Semiconductor IC Address Command Signal Timing Margin Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional semiconductor IC devices experience operational errors due to insufficient margins between command and address signals, leading to signal generation errors and delays caused by variations in Process/Voltage/Temperature (PVT) conditions.
Innovation Solution
A semiconductor integrated circuit device with an input unit for receiving address and command signals, an internal address generator to adjust the timing of address signals for a predetermined processing margin, and an internal command generator to produce internal command signals with a predetermined time difference, ensuring sufficient signal margins to prevent operational errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If address and command signals are processed simultaneously with high speed operations, then operational speed is improved, but signal generation errors occur due to insufficient timing margins
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by generating internal address and command signals before they are needed for the actual memory operation. The internal address signal is generated first, then the internal command signal is generated with a predetermined time difference, ensuring that both signals are ready and stable before the memory access operation begins. This prevents timing-related errors while maintaining high operational speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary timing control mechanism that manages the timing relationship between address and command signals. By using a timing control unit that generates internal signals with predetermined time differences, the system mediates between the need for high-speed operation and the requirement for signal stability, preventing superposition errors while maintaining fast operations.
2Productivity
If command and address signals are decoded simultaneously, then processing efficiency is improved, but operational errors occur due to PVT variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent generates internal address and command signals in a predetermined sequence before the actual memory operation. The internal address signal is generated first, followed by the internal command signal with a controlled time difference. This preliminary generation ensures that signals are stable and free from PVT-induced variations before processing begins, maintaining both efficiency and correctness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the timing parameter of signal generation by introducing a predetermined time difference between internal address and command signals. This parameter adjustment ensures sufficient timing margins that compensate for PVT variations, preventing operational errors while maintaining efficient simultaneous processing capability.
3Speed
If timing margins between signals are reduced to increase processing speed, then operational speed is improved, but signal generation errors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-generating internal address and command signals with predetermined timing relationships before actual memory operations. This ensures that even under high-speed conditions, the signals are generated with sufficient timing margins to account for manufacturing variations, maintaining both speed and precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adjusts the timing parameter by introducing a predetermined time difference between internal address and command signals. This parameter change ensures sufficient timing margins that compensate for manufacturing precision variations, preventing signal generation errors while maintaining high processing speed.
Data Source
AI summary
A semiconductor integrated circuit device includes an input unit configured to receive address and command signals, an internal address generator configured to output an internal address signal by adjusting a timing of the input address signal to correspond to a predetermined internal signal processing timing margin, and an internal command generator configured to output an internal command having a predetermined time difference from the internal address signal by adjusting a timing of the input command signal.