Semiconductor Memory Data Masking via Segmented Control Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Semiconductor memory devices face challenges in efficiently performing data masking operations during read and write operations, particularly in ensuring accurate data transmission and amplification on global and local lines without errors.
Innovation Solution
The semiconductor system includes a first and second semiconductor device, with a control signal generation circuit and data input/output circuit that generate and enable specific write and read enable signals to drive and sense data on global and local lines, allowing for precise masking operations during write and read operations by enabling or disabling signals based on internal mask signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If data masking operation is performed during read/write operations, then data transmission accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional control circuits and signal lines
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the data transmission path into multiple independent channels (first data channel and second data channel) with separate control signals (first write enable signal and second write enable signal). This segmentation allows selective masking of specific data channels while maintaining operational control over each channel independently, thereby improving data transmission accuracy without overwhelming the control circuitry.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic control of data transmission by enabling or disabling write enable signals based on mask commands. The control circuit dynamically adjusts which data channels are active during write operations, allowing flexible data masking. This dynamic approach enables selective data transmission control without requiring permanently active complex control circuits for all channels.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple enable signals are generated for different data channels, then data masking capability is improved, but signal generation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit is designed to generate multiple types of control signals (write enable signals, read enable signals, and mask signals) using a unified control architecture. This multi-functional control circuit can handle both normal data operations and masking operations, reducing the need for separate dedicated circuits for each function and thereby managing signal generation complexity while maintaining versatile masking capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent generates enable signals and mask signals in advance based on decoded commands before actual data transmission occurs. The control circuit prepares the appropriate write enable or read enable signals along with mask signals during the command decoding phase, ensuring that data masking is already configured before data operations begin. This preliminary signal generation simplifies the control logic by avoiding complex real-time signal switching during data transmission.
3Reliability
If selective data transmission is enabled through masking, then data integrity is improved, but operation time increases due to additional control steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements masking control as a periodic operation that is integrated into the normal read/write operation cycles. Mask commands are processed at regular intervals alongside normal data commands, allowing the control circuit to switch between normal and masked operations in a rhythmic manner. This periodic integration of masking operations prevents additional time overhead by synchronizing masking control with existing operation cycles rather than adding separate masking processing steps.
Data Source
AI summary
A semiconductor system includes a first semiconductor device and a second semiconductor device. The first semiconductor device outputs a command and a mask command. The second semiconductor device drives a first local line according to data on a first global line if a first mask write operation is performed in response to the command and the mask command. In addition, the second semiconductor device senses and amplifies data on a second local line if the first mask write operation is performed in response to the command and the mask command.