Semiconductor Address Output Timing Control Circuit

The patent combines multiple separate timing control paths (read command path and write command path) into a unified timing control structure. By merging the functionality of multiple flip-flops and latches into integrated timing control units that share common resources, the circuit achieves the required timing precision for both read and write operations while significantly reducing the overall circuit area.

The patent designs timing control units that can universally handle both read commands and write commands with different timing requirements. The control circuit uses multi-functional timing generation logic that can adapt to various CAS latency values, burst lengths, and CAS write latency values, eliminating the need for separate dedicated circuits for each function and thereby reducing circuit area while maintaining timing precision.

The patent implements dynamic timing control where the timing parameters (CAS latency, burst length, CAS write latency) can be dynamically adjusted based on the specific operation mode and performance requirements. The control circuit uses programmable delay elements and configurable timing logic that can adapt to different latency values without requiring proportional increases in circuit area, allowing the system to optimize timing for various memory operation specifications.

The patent changes the approach from using fixed numbers of flip-flops and latches to using programmable timing control where the timing parameters can be modified through control signals. By using parameter-based timing control (where timing is determined by controllable parameters rather than fixed hardware structures), the circuit can accommodate increasing CAS latency, burst length, and CAS write latency values without a proportional increase in circuit area.