Semiconductor Sense Amplifier Noise Isolation via Segmented Power Lines
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Solution Overview
Problem
In semiconductor devices, the power supply noise from output driver circuits affects the sensing operation of sense amplifiers, particularly during high-speed data transfer and read operations, due to shared power supply lines, leading to potential malfunctions and increased power consumption.
Innovation Solution
The semiconductor device employs a multiplexer that operates at a higher frequency than the sense amplifiers to sequentially output data sensed in parallel, with separate power supply lines for the sense amplifiers and output driver circuits, isolating the sense amplifiers from power supply noise and allowing for stable operation despite high-frequency data transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate power supply lines are used for sense amplifiers and output driver circuits, then power supply noise isolation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply system is segmented into two independent parts: a first power supply line for sense amplifiers and a second power supply line for output driver circuits. This segmentation isolates the sensitive sensing operation from the noisy data output operation, preventing power supply noise from affecting sensing accuracy while maintaining reliable high-speed data transfer.
2Productivity
If high-frequency data transfer is implemented, then productivity is improved, but power supply noise increases affecting sense amplifier operation
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply network is divided into separate domains for high-speed data output and sensitive sensing operations. The second power supply line serves the high-frequency data transfer circuits (output driver and multiplexer), while the first power supply line serves the sense amplifiers, thereby containing high-frequency noise within its own domain and preventing it from interfering with sensing operations.
3Use of energy by moving object
If power supply voltage is reduced to decrease power consumption, then energy efficiency is improved, but power supply noise becomes more significant relative to signal levels
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the power supply lines, the patent enables independent optimization of each domain. The sense amplifier power supply can be cleaned and stabilized independently from the high-speed output power supply, allowing low-voltage operation with reduced absolute power consumption while maintaining adequate signal-to-noise ratio through isolated noise management.
Data Source
AI summary
A semiconductor device includes a plural number of sense amplifiers that sense at least two data in parallel and that operate under a first frequency, and a multiplexer that operates under a second frequency higher than the first frequency and that sequentially serially outputs the data sensed in parallel. The semiconductor device also includes a driver circuit having a latch circuit connected to an output of the multiplexer, and an output driver circuit connected to the latch circuit and operating under the second frequency. The voltage of a power supply of the sense amplifiers is the same as the voltage of a power supply of the output driver circuit. The power supply of the sense amplifiers and the power supply of the output driver circuit are connected to respective different power supply lines.