Timing Control Circuit for Semiconductor Data Bus Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
In semiconductor memory devices like DRAM, write data timing is not synchronized with the internal clock signal, leading to potential timing mismatches and inefficiencies during write operations.
Innovation Solution
A transfer circuit with a timing control circuit is implemented to synchronize write data with the clock signal, using a flip-flop circuit to latch data and a timing control circuit to adjust the timing signal based on the clock signal frequency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If write data is supplied synchronously with data strobe signal from outside, then data input timing is simplified, but timing mismatch with internal clock signal occurs
Solution Approach 1:
A timing control circuit acts as an intermediary between the external data strobe signal and the internal clock signal. This circuit receives the data strobe signal and generates a timing signal synchronized with the internal clock, mediating the timing domain conversion without requiring changes to either the external interface or internal architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The timing control circuit dynamically adjusts the timing parameter of the latching signal based on the frequency of the internal clock signal. When clock frequency varies, the circuit modifies the timing characteristics of the generated timing signal to maintain proper synchronization between write data and internal operations
2Measurement precision
If timing control circuit adjusts timing signal based on clock frequency, then timing accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The timing control circuit is designed to perform multiple functions: it generates timing signals, adjusts timing based on clock frequency, and works with flip-flop circuits for data latching. This multi-functional design consolidates what could be separate circuits into a single integrated unit, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining timing accuracy
Data Source
AI summary
An example apparatus includes a data bus including a first portion having a timing domain which is controlled based on a first timing signal and further including a second portion having a timing domain which is controlled based on a second timing signal, and a data transfer circuit coupled to the data bus, the data transfer circuit including a data driver between the first portion of the data bus and the second portion of the data bus and a timing control circuit coupled to the data driver. The timing control circuit includes a variable delay to add an amount of delay to a first control signal to generate a second control signal. The data driver is configured to drive data from the second portion of the data bus to the first portion of the data bus responsive to the second control signal.