Data Serializer Switching Circuit for Low-Capacitance Output Nodes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Prior art data serializers in integrated circuit devices face limitations in operating speed and power consumption due to large capacitance at the output node, which is exacerbated by the use of multiple sampling circuits and transistors, leading to increased power consumption and potential data bandwidth limitations.
Innovation Solution
The proposed serializer design employs a pulse generator with staggered clock signals, a logic system, and a switching circuit with parallel switches to minimize output node capacitance by using fewer transistors and optimizing switching, thereby reducing power consumption and enhancing operating speed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple sampling circuits with several transistors connected to the output node are used, then the data serialization function is achieved, but the capacitance at the output node increases substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the capacitance-reducing function by removing unnecessary transistors from the output stage. Instead of using multiple transistors connected to the output node as in prior art, the invention uses a simplified output stage with minimal transistors, thereby extracting only the essential serialization function while eliminating the harmful capacitance effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the transistor count parameter in the output stage from multiple transistors to a minimal number of transistors. This parameter change directly reduces the output node capacitance while maintaining the serialization function through optimized switching circuitry and clock signal management.
2Productivity
If the output node capacitance is large, then the serializer can handle multiple parallel data digits, but the operating speed is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic clock signals with staggered phases to control the serialization process. By using periodic action with optimized timing, the serializer can process multiple parallel data digits while maintaining high operating speed, as the periodic clock edges efficiently trigger the minimal transistor switches without requiring large capacitance charging/discharging cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters by using a minimal transistor configuration that reduces output capacitance, enabling faster switching speeds. The staggered phase clock signals are timed to exploit the reduced capacitance for faster charge/discharge cycles, thereby increasing operating speed while maintaining parallel data processing capacity.
3Speed
If larger currents are provided to drive the output node, then higher operating speeds can be achieved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential function of driving the output node by using minimal transistors with optimized switching. Instead of providing large currents to charge large capacitance, the invention extracts only the necessary driving capability through minimal capacitance, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining operating speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the electrical parameters by reducing output node capacitance through minimal transistor configuration. This parameter change allows the output node to be driven with smaller currents at the same operating speed, directly reducing power consumption according to the relationship P = C × V² × f, where reduced capacitance C leads to reduced power P for the same voltage V and frequency f.
4Reliability
If several transistors are connected to the output node in prior art sampling circuits, then the sampling function is reliable, but the capacitance at the output node increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the reliable sampling function by removing unnecessary transistors from the output stage. The essential sampling and latching functions are maintained through optimized circuit configuration with minimal transistors, while the redundant transistors that contributed to high capacitance are extracted and eliminated.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the transistor count parameter in the output stage from several transistors to a minimal number, reducing output capacitance while maintaining sampling reliability through optimized switching timing controlled by staggered phase clock signals and proper signal level management.
Data Source
AI summary
Data serializers, output buffers, memory devices and methods for serializing are provided, including a data serializer that may convert digits of parallel data to a stream of corresponding digits of serial data digits. One such data serializer may include a logic system receiving the parallel data digits and clock signals having phases that are equally phased apart from each other. Such a data serializer may use the clock signals to generate data sample signals having a value corresponding to the value of a respective one of the parallel data digits and a timing corresponding to a respective one of the clock signals. The data sample signals may be applied to a switching circuit that includes a plurality of switches, such as respective transistors, coupled to each other in parallel between an output node and a first voltage.