Semiconductor Device Common Signal Line Controller Architecture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional semiconductor devices with a single controller for multiple memory elements face inefficiencies in data read and write operations, leading to increased development and manufacturing costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A semiconductor device design featuring a single circuit board with multiple memory elements and a single connector that uses common signal lines for control signals, allowing for various configuration types by setting electric statuses of terminals, enabling efficient data transfer and reduced manufacturing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single controller is used to control multiple memory elements, then device complexity is reduced, but data read and write efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the control function into multiple independent controllers, with each controller dedicated to controlling a specific memory element. This segmentation allows parallel data read and write operations across multiple memory elements simultaneously, resolving the efficiency deterioration caused by a single controller while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular architecture.
2Productivity
If multiple controllers are used to improve data read and write efficiency, then productivity increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a common signal line that serves multiple controllers simultaneously, allowing the signal line to function as a shared resource for control signal transmission. This multi-functionality approach enables multiple controllers to operate independently while sharing infrastructure, thereby increasing data read and write efficiency without proportionally increasing device complexity.
3Reliability
If separate signal lines are used for each controller, then control signal transmission reliability improves, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control signal transmission pathways by implementing a common signal line that is shared among multiple controllers. This combining approach maintains control signal transmission reliability through centralized management and reduced interference, while simultaneously reducing device complexity and manufacturing costs by eliminating the need for separate signal lines for each controller.
4Adaptability or versatility
If various configuration types are supported with different terminal settings, then adaptability improves, but manufacturing and configuration discrimination complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses electrical status (conducting or non-conducting states) of terminals as analogous to color changes, where different electrical configurations represent different device types. This approach enables adaptability to support multiple configuration types while simplifying manufacturing and configuration discrimination, as the electrical status can be easily detected and identified during assembly and operation without complex configuration procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, a semiconductor device includes, for example, a circuit board, a plurality of elements, a plurality of controllers, and a first signal line. The elements are provided on the circuit board. The elements each include a memory. The controllers each are configured to control read of data from the memory. The controllers each are configured to control write of data into the memory. A control signal is transmitted through the first signal line. The first signal line is used in common by the controllers.