Semiconductor Command Phase Shifting Circuit

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Solution Overview

Problem

High-speed semiconductor systems face challenges in achieving high data transmission rates due to latency-induced phase shifts of commands, which existing circuit schemes struggle to address effectively.

Innovation Solution

A semiconductor device is designed with an input information signal generation circuit that latches commands in synchronization with division clock signals and a command generation circuit that shifts the phase of these commands in synchronization with multiplication clock signals, reducing the need for multiple registers and improving operational efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If multiple registers are used to shift commands in high-speed semiconductor systems, then data transmission rates can be maintained, but device complexity and the number of components increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission rateVSAvoidnumber of registers
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple register functions into a single phase-shifting circuit that can simultaneously handle multiple command signals. The phase-shifting circuit uses a unified structure with clock signals of different phases to achieve command shifting without requiring separate registers for each operation, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining high-speed data transmission.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The phase-shifting circuit is designed as a universal component that can shift multiple different command signals (such as READ, WRITE, and other control commands) using the same circuit structure. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for dedicated registers for each command type, reducing the total number of components while preserving high-speed operation capabilities across all command types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If command phase shifting is implemented using traditional methods, then operational efficiency is maintained, but the number of components and circuit complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational efficiencyVSAvoidcircuit complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary phase shifting of clock signals before they reach the command latching stage. By pre-generating clock signals with different phases and using them to latch commands at appropriate times, the system achieves efficient command phase shifting without requiring complex post-processing circuits. This preliminary action approach maintains operational efficiency while simplifying the overall circuit architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Speed

If high-speed operation is pursued, then data transmission rates improve, but latency-induced phase shifts of commands become more significant

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission rateVSAvoidcommand latency
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary anti-action by compensating for latency-induced phase shifts before they affect command execution. The system uses pre-calibrated phase-shifting circuits that anticipate and counteract the time delays inherent in high-speed operations. By pre-adjusting the phase of clock signals based on expected latency, the system maintains accurate command timing despite high-speed operation, effectively neutralizing the negative effects of latency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Data Source

PatentUS9858972B1Semiconductor devices
Publication Date: 2018.01.02 SK HYNIX INC
  • US9858972B1 patent drawing
  • US9858972B1 patent drawing
  • US9858972B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A semiconductor device may be provided. The semiconductor device may include an input information signal generation circuit and a command generation circuit. The input information signal generation circuit may be configured to latch a command in synchronization with a point of time that a division clock signal is inputted. The command generation circuit may be configured to shift a phase of the latched command in synchronization with a multiplication clock signal to shift the command.