Abstract: A device for buffering a reference signal comprises a regulator circuit configured to generate at least two replicas of the reference signal as regulated output signals. The device further comprises a receiving circuit configured to receive the regulated output signals in a switchable manner. In this context, the regulated output signals are configured to have different performance characteristics.

Abstract: An enable control circuit, which includes a counter circuit configured to count a current clock cycle and determine a clock cycle count value; a selection circuit configured to determine a clock cycle count target value according to a first setting signal; and a control circuit configured to control an ODT path to be enabled and start the counter circuit when the voltage level of an ODT pin signal is flipped over, control the ODT path to be switched from being enabled to disabled when the clock cycle count value reaches the clock cycle count target value and the voltage level of the ODT pin signal is not changed, and control the ODT path continue to be enabled when the clock cycle count value reaches the clock cycle count target value and the voltage level of the ODT pin signal flips again.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses related to memory operation with on-die termination (ODT) are provided. A memory device may be configured to provide ODT at a first portion (e.g., rank) during communications at a second portion (e.g., rank). For example, a memory device may receive a first command instructing a first portion to perform a first communication. The device may transmit, from the first portion, a signal instructing a second portion to enter an ODT mode. The device may perform, with the first portion, the first communication with a host while the second portion is in the ODT mode. The signal may be provided at an ODT I/O terminal of the first portion coupled to an ODT I/O terminal of the second portion.

Abstract: A high resolution impedance adjustment (ZQ) calibration method using a hidden least significant bit (HLSB) is provided. The high resolution ZQ calibration method generates a data input/output (DQ) code of n+1 bits without a calibration time increase by adding the hidden least significant bit (HLSB) to a ZQ code of n bits output in a ZQ calibration operation of an impedance adjustment (ZQ) pad. A change in a termination resistance of the DQ pad is reduced as small as possible by the DQ code of n+1 bits.

Abstract: A memory device includes a calibration circuit configured to perform a ZQ calibration operation according to a calibration command signal and a calibration power voltage, and a calibration control circuit configured to determine the calibration command signal based on a comparison result obtained by comparing the calibration power voltage level with at least one reference voltage level.

Abstract: Described are on-die termination (ODT) systems and methods that facilitate high-speed communication between a driver die and a receiver die interconnected via one or more signal transmission lines. An ODT control system in accordance with one embodiment calibrates and maintains termination resistances and drive currents to produce optimal output swing voltages. Comparison circuitry employed to calibrate the reference resistance is also used to calibrate the drive current. Termination elements in some embodiments are divided into two adjustable resistive portions, both of which are designed to minimize capacitive loading. One portion is optimized to produce a relatively high range of adjustment, while the other is optimized for fine-tuning and glitch-free switching.

Abstract: A memory module according to some embodiments is operable in a computer system, and comprises a volatile memory subsystem and a module controller coupled to the volatile memory subsystem. The volatile memory subsystem is configurable to be coupled to a memory channel including a data bus, and includes dynamic random access memory (DRAM) devices. The memory module allows independent control of strobe paths and data paths between the DRAM devices and the data bus, and is configurable to perform a memory write operation during which write data is provided to the volatile memory subsystem together with write strobes transmitted via first strobe paths between the DRAM devices and the data bus, and a memory read operation during which read data from the volatile memory subsystem is output onto the data bus together with read strobes transmitted via second strobe paths between the module controller and the data bus.

Abstract: A transmitter merges even and odd data streams to drive a serialized signal. Identical even and odd drivers take turns driving symbols from respective even and odd streams using respective pull-up transistors and pull-down transistors. Each transistor exhibits a significant source-gate capacitance that is charged when the transistor is turned onto drive the serialized signal. Charging one of these capacitances loads the power supply and thus introduces noise. Each even and odd driver includes a pre-driver that times the charging of a source-gate capacitance in the active driver to the discharge of a source-gate capacitance in the inactive driver. The discharge of the source-gate capacitance in the inactive driver counters the effect of charging the active driver, providing much of the power required by the active driver and thus reducing supply noise.

