Semiconductor Device Small-Amplitude Signal Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
In semiconductor devices, high-speed data transmission with low power consumption is challenging due to noise-related issues, particularly when using differential signals, which require increased wiring and power consumption to maintain signal integrity.
Innovation Solution
A semiconductor device design that includes first and second drivers operating at different voltage levels, with first drivers outputting small-amplitude signals and second drivers outputting reference signals with higher impedance, allowing for reduced wiring and efficient signal transmission by arranging the second transmission wiring between power supply wirings, thereby minimizing the impact of power-supply noises.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a differential signal is used for data transmission, then noise immunity is improved and data transmission speed is increased, but the wiring area is increased due to requiring two wirings per bit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the signal transmission by separating the data signal path from the reference potential path. The data signal is transmitted through dedicated signal lines while the reference potential is provided through separate reference potential lines, allowing optimized routing and reducing the wiring area compared to traditional differential signaling where both signal and reference are tightly coupled.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary approach by using a shared reference potential that is distributed through separate reference potential lines rather than requiring adjacent differential pairs. This intermediary reference potential structure allows the data signal lines to be spaced further apart, reducing capacitive coupling and interference while maintaining noise immunity.
2Reliability
If the amplitude of the single-ended signal is increased to prevent noise-related malfunctions, then noise immunity is improved, but power consumption is increased due to charging/discharging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of signal amplitude by transmitting small-amplitude signals through the first transmission wirings. The reference potential lines provide a stable reference that allows these small-amplitude signals to maintain noise immunity without requiring large voltage swings, thereby reducing the charging/discharging current and power consumption.
3Reliability
If the output impedance of the reference signal driver is decreased to reduce noise impact, then noise immunity is improved, but power consumption is increased due to constant current flow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the output impedance of the reference signal driver adjustable rather than fixed. The output impedance can be dynamically changed based on operational requirements, allowing high impedance during normal operation to minimize power consumption and switching to lower impedance only when noise immunity is critically needed, thus optimizing the trade-off between noise immunity and power consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
A semiconductor device includes: first transmission wirings each transmitting a small-amplitude signal between one of a plurality of first drivers and one of a plurality of receivers; a second transmission wiring transmitting a reference signal connected to each of the plurality of receivers; and a second driver outputting the reference signal with an impedance higher than an impedance with which each of the first drivers outputs the small-amplitude signal. The second transmission wiring is arranged between first and second power supply wirings corresponding to first and second potentials of the small-amplitude signal. The first and second potentials are supplied to each of the first drivers. The plurality of first transmission wirings are arranged close to each other, without being sandwiched between the first and second power supply wirings.