Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a shift register and a control signal generation circuit. The shift register generates shifted pulses, wherein a number of the shifted pulses is controlled according to a mode of a burst length. The control signal generation circuit generates a control signal for setting a burst operation period according to a period during which the shifted pulses are created. The burst operation period is a period during which a burst operation is performed.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a plurality of delay cells coupled in series to each other, each including a pull-up transistor and a pull-down transistor coupled in series to each other; a monitoring control block suitable for controlling the delay cells to perform a monitoring operation based on an enable signal; and a coupling block that is arranged between each input terminal of the delay cells and a gate of the pull-up transistor or pull-down transistor, and suitable for adjusting a turn-on level based on the enable signal.

Abstract: A semiconductor apparatus may be provided. The semiconductor apparatus may include a first buffer configured to generate a first preliminary clock and a first preliminary clock bar based on an external clock, an external clock bar, and a node voltage code. The semiconductor apparatus may include a node voltage control circuit configured to generate the node voltage code based on a control code.

Abstract: A phase detection circuit is configured to receive an input clock signal and a reference clock signal. The phase detection circuit is configured to generate a divided clock signal from the reference clock signal. The phase detection circuit is configured to generate a phase detection signal after comparing the phase of the input clock signal with the divided clock signal.

Abstract: Electrical circuits and associated methods relate to performing a phase alignment by providing N copies of clock alignment circuits, enabling and selecting different clock alignment circuits to achieve an initial phase alignment. In an illustrative example, a phase alignment circuit may include a first clock alignment circuit configured to find a first phase alignment point and a second clock alignment circuit configured to find a second phase alignment point. A control circuit may be configured to select a primary clock alignment circuit from the first clock alignment circuit and the second clock alignment circuit and generate a digital command signal to control a phase interpolator. In various embodiments, by setting the control circuit, the same phase alignment circuit may be used to perform phase alignments between clock domains with different frequencies.

Abstract: A clock and data recovery circuit includes a bang-bang phase detector (BBPD), a voltage controlled oscillator (VCO), a frequency control circuit, and an up-down counter. The BBPD generates an early-late signal by determining whether serialized data received by the BBPD is early or late with respect to a VCO clock signal generated by the VCO. A phase of the VCO clock signal is controlled based on the early-late signal. The frequency control circuit compares a frequency of the VCO clock signal and a target frequency and generates an up/down signal. Based on the up/down signal, the up-down counter increments or decrements the frequency of the VCO clock signal to match the target frequency.

Abstract: Once a delay locked loop has been locked to a clock signal, an omitted clock cycle is injected into the input of the delay locked loop without stopping the operation of the delay locked loop. The omitted cycle is later detected at an output of the delay locked loop, and the delay between the input and output is determined based on the time the omitted cycle requires to propagate through the delay locked loop. Once determined, the number of cycles of delay for the delay locked loop can be used in conjunction with an internal clock signal to launch data and/or data strobes from memory devices and memory controllers such that the proper phase alignment and clock cycle alignment is achieved.

Abstract: A printed wiring board includes: a laminated body that has a plurality of wiring layers laminated therein; a first through hole that electrically connects two or more wiring layers with each other; and a second through hole that has strength to expansion and contraction of the laminated body less than in the first through hole.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to improved systems and methods for control of one or more timing signals in a memory device. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to configurable duty cycle correction at one or more DQ pins (e.g., data input/output (I/O) pins) of the memory device. For example, the memory device may include a configurable phase splitter and/or selective capacitive loading circuitry implemented to adjust the duty cycle of a timing signal at one or more DQ pins during and/or after manufacture of the memory device. Accordingly, the memory device may include increased flexibility and granularity of control over the one or more timing signals.

Abstract: Several embodiments of electrical circuit devices and systems with a duty cycle correction apparatus that includes a duty cycle adjustment circuit that is configured to adjust a duty cycle of the input clock signal based on an averaged code value. The duty cycle correction apparatus includes a duty cycle detector circuit that receives first and second clock signals from a clock distribution network. The duty cycle detector is configured to output a duty cycle status signal that indicates whether the first clock signal is above or below a 50% duty cycle based on a comparison of the first clock signal to the second clock signal. The duty cycle correction apparatus also includes a counter logic circuit configured to determine the average code value, and the counter logic circuit automatically cancels an offset of the duty cycle detector when determining the averaged code value.