Abstract: A device may include a number of drivers, wherein each driver of the number of drivers includes a number of transistors coupled to an output node. The device may further include circuitry coupled to the number of drivers. The circuitry may configure at least one driver of the number of drivers in each of a number of configurations, wherein each configuration of the number of configurations is associated with a calibration code of a number of calibration codes. Each configuration generates, in response to signal transmission via the output node, an associated channel performance response of a number of channel performance responses. The circuitry may also store a calibration code for the at least one unit driver, wherein the calibration code generates a desired channel performance response of the number of channel performance responses. Systems and related methods of operation are also described.

Abstract: A termination circuit, including a termination resistor, a first switch circuit, a second switch circuit, and a control circuit, is provided. A first end of the termination resistor is coupled to a signal pad. A first end of the first switch circuit is coupled to a second end of the termination resistor. A first end of the second switch circuit is coupled to a second end of the first switch circuit. A second end of the second switch circuit is coupled to a reference voltage line. During a period when the second switch circuit is turned on, the control circuit turns on the first switch circuit with a bias voltage. During a period when the second switch circuit is turned off, the control circuit turns off the first switch circuit with a voltage of the first end of the first switch circuit.

Abstract: An apparatus including a set of one or more receivers; a first replica circuit being a substantial replica of at least a portion of one of the set of one or more receivers; a first control circuit generates an output signal selectively coupled to an input of the first replica circuit; a second replica circuit being a substantial replica of at least a portion of one of the set of one or more receivers; a comparator including a first input coupled to a first output of the first replica circuit, a second input coupled to a second output of the second replica circuit, and an output; and a second control circuit including an input coupled to the output of the comparator, and an output coupled to the first replica circuit and to the set of one or more receivers.

Abstract: There is provided a device that includes a MOS transistor and a bias circuit coupled to the MOS transistor. The bias circuit is configured to bias the MOS transistor thereby maintaining the MOS transistor outside of saturation. The MOS transistor is configured to operate as a buffer or an amplifier, while being outside of saturation.

Abstract: A peak power management (PPM) system is provided for managing peak power operations between two or more NAND memory dies. The PPM system includes a PPM circuit on each NAND memory die. Each PPM circuit includes a first pull-up driver electrically connected to a first power source and a first end of a PPM resistor; a second pull-up driver electrically connected to a second power source and a second end of the PPM resistor; a pull-down driver electrically connected to the second end of the PPM resistor; and a PPM contact pad connected to the second end of the PPM resistor. The PPM contact pads of the two or more NAND memory dies are electrically connected with each other with a common electric potential. The PPM system is configured to manage peak power operations according to the electric potential of the PPM contact pads.

Abstract: A method for controlling a memory system, including a controller chip and a non-volatile memory chip which includes a calibration control circuit, a first output buffer, and a first resistance element, includes receiving a read command from the controller, setting a ready/busy signal to a busy state based on the read command, executing a calibration operation which controls an impedance of the first output buffer based on the read command, setting the ready/busy signal to a ready state, and sending data to the control chip in response to the read command. The calibration control circuit calibrates the impedance of the first output buffer circuit by using the first resistance element within a period in which the ready/busy signal is the busy state.

Abstract: A nonvolatile memory (NVM) device includes a data pin, a control pin, an on-die termination (ODT) pin, and a plurality of NVM memory chips commonly connected to the data pin and the control pin. A first NVM chip among the NVM chips includes an ODT circuit. The first NVM chip determines one of an ODT write mode and an ODT read mode based on a control signal received through the control pin and an ODT signal received through the ODT pin, uses the ODT circuit to perform an ODT on the data pin during the ODT write mode, and uses the ODT circuit to perform the ODT on the control pin during the ODT read mode.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a termination control circuit and a data input/output (I/O) circuit. The termination control circuit is configured to generate a termination enablement signal which is activated during a termination operation period for activating a termination resistor while a write operation is performed. In addition, the termination control circuit is configured to adjust a period that the termination enablement signal is activated according to whether a write command is inputted to the termination control circuit during a set detection period of the write operation. The data I/O circuit is configured to receive data by activating the termination resistor during a period that the termination enablement signal is activated when the write operation is performed.

Abstract: A semiconductor device which includes a termination circuit coupled to a first pad and suitable for providing a termination resistance according to a first control code and a second control code during a normal operation in which data are input and output through the first pad; a stress replica circuit suitable for replicating a stress applied to the termination circuit during the normal operation and for generating a detection code during a second calibration mode; a first calibration circuit suitable for adjusting the first control code to match an impedance of a resistor part coupled to a second pad to an external resistor during a first calibration mode; and a second calibration circuit suitable for generating the second control code by adjusting the first control code according to the detection code during the second calibration mode.

