Semiconductor Apparatus Signal Synchronization via Capacitance Loading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Semiconductor apparatuses face challenges in synchronizing signal transmission times across different signal lines due to varying loadings, leading to asynchronous signal reception at external connection terminals.
Innovation Solution
The semiconductor system employs a control device connected through multiple lines with different loadings, utilizing additional capacitance circuits between external connection terminals and receiving circuits to manage signal line loading, ensuring synchronized signal arrival times by adjusting capacitance between terminals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If signal lines have different loadings to meet mounting circumstances, then signal transmission can be adapted to different distances, but signal arrival times become asynchronous
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and pre-configuring different loading values for different signal lines based on their expected lengths and mounting circumstances. The loading values are determined in advance during device design and configuration, allowing signals to be compensated for their travel time differences before transmission begins. This ensures that despite different physical path lengths, all signals arrive at the receiving circuit simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the electrical parameter (loading/capacitance) of different signal lines to compensate for their different physical characteristics. By adjusting the loading values assigned to signal lines of different lengths, the system modifies the electrical behavior of each line to achieve uniform signal arrival times. This parameter adjustment allows the system to adapt to varying mounting circumstances while maintaining synchronization.
2Loss of time
If additional capacitance circuits are added to balance signal arrival times, then signal synchronization is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by allowing the receiving circuit to automatically determine and calculate the appropriate loading values for each signal line based on pre-stored reference information about signal line characteristics. The receiving circuit itself performs the synchronization function without requiring external calibration or manual adjustment, reducing system complexity while achieving the desired signal synchronization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses feedback mechanisms where the receiving circuit measures or detects signal characteristics and adjusts its interpretation of incoming signals based on the determined loading values. The system incorporates feedback loops that allow the receiving circuit to compensate for different signal line loadings dynamically, achieving synchronization through intelligent signal processing rather than complex physical circuit modifications.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration ensures that signals reach receiving circuits within the semiconductor apparatuses simultaneously, despite differences in signal line loadings, by controlling the loading on each line, thereby synchronizing signal input and output times.
Implementation Method 1
a number of capacitors which are coupled between the first external connection terminal and the first receiving circuit is different than the number of capacitors which are coupled between the second external connection terminal and the second receiving circuit
Data Source
AI summary
A semiconductor system includes a control device, and a semiconductor apparatus coupled with the control device through a first line and a second line. A loading of the second line is greater than a loading of the first line, wherein the semiconductor apparatus includes a first receiving circuit which is electrically coupled with the first line and a second receiving circuit which is electrically coupled with the second line. Further a loading between the first line and the first receiving circuit is greater than a loading between the second line and the second receiving circuit.