Semiconductor I/O Phase Controller for Multi-Mode Data Strobe
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional semiconductor devices are limited in their ability to exchange data and strobe signals across different I/O modes, leading to inefficiencies in high-speed data transfer due to fixed phase differences between data and strobe signals, which restrict their application in various systems.
Innovation Solution
The semiconductor device incorporates a phase controller that shifts the phase of the data strobe signal by different degrees, including 0, 30, 60, and 90 degrees, depending on input and output modes, using a combination of buffers, phase locked loops, and voltage-controlled oscillators to ensure correct data detection and transmission across multiple I/O configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed phase difference is used between data and strobe signals, then the device structure is simple, but the device cannot operate in multiple I/O modes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic phase control system where the phase difference between data and strobe signals can be adjusted based on different I/O modes. A phase controller dynamically selects from multiple phase shift values (0°, 45°, 90°, 135°) to match the requirements of different operating modes, transforming a static system into an adaptive one that resolves the contradiction between simplicity and versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the phase parameter of the strobe signal according to different I/O modes. By providing multiple fixed phase shift options and allowing dynamic selection among them, the system adapts to various external device requirements without requiring completely different circuit designs, thus achieving multi-mode operation with controlled complexity.
2Reliability
If the phase of data strobe signal is fixed, then the circuit design is simple, but the device cannot correctly detect data in different I/O modes
Solution Approach 1:
The phase controller dynamically adjusts the strobe signal phase based on the detected I/O mode, ensuring that the phase difference between data and strobe signals always matches the optimal value for correct data detection. This dynamic adaptation guarantees reliable operation across different modes while keeping the phase shifting mechanism integrated and controlled.
Solution Approach 2:
The phase controller serves multiple functions: it receives the data strobe signal, determines the appropriate phase shift based on I/O mode, applies the correct phase shift, and outputs the adjusted strobe signal. This multi-functional component ensures reliable data detection across all supported I/O modes without requiring separate detection circuits for each mode.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple phase shift options are provided, then the device can operate in multiple I/O modes, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than providing all phase shift options simultaneously in parallel circuits, the invention uses a dynamic selection approach where the phase controller chooses the appropriate phase shift value based on the active I/O mode. This temporal multiplexing of phase shift functions reduces hardware complexity compared to having all options permanently available.
Solution Approach 2:
The phase controller acts as an intermediary component that manages the complexity of multiple phase shift options. It receives the data strobe signal, determines the required phase adjustment based on I/O mode, and outputs the correctly phased signal. This intermediary structure consolidates the complexity into a single controllable unit rather than distributing it across multiple independent circuits.
Data Source
AI summary
Semiconductor device having multiple I/O modes. The device includes a data buffer configured to receive data; a strobe input buffer configured to receive a data strobe signal, a phase controller configured to shift a phase of the data strobe signal by different numbers of degrees, including 0 degrees, according to input modes and a data detector configured to detect the data in response to the data strobe signal output from the phase controller.