Abstract: An off chip driving system includes a decision circuit, multiple first and second adjustable-enhancement circuits, and multiple first and second drivers. The decision circuit outputs a first and a second decision signal according to a clock and an input data. Each first adjustable-enhancement circuit generates one of first control signals in response to the first and the second decision signal and one of first optional signals. Each second adjustable-enhancement circuit generates one of second control signals in response to the first and the second decision signal and one of second optional signals. Each first driver is coupled to the corresponding first adjustable-enhancement circuit and configured to be enabled in response to the corresponding first control signal. Each second driver is coupled to the corresponding second adjustable-enhancement circuit and configured to be enabled in response to the corresponding second control signal.

Abstract: An active termination circuit comprising an input node connected to a transmission line, a first transistor, and a second transistor. The transmission line supplies a signal to the input node. The first transistor is diode connected between a high voltage supply and the input node. The first transistor terminates the signal when the signal is at a low logic level. The second transistor is diode connected between the input node and a low voltage supply. The second transistor terminates the signal when the signal is at a high logic level.

Abstract: A driving circuit includes: a primary driving module configured to receive a first signal and generate a second signal based on the first signal, driving capability of the second signal being greater than that of the first signal; and an auxiliary driving module connected to an output terminal of the primary driving module and configured to receive the first signal and generate an auxiliary driving signal based on the first signal, the auxiliary driving signal being configured to shorten a rise time of the second signal.

Abstract: An impedance calibration circuit includes first and second calibration circuits, a switch circuit and a control circuit. The first calibration circuit is coupled to an external resistance, and generates a first voltage. The second calibration circuit generates second and third voltages. The switch circuit is coupled to the first and second calibration circuits. The switch circuit selectively provides the first, second, and third voltages to first and second nodes. The control circuit is coupled to the first and second nodes. The control circuit generates first, second, and third control signals according to voltages of the first and second nodes. In a first time interval, the switch circuit provides the first voltage to the first and second nodes. In a second time interval, the switch circuit provides the second voltage to the first and second nodes, or provides the second and third voltages respectively to the first and second nodes.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatuses for offset cancellation are described. A memory device may determine that a channel is in a state that interrupts an active termination of the channel and enable the calibration of a reference voltage (e.g., by the memory device). For example, a channel used for data communications with a second device (e.g., a controller) may initially be in a state of active termination. The memory device may determine that the channel has transitioned to another state that interrupts the active termination. While the channel is in the other state, the memory device may calibrate a reference voltage of a receiver by transmitting calibration signals on the channel and detecting an offset associated with a reference voltage. The memory device may use the detected offset and the reference voltage to identify signals transmitted to the memory device over the channel.

Abstract: A code shift calculation circuit is provided. A first operation circuit of the code shift calculation circuit generates a first output value according to a temperature difference and a first change rate of a driving strength code to temperature. The temperature difference is a difference between a previous temperature when getting a previous ZQ command and a current temperature when getting a current ZQ command. A second operation circuit generates a second output value according to a voltage difference and a second change rate of the driving strength code to voltage. The voltage difference is a difference between a previous working voltage when getting the previous ZQ command and a current working voltage when getting the current ZQ command. A third operation circuit sums up the first output value and the second output value to generate a shift value, thereby adjusting the driving strength code calibrated by ZQ calibration.

Abstract: A resistance of configurable termination circuitry located at an interface between a memory component and a processing device is adjusted. The configurable termination circuitry includes a plurality of transistors, a plurality of switches coupled to the plurality of transistors, and a plurality of resistors coupled to the plurality of switches. The resistance of the configurable termination circuitry is adjusted based on a mode of the configurable termination circuitry.

Abstract: A signal transmitting and receiving apparatus including: a first on-die termination circuit connected to a first pin through which a first signal is transmitted or received and, when enabled, the first on-die termination circuit is configured to provide a first termination resistance to a signal line connected to the first pin; a second on-die termination circuit connected to a second pin through which a second signal is transmitted or received and, when enabled, the second on-die termination circuit is configured to provide a second termination resistance to a signal line connected to the second pin; and an on-die termination control circuit configured to independently control an enable time and a disable time of each of the first on-die termination circuit and the second on-die termination circuit.

