Semiconductor Device Serial Parallel Conversion Pipeline
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Solution Overview
Problem
The integration of DDR1 and DDR2 synchronous DRAMs into a single chip faces challenges in achieving compatibility, particularly in the internal circuit design for serially outputting parallel signals, due to differences in prefetch numbers, which complicates the circuit configuration and increases production costs.
Innovation Solution
A semiconductor device with a first and second transfer circuit, each comprising multiple pipeline circuits and switches, allows for flexible operation modes to accommodate different prefetch specifications by controlling the activation of control signals and pipeline operations, enabling the same chip to function as either DDR1 or DDR2 SDRAM.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If DDR1 and DDR2 synchronous DRAMs are integrated into a single chip, then production costs are reduced, but circuit complexity increases due to different prefetch numbers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic operation modes that allow the same chip to adapt between DDR1 (2-bit prefetch) and DDR2 (4-bit prefetch) configurations. The circuit switches between different operational states based on external control signals, enabling a single chip to serve multiple specifications without requiring separate dedicated circuits for each standard.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal chip design that can function as both DDR1 and DDR2 synchronous DRAM. By incorporating multiple operation modes with different prefetch numbers (2-bit and 4-bit), the single chip achieves multi-functionality, replacing the need for separate dedicated chips for each standard and thereby reducing production costs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple operation modes are implemented in a single chip, then adaptability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic operation modes where the circuit can switch between different prefetch configurations (2-bit for DDR1, 4-bit for DDR2) based on external control signals. This dynamic adaptability allows the same physical circuit to reconfigure itself for different specifications without requiring separate dedicated hardware for each mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes operational parameters (prefetch number, clock frequency, data transfer rate) to achieve different specifications from the same chip. By adjusting these parameters through control signals, the circuit achieves compatibility with both DDR1 and DDR2 standards without fundamental structural changes.
Data Source
AI summary
A first transfer circuit includes pipeline circuits having different number of stages, and switch circuits that exclusively supply the pipeline circuits with first and second read data. A second transfer circuit includes pipeline circuits having different number of stages, and switch circuits that exclusively supply the pipeline circuits with third and fourth read data. Outputs of the first and second transfer circuits are sequentially output from a multiplex circuit. When a first operation mode is selected, all the pipeline circuits are activated. When a second operation mode is selected, one of the pipeline circuits in the first transfer circuit and one of the pipeline circuits in the second transfer circuit are activated, whereas the others of the pipeline circuits are inactivated.