Semiconductor Apparatus Channel Selection Unit for Pseudo Channel Mode
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 3D semiconductor apparatuses with stacked chips face limitations in maximizing packaging density and bandwidth due to the inability to efficiently manage and utilize pseudo channels for independent operation across multiple core chips.
Innovation Solution
A semiconductor apparatus with vertically-stacked core chips using through-silicon via connections, where each core chip includes multiple channels with pseudo channels, and a channel selection unit that dynamically selects channels based on mode signals to operate independently in legacy or pseudo channel modes, enhancing bandwidth by enabling pseudo channels to function as independent channels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If pseudo channels are configured in each channel for increased bandwidth, then channel capacity is improved, but channel management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic channel selection where the channel selection unit can switch between legacy mode and pseudo channel mode based on operational requirements. In pseudo channel mode, each physical channel is dynamically divided into multiple pseudo channels (e.g., even and odd pseudo channels), effectively doubling the channel count without adding physical infrastructure. This dynamic configuration resolves the contradiction by providing high channel capacity only when needed, rather than permanently configuring all pseudo channels.
Solution Approach 2:
The channel selection unit serves multiple functions: it operates in legacy mode for compatibility with existing systems, switches to pseudo channel mode for enhanced bandwidth requirements, and manages both even and odd pseudo channels within the same physical channel infrastructure. This multi-functionality allows the same hardware to adapt to different operational demands, resolving the contradiction between increased channel count and management complexity.
2Power
If multiple pseudo channels are enabled per channel, then bandwidth is increased, but control signal management becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The channel selection unit acts as an intermediary between the control signal input and the multiple pseudo channels. It receives control signals, determines whether to operate in legacy or pseudo channel mode, and routes control signals to the appropriate pseudo channels (even or odd) based on the selected mode. This intermediary function simplifies control signal management by providing a single point of decision-making rather than requiring separate control logic for each pseudo channel.
3Adaptability or versatility
If channel selection unit dynamically switches between legacy and pseudo channel modes, then adaptability is improved, but control logic complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The channel selection unit is pre-configured with the logic to switch between legacy mode and pseudo channel mode based on simple criteria. The control logic is established in advance to determine when to enable even pseudo channels, odd pseudo channels, or both, based on operational requirements. This preliminary configuration reduces the complexity of real-time decision-making while maintaining high adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
A semiconductor apparatus may include a plurality of core chips and a base chip. The plurality of core chips may respectively include a plurality of channels, and each of the plurality of channels may include at least two pseudo channels. Each of the plurality of core chips may include a channel selection unit that selects one or more of the pseudo channels based on a channel mode signal, a pseudo channel signal, a stack information signal, and a slice information signal.