Adjustable Signal Path Delay for Memory Command Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
In semiconductor memory, the accurate timing of internal command and clock signals is crucial for proper operation, but high-frequency memory clock signals and varying propagation delays due to power, voltage, and temperature conditions complicate this, leading to potential misoperation or incorrect data transfer.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an adjustable signal path with a clock circuit, forward path measurement circuit, and variable shift circuit allows for dynamic adjustment of signal delays to accommodate selected latencies, ensuring synchronized operation across different clock frequencies and reducing power consumption by minimizing continuous counter circuitry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the minimum forward path delay of the signal path is reduced to accommodate high-frequency clock signals, then the timing accuracy of command signals is improved, but the power consumption increases due to continuous counter circuitry operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of the forward path delay based on operating conditions. The system transitions from static continuous operation to dynamic on-demand adjustment, where the counter circuitry operates continuously only when needed for timing adjustment, reducing power consumption while maintaining timing accuracy when required
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic measurement of the forward path delay and adjusts the timing accordingly. Instead of continuous adjustment, the system periodically measures and corrects timing, allowing the counter circuitry to be inactive most of the time, thus reducing power consumption while maintaining accurate timing when needed
2Measurement precision
If continuous counter circuitry is used to maintain timing accuracy, then the timing precision is improved, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the existing command signals and clock signals to measure the forward path delay without requiring separate continuous measurement circuitry. The timing adjustment is self-regulating based on the actual signal propagation through the path, eliminating the need for continuous external intervention and reducing power consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by measuring the actual forward path delay and using this information to adjust the timing of command signals. The measurement result feeds back to control the timing adjustment, ensuring accurate timing only when needed rather than continuous operation, thus reducing power consumption
3Adaptability or versatility
If the signal path delay is adjusted to accommodate selected latency, then the adaptability to different clock frequencies is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The forward path measurement circuit is designed to work with any command signal type and any clock frequency. The same measurement and adjustment mechanism serves multiple functions: measuring delay, determining latency requirements, and adjusting timing. This universal approach provides adaptability to different conditions without proportionally increasing device complexity
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatuses and methods related to adjusting a minimum forward path delay of a signal path are disclosed. One such signal path includes a signal path having a minimum forward path delay, wherein the signal path is configured to adjust the minimum forward path delay based at least in part on a selected latency and a propagation delay of the minimum forward path delay. An example method includes reducing a forward path delay of a command path by at least one clock cycle of a clock signal to provide a command according to a selected latency responsive to a count value representative of a minimum forward path delay of the command path being greater than a maximum count value for the selected latency.