Semiconductor Initialization Circuit for Burst Ordering Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Semiconductor devices face challenges in efficiently managing burst ordering operations due to variations in process, voltage, and temperature (PVT), which can lead to abnormal data transfer operations, especially when high-speed or low-voltage conditions are met.
Innovation Solution
The semiconductor device incorporates an initialization information generation unit, a domain crossing unit, and a pulse generation unit that operate in synchronization with different clocks to adjust the toggling points of control pulses, ensuring proper burst ordering and data output regardless of PVT variations by generating initialization information and synchronizing address signals across clock domains.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the semiconductor device operates at high speed and low voltage, then productivity is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to PVT variations causing abnormal data transfer operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by generating initialization information in advance before the actual data transfer operation. The initialization information generation unit creates initialization information based on address signals before the burst ordering operation begins, ensuring that all necessary control parameters are prepared beforehand. This prevents abnormal data transfer operations by establishing correct initialization states prior to high-speed operation, thereby maintaining reliability at 2.4 Gbps and 0.95V.
2Device complexity
If the device uses a single clock domain for all operations, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to inability to synchronize across different operational domains
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the clock synchronization system into multiple independent clock domains. Specifically, it separates the first clock domain (for initialization information generation) from the second clock domain (for data output and control pulse generation). Each domain operates independently with its own clock signal, allowing precise synchronization within each domain while maintaining overall system coordination through controlled signal transitions between domains.
3Device complexity
If initialization information is generated without considering address signal values, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to incorrect burst ordering
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making the initialization information generation process sensitive to specific local conditions - namely the address signal values. The initialization information generation unit selectively generates different initialization information based on the specific address signal patterns. This ensures that each local situation (different address ranges or patterns) receives appropriately tailored initialization information, achieving precise burst ordering without requiring overly complex global initialization logic.
Data Source
AI summary
A semiconductor device includes an initialization information generation unit configured to operate in response to a first clock and generate first initialization information having a value that is adjusted according to a value of an address signal that corresponds to output data, a domain crossing unit configured to receive the first initialization information in response to the first clock and output the first initialization information as second initialization information by outputting the second initialization information in response to a second clock, and a pulse generation unit configured to operate in response to the second clock and adjust a toggling point in time of a control pulse in response to the second initialization information.