Abstract: Low-voltage differential signaling (LVDS) receiver circuits, electronic devices, and methods are provided. A LVDS receiver includes an input differential pair of transistors that receive a differential input signal. The input differential pair includes a first NMOS transistor that receives a first input signal and a second NMOS transistor that receives a second input signal. A third NMOS transistor has source and drain terminals respectively coupled to source and drain terminals of the first NMOS transistor, and a fourth NMOS transistor has source and drain terminals respectively coupled to source and drain terminals of the second NMOS transistor. A first level shifter is coupled to a gate of the third NMOS transistor, and a second level shifter is coupled to a gate of the fourth NMOS transistor.

Abstract: Systems and apparatuses are provided for an arbiter circuit for timing based ZQ calibration. An example system includes a resistor and a plurality of chips. Each of the plurality of chips further includes a terminal coupled to the resistor and a calibration circuit. The calibration circuit determines whether the resistor is available based, at least in part, on timing information that is unique to a corresponding chip of the plurality of chip. The timing information of each chip of the plurality of chips has a fixed duration of time common to the plurality of chips.

Abstract: A data storage system includes a storage medium including plurality of memory cells, a storage controller in communication with the storage medium, an electrical interface circuitry configured to pass data via a channel disposed between the storage medium and the storage controller; and voltage training circuitry configured to train a high-level output voltage (VOH) for each of a plurality of data lines of the channel. Training the VOH includes, for each of the plurality of data lines of the channel, calibrating a pull-up driver of the storage controller against an on-die termination circuit of the storage medium, calibrating a pull-down driver of the storage controller against the pull-up driver of the storage controller, and calibrating an on-die termination circuit of the storage controller against a pull-up driver of the storage medium.

Abstract: Systems, apparatus and methods are provided for multi-drop multi-load NAND interface topology where a number of NAND flash devices share a common data bus with a NAND controller. A method for controlling on-die termination in a non-volatile storage device may comprise receiving a chip enable signal on a chip enable signal line from a controller, receiving an on-die termination (ODT) command on a data bus from the controller while the chip enable signal is on, decoding the on-die termination command and applying termination resistor (RTT) settings in the ODT command to a selected non-volatile storage unit at the non-volatile storage device to enable ODT for the selected non-volatile storage unit.

Abstract: A digital device is provided. The digital device uses three states, including a ground (GND) state, a voltage (VDD) state, and a FLOAT state. On designing a chip, two storage units and a pad circuit are set inside; the pad circuit comprises a current limiter and two switches; and less ports contained are required than the conventional. That is, one port obtains three states. As comparing to the conventional having only two states, the present invention uses the port connected with two storage units in the pad circuit for obtaining the three states; a circuit featuring “pull up” and “pull down” is used to identify the state of connection of the port; and the port determines a plurality of definitions through the three states of GND, VDD and FLOAT. Thus, a pad is saved for reducing the space and cost of the chip.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to an I/O bank impedance calibration circuit having (a) a replica master resistor coupled to an external precision resistor, and (b) a control circuit configured to calibrate an output impedance of the master resistor to generate a calibrated code to control a replica slave resistor in each bank. In an illustrative example, a signal applied to the replica master resistor may be compared against a programmable reference signal. The control circuit may generate the calibrated code, in response to the comparison result, to calibrate the output impedance of the replica master resistor. By implementing the replica master resistor and the replica slave resistor, impedances of a large number of IOs or banks may be calibrated by the impedance calibration circuit using a single one reference pin.

Abstract: An impedance calibration circuit may include: a first driver having an impedance calibrated according to a first impedance control code, and configured to drive an output terminal according to first data; a second driver having an impedance calibrated according to a second impedance control code, and configured to drive the output terminal according to second data; and an impedance calibration circuit configured to calibrate the first impedance control code to a first target value set to a resistance value of an external resistor, and calibrate the second impedance control code to a second target value different from the resistance value of the external resistor.