Abstract: Techniques and mechanisms for determining a delay to be applied to a clock signal for synchronizing data communication. In an embodiment, a delay is applied to a first clock signal to generate a second clock signal, which is then communicated to a latch circuit via a clock signal distribution path. The delay is determined based on an evaluation of a first time needed for signal communication via a model of the clock signal distribution path. Such determining is further based on an evaluation of a second time for one cycle of a cyclical signal, where said cycle correspond to that of the first clock signal. In another embodiment, multiple different delays are applied each to a different respective clock signal, where each of said delays is based on both the evaluation of the first time and the evaluation of the second time.

Abstract: A multiplying digital-to-analog conversion circuit for use in an analog-to-digital converter is disclosed. In one aspect, the circuit comprises an input block including a capacitor and arranged for switchably connecting a first terminal of the capacitor to an input voltage signal during a first phase and to a fixed reference voltage during a second phase, a sub-analog-to-digital conversion circuit connected to a second terminal of the capacitor and arranged for quantizing a voltage on the capacitor during the second phase, a sub-digital-to-analog conversion circuit that receives the quantized version of the voltage and outputs an analog voltage derived from the quantized version, a feedback block including an amplifier connected to the second terminal of the capacitor and producing, at an amplifier output during a third phase, a residue signal corresponding to a combination of the input voltage signal and the analog voltage, and a feedback circuit.

Abstract: Power supply topologies can leverage relatively smaller component sizes while meeting the power requirements of loads. In a first stage, a determination is made as to whether a high current limit is exceeded for a first duration, or whether an average current provided exceeds an average current limit, such that a power supply component (e.g., inductor) is thermally stressed. In either event, a clock frequency is reduced by a first factor. In a second stage, a determination is made as to whether an output voltage drops below a voltage threshold. If so, the clock frequency may be further reduced by a second factor.

Abstract: A delay locked loop according to some example embodiments of the inventive concepts may include first, second, and third delay circuits, first and second phase detectors, and first and second controllers. The first delay circuit may generate a first clock by delaying a reference clock. The second and third delay circuits may be configured to generate a second and third clock respectively by delaying the first clock. The first and second phase detector may be configured to detect a phase difference between the second clock and the third clock and the third clock respectively. The first controller may be configured to adjust a delay of the third delay circuit using a detection result of the first phase detector. The second controller may be configured to adjust a delay of the first delay circuit using a detection result of the second phase detector.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of an apparatus and a method for generating a quadrature clock signal. In one aspect, the apparatus includes a first delay circuitry to delay a clock signal according to a first control signal to generate a first delayed clock signal. In one aspect, the apparatus includes a second delay circuitry to delay the clock signal according to a second control signal to generate a second delayed clock signal. In one aspect, the apparatus includes a delay controller forming a first feedback loop with the first delay circuitry, and forming a second feedback loop with the second delay circuitry, where the delay controller determines a difference between the first delayed clock signal and the second delayed clock signal and modifies the first control signal and the second control signal according to the determined difference.

Abstract: An integrated circuit includes a signal network and a phase detector circuit. The signal network includes an adjustable delay circuit. The adjustable delay circuit is coupled at an intersection in the signal network between branches of the signal network. The signal network generates a first signal at a first leaf node of the signal network in response to a second signal. The signal network generates a third signal at a second leaf node of the signal network in response to the second signal. The phase detector circuit compares phases of the first and third signals to generate a phase detection signal. The adjustable delay circuit adjusts a delay provided to the first signal relative to the second signal to reduce a skew between the first and third signals based on the phase detection signal indicating that the first and third signals have the skew.

Abstract: A system and method for aligning clock signals in a DDR DRAM module is disclosed. The system includes a phase detector circuitry, a controllable delay circuit, a first delay circuit and a synchronizing circuit. A clock signal is simultaneously transmitted through the first delay circuit and the controllable delay circuit. Subsequently, the clock signals transmitted through the first delay circuit and the controllable delay circuit are captured at the output thereof, and fed as inputs to the phase detector circuitry. The phase detector circuitry determines whether the clock signals are in phase, and accordingly adjusts the delay associated with the controllable delay circuit until the two clock signals are determined to be in phase.

Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment, a circuit includes an amplifier and a programmable capacitor coupled between an output of the first non-inverting and the input of the first amplifier.

Abstract: A memory device includes a delay locked loop that generates a first code for delaying a reference clock in a first operation mode that is a normal operation mode, generates a second code for delaying the reference clock in a second operation mode that is a refresh mode, and delays the reference clock in response to one of the first and second codes depending on one of the first and second operation modes, and a data output circuit that outputs a data strobe signal (DQS) using the delayed reference clock.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a detecting circuit. The detecting circuit includes a clock module, a clock receiver, a delay-locked loop module, a clock tree module, an off-chip driver, a pad, a phase detector, a voltage-detecting module and a control module. The clock module provides a clock signal to the clock receiver. The clock receiver sends the clock signal to the pad through the delay-locked loop module, the clock tree module and the off-chip driver. The control module is coupled to the voltage-detecting module and the delay-locked loop module. The voltage-detecting module is coupled between the control module and the clock tree module, and is configured to detect a voltage of the clock tree module and to send a voltage comparison information to the control module. The control module is configured to control a refresh frequency of the delay-locked loop module.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for creating a constant DQS-DQ delay in a memory device are described. An example apparatus includes a first adjustable delay line configured to provide a delay corresponding to a loop delay of a data strobe signal pathway internal to a memory, a second adjustable delay line included in the internal data strobe signal pathway, and a timing control circuit coupled to the first and second adjustable delay lines and configured to adjust a delay of the second adjustable delay line responsive to output from the first adjustable delay line and the data strobe signal pathway.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for configurable command and data input circuits for semiconductor memories are described. Example apparatuses include input signal blocks, clock blocking circuits, data input blocks, driver circuits, and data receiver circuits.

Abstract: An analog-based architecture is used to produce tap spacings in an n-tap UI-spaced equalizer without the need for digital clock-driven elements. The analog voltage-controlled delay cell circuits control the amount of applied delay based on the measured phase difference between quarter-rate clock signals. Because low speed clock signals are sufficient for comparison purposes, the analog delay cells can be placed before the quarter-rate multiplexors in the data path. The use of analog-based delay cells eliminates the need to route high-speed clock signals to multiple digital delay elements that are typically used to achieve UI-spaced data signals in n-tap FIR equalizers. Timing margin issues can also be eliminated since digital clocked elements are not used to produce the UI spaced delays. The analog-based delay approach also consumes less power relative equalizers that use multiple digital delay elements requiring high speed clock signals.

Abstract: A recording apparatus is provided. An adjustment unit executes adjustment processing for adjusting a delay amount of a timing signal. An input control unit executes input control to input continuously recording target data to be recorded to a storage medium, to a buffer memory. A recording control unit executes recording control for recording the recording target data held in the buffer memory to the storage medium, using an input/output unit configured to receive data from the storage medium according to the timing signal. A control unit performs control such that the input control is started before a recording start instruction and the recording control is started in response to the recording start instruction, and such that the adjustment processing is executed during execution of the input control and before the recording control is started in response to the recording start instruction.

Abstract: A full quadrant analog interpolator used in a fractional clock generator. A quadrature clock signal with minimal jitter is provided to the full quadrant analog interpolator. The full quadrant analog interpolator uses a series of switches and current sources to develop a differential output signal based on a digital input value, thus allowing digital control of the delay developed by the full quadrant analog interpolator. The differential output of the full quadrant analog interpolator is provided to multi-stage comparator. The output of the multi-stage comparator is provided to an integer divider to provide the final output clock. A digital control section utilizes a ?? modulator and a summer to utilize an input N.? control input which provides the desired fractional division amount to provide a signal to a phase accumulator. The output of the phase accumulator is the digital control or ? value of the full quadrant analog interpolator.

Abstract: A divider-less phase locked loop (PLL) includes a phase frequency detector (PFD), a charge pump (CP), a voltage controlled oscillator (VCO), a delay unit, and a clock gating unit. The PFD is electrically connected to the VCO through the CP, and the CP outputs a voltage control signal to the VCO. The VCO generates an output signal. The delay unit receives and delays a reference signal to generate a delay signal. The clock gating unit samples the output signal according to the delay signal. Since the clock gating unit samples the output signal according to the delay signal, the divider-less PLL does not need to include a divider to divide a frequency of the output signal. Therefore, power consumption of the divider-less PLL can be reduced.

