Semiconductor Command Signal Decoding for Power and Speed Trade-offs
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Solution Overview
Problem
The weight of mobile systems, such as portable computers and phones, is increased by the power consumption of semiconductor devices, which requires larger batteries, and there is a need for higher data transmission speeds to support quicker processing performance in multi-functional mobile systems.
Innovation Solution
A semiconductor device with internal command generators that decode external command signals to generate internal command signals and column control signals, allowing for efficient data transmission and operation by enabling write, read, and control operations with reduced pin input requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the power consumption of semiconductor devices is reduced to decrease battery capacity and weight, then the data transmission speed and processing performance may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The command signal processing is segmented into multiple stages with dedicated internal command generators. The external command signal is first decoded by a first internal command generator to produce intermediate command signals, which are then further processed by a second internal command generator to produce final internal command signals. This segmentation allows for optimized power consumption at each stage while maintaining overall high-speed operation.
2Device complexity
If the number of input pins is reduced to simplify device structure, then the functionality to simultaneously receive command signals and address signals may be limited
Solution Approach 1:
The input pin is designed with multi-functionality to serve dual purposes. The same input pin can receive either command signals or address signals depending on the timing and control conditions. The internal command generators are configured to interpret the input signals appropriately, allowing a single pin to perform multiple functions that would traditionally require separate pins.
3Productivity
If internal command generators are added to decode external command signals and generate multiple internal command signals, then the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The internal command generators are structured in a nested configuration where the first internal command generator produces intermediate command signals that are fed into the second internal command generator. This nested structure allows for hierarchical processing of command signals, improving operation efficiency through staged decoding while organizing the increased device complexity in a manageable, modular fashion.
Data Source
AI summary
The semiconductor device may include a first internal command generator suitable generating first internal command signals after decoding the external command signals in response to the external control signal, a column control signal generator suitable for generating a column control signal after decoding the external command signals in response to the external control signal, and a second internal command generator suitable for generating second internal command signals from the first internal command signals in response to the column control signal. Related systems are also provided.