Semiconductor System Independent Device Activation via Data Strobe Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing semiconductor systems face challenges in stably setting the operating state of multiple semiconductor devices due to the complexity of external command inputs and data transmission, which affects the reliability of semiconductor module operations.
Innovation Solution
A semiconductor system that uses a controller to provide command and data strobe signals to independently activate each semiconductor device, with shifting, detection, and counting units to selectively set the mode register set (MRS) based on data strobe signal toggles, ensuring each device operates reliably.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple semiconductor devices operate commonly in response to a command signal, then system complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but reliable independent activation and stable setting of operating state for each device becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the common command signal processing into device-specific segments by introducing individual data strobe signals (DQS0, DQS1, DQS2, DQS3) for each semiconductor device. Each device has its own detection unit that monitors its specific DQS signal to determine activation timing, enabling reliable independent activation while maintaining common command signal processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces data strobe signals as intermediary elements between the controller and multiple semiconductor devices. These DQS signals serve as mediators that carry device-specific activation information, allowing the controller to selectively activate individual devices without requiring separate command signals for each device.
2Ease of manufacture
If data is transmitted to MRS through a plurality of address pins, then manufacturing precision and ease of manufacture are improved, but stable setting of operating state becomes difficult due to complexity of external command inputs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the operating state setting function from the general command signal processing by introducing a dedicated mode register set (MRS) that is selectively activated based on DQS signal detection. This separation allows the MRS setting operation to be independently controlled for each device without interference from other command operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary detection of DQS signal toggles before activating the MRS setting operation. The detection unit monitors the DQS signal in advance to determine the precise timing for MRS activation, ensuring that operating state settings are established before other operations begin, thereby improving stability.
3Productivity
If a controller provides command signals to multiple semiconductor devices, then productivity and efficiency are improved, but precise control over individual device activation becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the data strobe signals multi-functional by using them both for data transmission and for device activation control. Each DQS signal serves dual purposes: carrying data between the controller and semiconductor device, and simultaneously providing the activation trigger for that specific device, thereby simplifying the control mechanism while maintaining high productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the data transmission function and the activation control function into a single DQS signal mechanism. By combining these two functions, the system achieves precise individual device control without requiring separate control signals, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
A semiconductor system includes multiple semiconductor devices operating commonly in response to a command signal, wherein each of the multiple semiconductor devices is independently activated according to each of multiple data strobe signals respectively corresponding to the multiple semiconductor devices; and a controller suitable for providing the command signal and the multiple data strobe signals.