Strobe Duty Ratio Adjustment for High-Speed Semiconductor Data Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Semiconductor systems face challenges in maintaining high-speed data transfer rates due to issues with strobe signal duty ratio adjustments, leading to potential data errors and reduced valid data windows during data strobing operations.

Innovation Solution

A semiconductor system is designed with a data comparison circuit and a strobe signal duty adjustment circuit that synchronizes the duty ratio of the strobe signal with odd and even comparison signals, allowing for precise adjustment of the strobe signal duty ratio within each semiconductor device to prevent data errors and secure valid data windows.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If the operating speed of semiconductor system is increased to achieve high-speed data transfer rate, then data transfer speed is improved, but data errors occur due to strobe signal duty ratio issues

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transfer rateVSAvoiddata accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the receiver compares received data with expected pattern data and generates duty adjustment signals. These signals are fed back to the transmitter to adjust the strobe signal duty ratio, creating a closed-loop control system that maintains data accuracy at high transfer rates

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent dynamically changes the duty ratio parameter of the strobe signal based on comparison results. By adjusting this critical parameter in real-time, the system maintains reliable data sampling windows even at increased operating speeds where fixed duty ratios would fail

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Speed

If clock dividing scheme is used to achieve high-speed data transfer, then data transfer rate is improved, but valid data windows are reduced due to duty ratio adjustment issues

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transfer rateVSAvoidvalid data window

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the strobe signal duty ratio dynamic rather than fixed. The duty ratio is continuously adjusted based on real-time comparison results, allowing the valid data window to be optimized for each data transfer operation, thereby maintaining sufficient sampling time even with clock dividing schemes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The receiver performs preliminary comparison of received data with pattern data before actual data processing. This preliminary action generates duty adjustment signals that ensure the strobe signal will have the correct duty ratio for the subsequent data transfer, preventing valid data window issues before they occur

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS12119082B2Semiconductor system for performing a duty ratio adjustment operation

Publication Date: 2024.10.15 SK HYNIX INC

AI summary

A semiconductor system includes a first semiconductor device configured to output a clock and pattern data, configured to receive a strobe signal and output data, and configured to adjust a duty ratio of the strobe signal by comparing odd data and even data that are generated from the output data and the pattern data, in synchronization with the strobe signal and a second semiconductor device configured to store the pattern data in synchronization with the clock, configured to output the clock as the strobe signal by adjusting a duty ratio of the clock, and configured to output the stored pattern data as the output data.