal having one of three or more voltage levels that are different from one another, input data including two or more bits is received. A drive strength of at least one of two or more driving paths is changed based on the two or more bits such that a first transition time, during which an output data signal is transitioned from a first voltage level to a second voltage level, is changed. The output data signal that is the multi-level signal is generated such that the first transition time of the output data signal is changed and a second transition time, during which the output data signal is transitioned from the first voltage level to a third voltage level different from the second voltage level, is maintained.