Abstract: Disclosed are a memory interface circuit including an output impedance monitor, which is capable of monitoring and calibrating an output impedance of a driving circuit in real time, and a method of calibrating the output impedance. The memory interface circuit includes a control circuit that outputs a digital transmission signal, a driving circuit that outputs an output signal, based on the digital transmission signal, an output impedance monitor that outputs a pull-up monitoring signal or a pull-down monitoring signal, based on the digital transmission signal and the output signal, and an output impedance calibrator that outputs an impedance monitoring signal, based on the pull-up monitoring signal or the pull-down monitoring signal, and wherein the driving circuit calibrates output impedance based on the impedance monitoring signal.

Abstract: A liquid level detector has an ultrasonic sensor connected thereto by two signal lines. When a drive signal is output from a drive circuit, the drive signal is output via an impedance matching circuit, thereby transmission and reception signals on the signal lines flow as complementary level signals. A receiver circuit obtains an amplified signal by amplifying the transmission and reception signals with a differential amplifier circuit, and by cutting a same phase noise signal.

Abstract: Provided is a calibration circuit and operating method of the calibration circuit. A calibration circuit includes a first resistor code output circuit and a second resistor code output circuit. The first resistor code output circuit is coupled to an external resistor through an input/output pad, performs a first calibration operation, based on a first resistor value, such that a target voltage applied to a first reference node coupled to the input/output pad has a set voltage level, and outputs a first resistor code as a result obtained by performing the first calibration operation. The second resistor code output circuit receives the target voltage, sets an internal resistor value, based on the first resistor code, performs a second calibration operation, based on a second resistor value different from the first resistor value, and outputs a second resistor code as a result obtained by performing the second calibration operation. The first resistor value is a resistor value of the first resistor.

Abstract: A semiconductor apparatus includes a calibration circuit and a main driver. The calibration circuit is configured to generate a first calibration code when set to have a positive offset and generate a second calibration code when set to have a negative offset complementary to the positive offset. The main driver is configured to set a resistance value of the main driver based on the first and second calibration codes.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods for conveying and receiving information as electrical signals in a computing system are disclosed. A computing system includes multiple transmitters sending singled-ended data signals to multiple receivers. A termination voltage is generated and sent to the multiple receivers. The termination voltage is coupled to each of signal termination circuitry and signal sampling circuitry within each of the multiple receivers. Any change in the termination voltage affects the termination circuitry and affects comparisons performed by the sampling circuitry. Received signals are reconstructed at the receivers using the received signals, the signal termination circuitry and the signal sampling circuitry.

Abstract: Semiconductor devices are disclosed. A semiconductor device may include an input/output (I/O) interface area. The semiconductor device may also include a number of ZQ calibration circuits, wherein each of the number of ZQ calibration circuits is positioned adjacent to an associated portion of the I/O interface area. The semiconductor device may also include a number of interpolation circuits, wherein each of the number of interpolation circuits positioned adjacent to an associated portion of the I/O interface area and configured to generate a calibration code based on a number of other calibration codes. Further, portions of the I/O interface area associated with the number of interpolation circuits are at least partially positioned between portions of the I/O interface area associated with the number of ZQ calibration circuits. Methods and systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: A memory device includes a calibration circuit having a pull-up code generator including a pull-up resistor block and generating a pull-up code, and a pull-down code generator including a replica pull-up resistor block and a pull-down resistor block and generating a pull-down code, and an off chip driver/on die termination circuit providing a termination resistance having a resistance value set by the calibration circuit in a data reception operation and outputting data at an output strength set by the calibration circuit in a data output operation. In a calibration operation, a resistance value of the replica pull-up resistor block is adjusted to be less than a resistance value of the pull-up resistor block, and the pull-down code has a code value by which a resistance value of the pull-down resistor block corresponds to the resistance value of the replica pull-up resistor block.

Abstract: A system, method, and non-transitory computer readable medium are provided for tuning sensitivities of, and determining a process window for, a modulated wafer. The sensitivities for dies of the modulated wafer are tuned dynamically based on a single set of parameters. Further, the process window is determined for the modulated wafer from prior determined parameter-specific nominal process windows.

