Semiconductor Apparatus Decoder Timing Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing semiconductor apparatuses face challenges in efficiently managing command and address signals synchronized with a clock signal, particularly in requiring timing control for read or write operations, which affects the operational timing and efficiency of semiconductor systems.
Innovation Solution
A semiconductor apparatus is designed with a decoder to generate first and second decoding commands, an output timing control circuit to delay the second decoding command by a predetermined clock cycle, and latch circuits to output internal addresses as latch addresses based on these commands, enabling efficient timing control and address management through a system of semiconductor chips electrically coupled via through electrodes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If command and address signals are synchronized with a clock signal in existing semiconductor apparatuses, then operational timing control is achieved, but timing efficiency and system performance are reduced due to additional buffering and clock signal transfer requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the clock signal synchronization requirement from the command and address signal paths. By using separate latch circuits that operate independently of the clock signal for generating decoding commands and latch addresses, the design eliminates the need for clock-synchronized buffering while maintaining proper timing control through the latch circuits' inherent timing characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the signal processing into independent paths: one path generates decoding commands from command signals, and another path generates latch addresses from address signals. Each path uses dedicated latch circuits that can be controlled independently, allowing timing optimization without requiring unified clock synchronization across all signal paths.
2Reliability
If timing control is implemented for read or write operations in existing semiconductor apparatuses, then operational control is achieved, but latency is increased affecting overall system efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by using latch circuits that are pre-configured to capture command and address signals at appropriate timing points. The latch circuits are designed to automatically latch signals based on their enable inputs, eliminating the need for additional timing control logic and reducing operational latency while maintaining reliable timing control.
3Reliability
If additional buffering is used in existing semiconductor apparatuses to manage signal timing, then timing control is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latch circuits are designed to be self-synchronizing based on their enable inputs and the natural timing of the command and address signals. Each latch circuit automatically captures signals when its enable input is active, eliminating the need for external clock signals or additional buffering circuits, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining timing control.
Data Source
AI summary
A semiconductor apparatus includes a decoder configured to decode an internal command, and generate a first decoding command and a second decoding command. The semiconductor apparatus may include an output timing control circuit configured to delay the second decoding command by a predetermined cycle of the internal clock, and output a delayed decoding command. The semiconductor apparatus may include an input/output control latch circuit configured to output the internal address as a first latch address based on the second decoding command and the delayed decoding command. The semiconductor apparatus may include an input control latch circuit configured to output the internal address as a second latch address based on the first decoding command.