Semiconductor Delay Circuit for Read and Mode Register Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Semiconductor devices face challenges in efficiently managing read operations and mode register read operations across multiple bank groups, leading to increased layout area and power consumption due to separate control circuits for each operation.
Innovation Solution
A semiconductor device incorporating a delay circuit that generates read control signals and register control signals, synchronized with bank address signals to enable simultaneous read and mode register read operations, reducing the need for multiple control circuits and optimizing resource utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate control circuits are used for read operations and mode register read operations, then each operation can be controlled independently, but the layout area and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the read control circuit and mode register read control circuit into a single integrated control circuit. This control circuit uses a single pulse generation unit that can generate different control signals based on operation mode signals, thereby reducing layout area while maintaining independent control capability for both read operations and mode register read operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuit is designed with multi-functionality to handle both read operations and mode register read operations. The pulse generation unit responds to different operation mode signals to produce appropriate control signals for different operations, eliminating the need for separate dedicated circuits and reducing overall layout area.
2Reliability
If separate control circuits are used for read operations and mode register read operations, then each operation can be controlled independently, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple control circuits into one integrated control circuit that handles both read operations and mode register read operations. This consolidation reduces the total power consumption by eliminating redundant circuitry and shared resources, while still providing independent control through operation mode signal differentiation.
Solution Approach 2:
The unified control circuit achieves multi-functionality by using operation mode signals to direct pulse generation to appropriate output paths. This allows a single circuit to replace multiple dedicated circuits, thereby reducing overall power consumption while maintaining the ability to independently control different operation types.
3Area of stationary object
If a single control circuit is used for both read operations and mode register read operations, then layout area and power consumption are reduced, but control signal timing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit is segmented into distinct functional units: a pulse generation unit that produces basic control pulses, and separate response units that generate operation-specific control signals based on operation mode signals. This segmentation manages timing complexity by localizing timing control logic within each unit while maintaining overall integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The pulse generation unit generates preliminary control pulses in advance, which are then distributed and differentiated by subsequent stages based on operation mode signals. This preliminary action simplifies timing management by establishing a base rhythm that is then branched into operation-specific timing sequences.
Data Source
AI summary
A semiconductor device includes a delay circuit, a read control circuit, and a register control circuit. The delay circuit generates a read control signal by delaying a column control pulse and an internal column control pulse including pulses sequentially generated based on an operation mode signal during a read operation and generates a register control signal by delaying the column control pulse including a pulse generated based on a mode register enablement signal during a mode register read operation. The read control circuit generates an input/output (I/O) control signal from a bank address signal when the read control signal is enabled. The register control circuit outputs a mode information signal as a mode output information signal when the register control signal is enabled.