Abstract: Embodiments of a peak power management (PPM) circuit on a memory die are disclosed. The PPM circuit includes a first transistor and a second transistor arranged in parallel, wherein the first and second transistors each has a drain terminal electrically connected to a first power source and a second power source, respectively. The PPM circuit also includes a resistor having a first terminal electrically connected to respective source terminals of the first and second transistors. The PPM circuit further includes a first contact pad on the memory die, electrically connected to a second contact pad on a different memory die through a die-to-die connection. The PPM circuit also includes a third transistor with a drain terminal electrically connected to a second terminal of the resistor, and a source terminal electrically connected to the first contact pad.

Abstract: An impedance calibration circuit includes a first code generation circuit connected to a first reference resistor, and configured to generate a first code for forming a resistance based on the first reference resistor, by using the first reference resistor; a second code generation circuit configured to form a resistance of a second reference resistor less than the resistance of the first reference resistor, based on the first code, and generate a second code by using the second reference resistor; and a target impedance code generation circuit configured to generate a target impedance code based on the first code, the second code, and a target impedance value, and form an impedance having the target impedance value in a termination driver connected to the impedance calibration circuit, based on the target impedance code.

Abstract: A device includes a voltage source configured to selectively drive a first wire and a second wire with a first voltage level. The device further includes an adjustable current source configured to selectively discharge the first and second wire. The device further includes a control circuit configured to output data and power by way of the first and second wire by selectively coupling the first wire to the voltage source and the second wire to the adjustable current source such that, during a first time period, the first wire has the first voltage level and the second wire has a second voltage level. The data and power is output by also selectively switching the couplings of the first time period such that, during a second time period subsequent to the first time period, the first wire has the second voltage level and the second wire has the first voltage level.

Abstract: Multiple polymorphic Multi-Threshold NULL Convention Logic gates that exhibit one function under a higher supply voltage, and the other function under a lower supply voltage and asynchronous polymorphic circuits able to implement two distinctive functionalities controlled by the supply voltage.

Abstract: An apparatus includes an external terminal, an output circuit having an impedance corresponding to a code signal, and a calibration circuit configured to produce the code signal responsive to a comparison of a voltage at the external terminal with a reference voltage, the comparison performed by a first cycle period in a first mode and by a second cycle which is longer than the first cycle period in a second mode.

Abstract: A method is described. The method includes configuring first register space to establish ODT values of a data strobe signal trace of a DDR data bus. The method also includes configuring second register space to establish ODT values of a data signal trace of the DDR data bus. The ODT values for the data strobe signal trace are different than the ODT values for the data signal trace. The ODT values for the data strobe signal do not change when consecutive write operations of the DDR bus write to different ranks of a same DIMM.

Abstract: A current mirror circuit includes a current output terminal, a first transistor, a second transistor, and a digital-to-analog converter (DAC). The first transistor includes a first terminal coupled to a power rail, a second terminal coupled to a current source, and a third terminal coupled to the current source. The second transistor includes a first terminal coupled to the power rail, a second terminal coupled to the second terminal of the first transistor, and a third terminal coupled to the current output terminal. The DAC includes an output terminal coupled to the second transistor.

Abstract: A nonvolatile memory device includes a first memory structure. The first memory structure includes first through N-th memory dies that may be connected to an external memory controller via a first channel. N is a natural number equal to or greater than two. At least one of the first through N-th memory dies is configured to be used as a first representative die that performs an on-die termination (ODT) operation while a data write operation is performed for one of the first through N-th memory dies.

Abstract: A method of operating an input/output interface includes selecting one of a plurality of output driver circuits according to a mode selection signal, and outputting a data signal using the selected one of the plurality of output driver circuits. Another method of operating an includes generating a mode selection signal based on a received command signal, and controlling an on-die termination (ODT) circuit included in the input/output interface according to the mode selection signal. Another method of operating an includes generating a mode selection signal based on a received command signal, and controlling an ODT circuit included in the input/output interface according to the mode selection signal.

Abstract: A method of operating an input/output interface includes selecting one of a plurality of output driver circuits according to a mode selection signal, and outputting a data signal using the selected one of the plurality of output driver circuits. Another method of operating an includes generating a mode selection signal based on a received command signal, and controlling an on-die termination (ODT) circuit included in the input/output interface according to the mode selection signal. Another method of operating an includes generating a mode selection signal based on a received command signal, and controlling an ODT circuit included in the input/output interface according to the mode selection signal.