Semiconductor Device Command Decoder for Current Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Semiconductor memory devices consume unnecessary operation current as they are always ready to perform either write or read operations after receiving an active command, without recognizing the specific command signal, leading to inefficient energy usage.
Innovation Solution
A semiconductor device is designed with a command decoder, row controller, and column controller that differentiate between write and read operations by using distinct power-supply voltages and flag signals, allowing the device to pre-recognize the command after an active operation, thereby optimizing energy efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the semiconductor memory device is always ready to perform write or read operations after receiving an active command, then the device can respond quickly to any command, but unnecessary operation current is consumed because the device cannot recognize which command signal will be received
Solution Approach 1:
The command decoder decodes the command signal in advance to determine whether a write or read operation will be performed after the active command, and generates preliminary control signals (active write flag signal or active read flag signal) accordingly. This allows the device to prepare the appropriate circuit units before the actual operation begins, eliminating the need to maintain both write and read circuits in a ready state simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The column controller is divided into separate write operation circuit units and read operation circuit units. Based on the decoded command signal, only the relevant circuit units are activated while the other remains inactive. This segmentation allows selective activation of circuit components, reducing the overall operation current consumption while maintaining fast response capability for the required operation type.
2Device complexity
If the same active command is used for both write and read operations, then the command structure is simplified, but the device cannot differentiate between operation types and must maintain both operation paths ready, leading to energy waste
Solution Approach 1:
A command decoder is introduced as an intermediary component that translates the unified active command into differentiated control signals. The decoder analyzes the command address and generates specific flag signals (active write flag signal or active read flag signal) that indicate the operation type. This intermediary allows the system to maintain a simple unified command interface while internally differentiating between write and read operations to optimize power consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
A semiconductor device may include: a command decoder configured to decode a clock signal, a chip selection signal, and a command address, and output an active write signal, an active read signal, and a precharge signal indicating a write operation or a read operation after completion of an active operation; a row controller configured to output a bank active signal for controlling an active operation of a bank in response to the active write signal, the active read signal, and the precharge signal, and output an active write flag signal or an active read flag signal for performing the write operation or the read operation; and a column controller configured to output a control signal for controlling a column active operation to the bank in response to the active write flag signal, the active read flag signal, a write command signal, a read command signal, and the precharge signal.