Semiconductor Write Pipeline Control for Abnormal Timing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Semiconductor devices can malfunction during write operations when a data strobe signal is inputted at abnormal timings, leading to potential CWL violations and activation order issues in write pipelines, necessitating initialization.
Innovation Solution
A semiconductor device with a pipeline latch unit and control units that generate pipeline control signals based on idle and reset signals to selectively activate and deactivate write pipelines, ensuring data latching and maintaining continuous operation without initialization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the data strobe signal DQS is received at abnormal timing (before CWL passes), then the write operation may complete quickly, but the semiconductor device malfunctions due to improper latching of internal write signal WR
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by activating a specific write pipeline (first write pipeline) in advance based on the idle signal before the data strobe signal DQS is actually received. This pre-activation ensures that when DQS arrives at abnormal timing, the correct pipeline is already ready to latch the internal write signal WR, preventing malfunction while maintaining fast write operation speed.
2Productivity
If multiple write pipelines are activated simultaneously, then data processing capacity increases, but activation order malfunctions when DQS is received at abnormal timing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the write pipeline into multiple independent write pipelines (first write pipeline, second write pipeline, etc.), each capable of independent activation and control. This segmentation allows selective activation of specific pipelines based on timing conditions, ensuring proper activation order even when DQS is received abnormally, while maintaining overall high data processing capacity through parallel pipeline operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic control of write pipeline activation by using the idle signal to determine which pipeline to activate. The activation state of write pipelines is dynamically adjusted based on timing conditions - the first pipeline is activated when idle signal indicates abnormal timing, while other pipelines are activated under normal conditions. This dynamic approach maintains reliable activation order while preserving productivity.
3Productivity
If the semiconductor device operates without initialization after abnormal DQS timing, then continuous operation is maintained, but malfunction occurs in write pipelines
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by using the idle signal generated within the device itself to automatically control the activation of write pipelines. The idle signal, which is internally generated based on timing conditions, triggers the appropriate pipeline activation without requiring external initialization. This self-service mechanism enables continuous operation while preventing malfunction, as the device automatically adjusts pipeline activation based on its own timing state.
Data Source
AI summary
A semiconductor device includes a pipeline latch unit including a plurality of write pipelines, and suitable for latching data, and a control unit suitable for controlling at least one write pipeline of the write pipelines based on an idle signal.