Abstract: An integrated circuit device includes a terminal region in which a second signal terminal to which a second signal is input is disposed, an AFE circuit (analog front-end circuit) that performs waveform shaping of the second signal, and a time-to-digital converter that converts a time difference between a transition timing of a first signal and a transition timing of the second signal subjected to waveform shaping, to a digital value. When a direction from a first side of the integrated circuit device toward a second side facing the first side is set as a first direction, the AFE circuit is disposed on the first direction side of the terminal region, and the time-to-digital converter is disposed on at least one side of the first direction side of the AFE circuit and a side of a direction intersecting the first direction.

Abstract: A circuit device includes a first circuit, a second circuit, and a comparator array section. The first circuit has a first DLL circuit having a plurality of delay elements, and delays a first signal. The second circuit has a second DLL circuit having a plurality of delay elements, and delays a second signal. The comparator array section has a plurality of phase comparators arranged in a matrix, the first delayed signal group from the first circuit and the second delayed signal group from the second circuit are input to the comparator array section, and the comparator array section outputs a digital signal corresponding to a time difference in the transition timing between the first signal and the second signal.

Abstract: A first integrated circuit configured to send data to a second integrated circuit may perform a duty cycle correction process and/or a skew correction process. For duty cycle correction, a data-in input buffer is enabled to feedback an output clock signal from an output clock node to a duty cycle correction circuit that adjusts a delay of a clock signal received from a delay-locked loop circuit. For skew correction, data-in input buffers are enabled to feedback an output clock signal and an output data signal to adjust delay amounts of delay circuits that adjust delays of clock signals output to clock inputs of output path circuits.

Abstract: An apparatus of performing a clock skew adjustment between at least first and second clock signals includes first and second skew sensors and a skew controller. The first skew sensor receives a third clock signal obtained by delaying the first clock signal by a first delay and a fourth clock signal obtained by delaying the second clock signal by a second delay, and generates first information based on the third and fourth clock signals. The second skew sensor receives a fifth clock signal obtained by delaying the first clock signal by a third delay and a sixth clock signal obtained by delaying the second clock signal by a fourth delay, and generates second information based on the fifth and sixth clock signals. Each of the first and second information varies depending on the clock skew. The skew controller performs the clock skew adjustment based on the first and second information.

Abstract: Power supply topologies can leverage relatively smaller component sizes while meeting the power requirements of loads. In a first stage, a determination is made as to whether a high current limit is exceeded for a first duration, or whether an average current provided exceeds an average current limit, such that a power supply component (e.g., inductor) is thermally stressed. In either event, a clock frequency is reduced by a first factor. In a second stage, a determination is made as to whether an output voltage drops below a voltage threshold. If so, the clock frequency may be further reduced by a second factor.

Abstract: Clock generation from an external reference by generating a reference clock gating signal using a reference clock gating circuit; enabling a ring-oscillator-injection mode using the reference clock gating signal to disable a first buffer of a ring oscillator and to enable a reference clock injection buffer, the first buffer and the injection buffer having parallel connected outputs that connect to a next buffer input; receiving a reference clock transition of a reference clock signal at the injection buffer and injecting it into the next buffer; and enabling a ring-oscillator-closed-loop mode by using the reference clock gating signal to enable the first buffer and to disable the reference clock injection buffer.

Abstract: A delay locked loop according to some example embodiments of the inventive concepts may include first, second, and third delay circuits, first and second phase detectors, and first and second controllers. The first delay circuit may generate a first clock by delaying a reference clock. The second and third delay circuits may be configured to generate a second and third clock respectively by delaying the first clock. The first and second phase detector may be configured to detect a phase difference between the second clock and the third clock and the third clock respectively. The first controller may be configured to adjust a delay of the third delay circuit using a detection result of the first phase detector. The second controller may be configured to adjust a delay of the first delay circuit using a detection result of the second phase detector.

