Semiconductor Data Transmission Device with Synchronization Unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
In semiconductor devices with multiple data lines, data skew occurs due to length differences among global input/output lines, leading to unstable data recognition as devices operate faster, especially in DRAMs transmitting 16-bit or 64-bit data, where the time difference between fastest and slowest data units can be in the order of nano-seconds.
Innovation Solution
A semiconductor device with a synchronization unit connected to global input/output lines to synchronize data arrival times, utilizing data bus sense amplifiers and registers to ensure simultaneous data transfer across multiple lines, and including switching units and floating prevention units to manage data transfer and prevent line floating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If multiple global input/output lines are used to transmit data in parallel, then data transmission speed is improved, but data skew occurs due to length differences among the lines
Solution Approach 1:
A synchronization unit is introduced as an intermediary component between the global input/output lines and the data pad. This unit receives data from multiple data lines with different lengths and synchronizes their arrival times, eliminating data skew without reducing the parallel transmission capability. The synchronization unit acts as a mediator that resolves the contradiction between high-speed transmission and stable data recognition.
2Productivity
If the number of data lines is increased to transmit more data simultaneously, then productivity is improved, but data skew among lines becomes more severe
Solution Approach 1:
The synchronization unit serves as a mediator for multiple data lines, receiving data from all lines and ensuring they arrive at the data pad simultaneously. This allows the system to increase the number of data lines for higher throughput while maintaining stable data recognition, as the synchronization unit compensates for the increased length differences among more lines.
Solution Approach 2:
The synchronization unit performs preliminary synchronization of data arrival times before data reaches the data pad. By preparing and aligning the data from multiple lines in advance, the system can handle higher throughput scenarios without suffering from severe data skew, thus improving productivity while maintaining reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A semiconductor device is capable of minimizing data skew among respective data which are transmitted to a receiver through respective data lines. The semiconductor device includes a synchronization unit connected to at least one portion of the respective data lines, for synchronizing time that the plurality of data transferred through the respective data lines take to arrive at the receiver.