Semiconductor Module ODT Control Without External Input Pins
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional semiconductor modules with on-die termination (ODT) circuits require external input pins for control signals, increasing manufacturing costs and complexity, especially in high-performance chips like DDR2 SDRAM, where signal reflections need to be managed effectively.
Innovation Solution
A semiconductor module design that includes a mode register and an ODT controller to generate internal control signals for activating the ODT circuit based on the number of ranks, allowing for ODT circuit activation without external control signals, thereby eliminating the need for additional input pins.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If external input pins are used for ODT control signals, then ODT circuit can be activated, but manufacturing cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The ODT controller internally generates control signals for activating the ODT circuit by detecting operational modes (read/write operations) and determining the number of ranks, eliminating the need for external input pins. The system serves itself by using existing internal signals to control the termination circuit.
Solution Approach 2:
The ODT controller performs multiple functions: it detects the number of ranks, determines operational modes (read/write), and generates appropriate control signals for ODT activation. This multi-functional approach replaces what would otherwise require separate external control pins.
2Reliability
If external input pins are used for ODT control signals, then ODT circuit can be activated, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ODT controller internally generates control signals for activating the ODT circuit by detecting operational modes (read/write operations) and determining the number of ranks, eliminating the need for external input pins. The system serves itself by using existing internal signals to control the termination circuit.
3Ease of manufacture
If termination resistors are disposed outside semiconductor chips, then manufacturing is simpler, but signal reflections cannot be effectively prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The termination resistors (ODT circuits) are merged with the semiconductor chip, integrating the termination function directly into the chip rather than placing resistors externally. This integration enables effective prevention of signal reflections while maintaining manufacturing efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The ODT controller internally generates control signals for activating the ODT circuit by detecting operational modes (read/write operations) and determining the number of ranks, eliminating the need for external input pins. The system serves itself by using existing internal signals to control the termination circuit.
Data Source
AI summary
Semiconductor modules are provided. The semiconductor module includes semiconductor chips with one or more ranks. The semiconductor module includes a mode register configured for storing a first information signal whose logic level is set or determined according to a number of the ranks and an on-die termination (ODT) controller configured for generating an internal control signal for activating an ODT circuit in response to the first information signal. The internal control signal is enabled during a read operation or disabled during a write operation.