Abstract: A sampling circuit module, a memory control circuit unit, and a data sampling method, where the sampling circuit module includes a delay lock loop (DLL) and a sampling circuit. The DLL includes a clock control circuit, a clock delay circuit and a voltage control circuit. The clock control circuit performs a delay lock for a reference clock signal, so as to output a selecting signal. The clock delay circuit delays the reference clock signal according to the selecting signal, so as to output a delay clock signal. The voltage control circuit adjusts a driving voltage outputted to the clock control circuit and the clock delay circuit according to the selecting signal. The sampling circuit samples a data signal according to the delay clock signal. Accordingly, a delay ability of the DLL may be improved by adjusting the driving voltage.

Abstract: A delay control device and method are disclosed, which relate to a technology for compensating for a delay difference of a delay locked loop (DLL). The delay control device may include a delay locked loop (DLL) configured to adjust a delay time of a delay line, and compensate for a delay time of a replica delay circuit based on a calibration signal. The delay control device may include a real clock path delay circuit configured to delay an output of the delay locked loop (DLL. The delay control device may include a control signal generator configured to generate the calibration signal in consideration of a difference between the delay time of the replica delay circuit and the delay time of the real clock path delay circuit.

Abstract: A system for controlling a hold-margin in a semiconductor memory device includes a programmable RC network communicatively coupled to a delay logic circuit, a latch clock generator and a latch circuit. A delay associated with a clock path is induced using a combination of a logic circuit and a wire placed across at least one of a column and a row of the semiconductor memory device. A delay associated with the data path is induced using a combination of the delay logic circuit and at least one of the load cell and a wire routed across at least one of a column and a row of the semiconductor memory device. The system controls the hold-margin based on the delay associated with the data path and the delay associated with the clock path.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for improving uniformity between levels of a multi-level signal are described. Techniques are provided herein to unify vertical alignment between data transmitted using multi-level signaling. Such multi-level signaling may be configured to capture transmitted data during a single clock cycle of a memory controller. An example of multi-level signaling scheme may be pulse amplitude modulation (PAM). Each unique symbol of the multi-level signal may be configured to represent a plurality of bits of data.

Abstract: An interpolative divider includes a look ahead sigma delta modulator circuit to generate divide values according to a divide ratio. A plurality of M storage elements are coupled to the sigma delta modulator to store the divide values, M being at least 2. A selector circuit selects the respective divide values and supplies the divide values to a portion of an interpolative divider circuit, the portion including a divider and a phase interpolator. The interpolative divider generates an output clock signal having a first clock period that may be determined by the first and second divide values. The M storage elements are loaded by a clock signal that is slower than the output clock signal by at least half.

Abstract: Digital delay locked loop circuits, devices systems, and associated methods are provided and described. Such devices, systems, and methods utilize an open loop measurement for establishing a coarse delay lock.

Abstract: A clock generation circuit includes a delay chain configured to generate an N-number of clock signals at a frequency multiple that is M-times the frequency of a reference clock signal. To generate the clock signals at the frequency multiple, a multiplexer selectively inputs, to the delay chain, a delayed reference clock signal and a last clock signal generated by a last delay cell of the delay chain. In addition, a delay control generator circuit periodically compares the phases of the delayed reference clock signal and the last clock signal to set the delay of the delay chain. The clock generation circuit generates the N-number of clock signals at the frequency multiple in response to receipt of the reference clock signal, and continues to generate the clock signals at the frequency multiple when the reference clock signal is no longer being received.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for configurable command and data input circuits for semiconductor memories are described. Example apparatuses include input signal blocks, clock blocking circuits, data input blocks, driver circuits, and data receiver circuits.

Abstract: An analog-based architecture is used to produce tap spacings in an n-tap fractionally-spaced equalizer without the need for digital clock-driven elements. The analog voltage-controlled delay cell circuits control the amount of applied delay based on the measured phase difference between quarter-rate clock signals. Because low speed clock signals are sufficient for comparison purposes, the analog delay cells can be placed before the quarter-rate multiplexors in the data path. The use of analog-based delay cells eliminates the need to route high-speed clock signals to multiple digital delay elements that are typically used to achieve fractionally spaced data signals in n-tap FIR equalizers. Timing margin issues can also be eliminated since digital clocked elements are not used to produce the fractionally spaced delays. The analog-based delay approach also consumes less power relative equalizers that use multiple digital delay elements requiring high speed clock signals.

