Semiconductor Signal Synchronization Circuit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing semiconductor devices face challenges in synchronizing and controlling signals generated internally with those input from external sources, particularly in asynchronous scenarios.
Innovation Solution
A semiconductor device comprising a signal generation unit, a synchronization unit, and a control unit, where the synchronization unit synchronizes a first signal with either a second or third signal input from outside, and the control unit manages at least one of the external signals based on the synchronized first signal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a synchronization circuit is used to synchronize asynchronous signals, then signal synchronization is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the signal generation unit, synchronization unit, and control unit into an integrated semiconductor device. The synchronization unit merges the functionality of comparing timing between first and second signals with the control logic into a unified structure, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining synchronization capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit is designed to perform multiple functions: it controls the second signal based on synchronized timing, generates the first signal, and coordinates with the synchronization unit. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated circuits for each function.
2Measurement precision
If the synchronization unit matches timing of potential changes, then signal timing accuracy is improved, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring increases
Solution Approach 1:
The synchronization unit acts as an intermediary between the signal generation unit and the control unit. It receives the first signal from the signal generation unit, compares its timing with the second signal, and provides synchronized timing information to the control unit without requiring direct measurement of potential changes at multiple points.
Data Source
AI summary
A semiconductor device includes: a signal generation unit configured to generate a first signal; a synchronization unit configured to synchronize the first signal with any one of a second signal and a third signal that are input from an outside and are synchronized with each other; and a control unit configured to control at least one of the second signal and the third signal based on the first signal after synchronization is performed by the synchronization unit. The synchronization unit performs the synchronization by matching a timing at which a potential of the first signal changes to a later one of a timing at which a potential of the second signal changes and a timing at which a potential of the third signal changes.