Semiconductor Device Signal Path Calibration for Phase Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Semiconductor devices face issues with phase differences in signal paths due to varying delay values, which reduce the margin for stable data input/output operations.
Innovation Solution
A semiconductor device with a calibration control unit that adjusts delay values of input and output paths by using test signals to ensure phase alignment with the clock signal, thereby stabilizing data transmission during write and read operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If signals are transmitted through different paths from pads to control units, then the semiconductor device can handle data and strobe signals through separate routing, but phase differences (skew) occur between signals arriving at the control units
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by introducing delay elements before signals arrive at the control unit. These delay elements are configured to compensate for path length differences in advance, ensuring that data and strobe signals arrive at the same time despite traveling through different routing paths. This pre-adjustment of signal timing resolves the phase alignment issue caused by separate signal routing.
2Device complexity
If delay values of signal paths are not calibrated, then the device structure remains simple, but the margin for stable data input/output operations is reduced due to phase differences
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by adjusting the delay values of different signal paths to optimize timing alignment. By varying the delay parameters of delay elements in response to detected phase differences, the system compensates for path length variations without requiring complete restructuring of the signal routing. This parameter adjustment maintains structural simplicity while improving data input/output stability.
3Reliability
If calibration of delay values is performed, then precision and stability of data input/output operations improve, but the device requires additional calibration control circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by implementing an automatic calibration mechanism where the semiconductor device performs its own timing adjustment. A calibration control unit detects phase differences between data and strobe signals and automatically adjusts delay element parameters without requiring external intervention. This self-calibrating approach improves data transmission stability while minimizing the need for complex external calibration equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies feedback by using the detected phase difference between data and strobe signals to control the adjustment of delay elements. The calibration control unit continuously monitors signal timing and provides feedback to modify delay parameters, creating a closed-loop system that maintains optimal timing alignment. This feedback mechanism ensures reliable data transmission while keeping the calibration control structure manageable through automated control.
Data Source
AI summary
A semiconductor device may include a first pad suitable for inputting a dock, a plurality of second pads suitable for inputting data through a plurality of first data paths, a third pad suitable for inputting a first strobe signal through a first strobe signal path, a data latch unit suitable for latching the data inputted through the first data paths in response to the first strobe signal inputted through the first strobe signal path, and a calibration control unit suitable for calibrating delay values of the plurality of first data paths and the first strobe signal path in a first calibration mode such that a plurality of first test signals passing through the respective first data paths and a second test signal passing through the first strobe path are in phase with the clock inputted from the first pad.