Shared Calibration Circuit for Multi-Channel Impedance Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Semiconductor devices with multiple channels face challenges in accurately controlling impedance in data output circuits due to process variations and temperature changes, leading to inefficiencies in calibration.
Innovation Solution
A calibration circuit is implemented to generate and adjust calibration codes for each channel independently, using a shared calibration terminal and relay circuits to minimize current consumption by transferring adjustment codes after calibration, ensuring accurate impedance control across channels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a calibration circuit is provided for each channel independently, then impedance control precision is improved, but device complexity and current consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the calibration circuits of multiple channels into a single shared calibration circuit. The calibration circuit is configured to calibrate impedance for multiple channels sequentially using a single calibration terminal, thereby reducing device complexity and current consumption while maintaining impedance control precision through sequential calibration operations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic arbitration mechanisms that allow the calibration circuit to switch between different channels based on calibration requests. The arbiter dynamically manages calibration timing and sequence for each channel, enabling a single calibration circuit to serve multiple channels efficiently without compromising calibration accuracy
2Measurement precision
If calibration is performed for each channel independently and simultaneously, then calibration accuracy is improved, but current consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic sequential calibration where the single calibration circuit alternates between calibrating different channels in time-divided intervals. Each channel receives dedicated calibration attention in its designated time slot, ensuring calibration accuracy while avoiding the simultaneous current draw that would occur with parallel calibration operations
3Device complexity
If a shared calibration terminal is used among multiple channels, then device complexity is reduced, but calibration timing coordination becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an arbiter as an intermediary component that manages access to the shared calibration terminal. The arbiter receives calibration requests from multiple channels, determines the appropriate calibration timing for each channel, and controls the calibration circuit's operation sequence, thereby simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining effective calibration timing coordination
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a first channel, a second channel and a calibration circuit. The first channel includes a first command control circuit. The second channel includes a second command control circuit independent of the first command control circuit. The calibration circuit is shared by the first channel and the second channel to generate a calibration code responsive to a calibration command generated responsive to a first calibration command from the first command control circuit and a second calibration command from the second command control circuit.