Abstract: The present invention relates to pulse power technology. The system includes an input channel, a pulse edge detector (2) connected in series with two inputs, a filter (3), a variable delay unit (4), and a feedback channel from the generator to one of the inputs of the pulse edge detector (2). The system comprises a reference delay unit (1), and the input channel is connected both to the variable delay unit (4) and to a reference delay unit (1) for simultaneous supply of input to said units. Signals to both inputs of the pulse edge detector (2) are synchronous on average, i.e. tstab.avg=1/??tstab dt=tref with ?>>?est.oper where: tstab.avg—generator output delay relative to the input signal, averaged over the operation time of the system ? at a given tref; tref—reference unit (1) output delay relative to the input signal; ?est.

Abstract: A method for calibrating capturing read data in a read data path for a DDR memory interface circuit is described. In one version, the method includes the steps of delaying a core clock signal by a capture clock delay value to produce a capture clock signal and determining the capture clock delay value. The capture clock signal is a delayed version of the core clock signal. The timing for the read data path with respect to data propagation is responsive to at least the capture clock signal. In another version, timing for data capture is responsive to a read data strobe or a signal derived therefrom, and a core clock signal or a signal derived therefrom.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises: a main frequency quadrupler configured to receive a first clock and output a second clock of a quadruple frequency in accordance with a first control signal and a second control signal, wherein a timing difference between a first rising edge and a second rising edge of the second clock is controlled by the second control signal, and a timing difference between the first rising edge and a third rising edge of the second clock is controlled by the first control signal; an auxiliary frequency quadrupler configured to receive the first clock and output a third clock of the quadruple frequency with a timing offset controlled a third control signal; and a calibration circuit configured to generate and output the first control signal, the second control signal, and the third control signal in accordance with a timing difference between the second clock and the third clock.

Abstract: A memory device includes a delay locked loop (DLL) circuit to receive an external clock, and delay the external clock by a DLL delay time to provide a DLL clock, an output driver to output the DLL clock as a data strobe signal, and a DLL offset control circuit configured to receive at least one of a plurality of functional statement commands, and adjust the DLL delay time based on the at least one of the functional statement commands. Each one of the DLL circuit and the output driver is selectively powered according to the at least one of the functional statement commands.

Abstract: Described is an apparatus comprising: a multi-modulus divider; and a phase provider to receive a multiphase periodic signal and operable to rotate phases of the multiphase periodic signal to generate an output which is received by the multi-modulus divider.

Abstract: A semiconductor system includes: a controller suitable for outputting an external clock signal and a command/address signal; and a semiconductor device suitable for selecting one of pre-stored code values of a delay control signal to output an initial value control signal according to the command/address signal, and outputting an internal clock signal by delaying the external clock signal by a predetermined time based on the delay control signal having an initial value that is set in response to the initial value control signal.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes circuits and methods that adjust and correct duty cycles of circuits. The circuits and methods receive a signal from a first circuit and forward the received signal to a second circuit that retrieves a first setting (X) that provides a measure of duty cycle of the received signal. The circuits and methods then invert the received signal, retrain the second circuit based upon the inverted received signal, and retrieve a second setting (Y) of the retrained second circuit. The second setting (Y) provides a measure of duty cycle of the inverted received signal. The circuits and methods then adjust the duty cycle of the received signal based upon the first and second settings (X, Y) and further retrain of the second circuit to provide an improved duty cycle in a direction closer to 50 percent.

Abstract: The embodiments of the present invention provide an apparatus of an efficient digital duty cycle adjuster and the method of operation thereof. The method includes: providing an input clock having an input clock duty cycle; inserting at least one programmable delay of a programmable delay line to the input clock, the input clock has a first delay inserted for a delayed rise edge, and a second delay inserted for a delayed fall edge, wherein the first delay, the second delay, or the combination thereof, includes the programmable delay; and adjusting an output clock duty cycle of an output clock by configuring the programmable delay, the output clock is generated by a selecting circuit, the selecting circuit includes a select signal, and the select signal is determined in accordance with the first delay and the second delay.