Optimizing SRAM performance over extended voltage or process range using self-timed calibration of local clock generator
    1.
    发明授权
    Optimizing SRAM performance over extended voltage or process range using self-timed calibration of local clock generator 有权
    使用本地时钟发生器的自定时校准优化扩展电压或过程范围内的SRAM性能

    公开(公告)号:US07864625B2

    公开(公告)日:2011-01-04

    申请号:US12244286

    申请日:2008-10-02

    IPC分类号: G11C8/18 G11C8/00 G11C7/00

    摘要: A delay circuit has a fixed delay path at a lower voltage level, a level converter, and an adjustable delay path at a higher voltage level. The fixed delay path includes an inverter chain, and the adjustable delay path includes serially-connected delay elements selectively connected to the circuit output. In an application for a local clock buffer of a static, random-access memory (SRAM), the lower voltage level is that of the local clock buffer, and the higher voltage level is that of the SRAM. These voltages may vary in response to dynamic voltage scaling, requiring re-calibration of the adjustable delay path. The adjustable delay path may be calibrated by progressively increasing the read access time of the SRAM array until a contemporaneous read operation returns the correct output, or by using a replica SRAM path to simulate variations in delay with changes in voltage supply.

    摘要翻译: 延迟电路具有在较低电压电平的固定延迟路径,电平转换器和在较高电压电平下的可调延迟路径。 固定延迟路径包括反相器链,并且可调延迟路径包括选择性地连接到电路输出的串联连接的延迟元件。 在静态随机存取存储器(SRAM)的本地时钟缓冲器的应用中,较低的电压电平是本地时钟缓冲器的电平,而较高的电压电平是SRAM的电压电平。 这些电压可以响应于动态电压缩放而变化,需要重新校准可调延迟路径。 可调整的延迟路径可以通过逐渐增加SRAM阵列的读取访问时间来校准,直到同时读取操作返回正确的输出,或者通过使用复制SRAM路径来模拟延迟随电压变化的变化。

    Optimizing Sram Performance over Extended Voltage or Process Range Using Self-Timed Calibration of Local Clock Generator
    2.
    发明申请
    Optimizing Sram Performance over Extended Voltage or Process Range Using Self-Timed Calibration of Local Clock Generator 有权
    使用本地时钟发生器的自定时校准优化扩展电压或过程范围的串行性能

    公开(公告)号:US20100085823A1

    公开(公告)日:2010-04-08

    申请号:US12244286

    申请日:2008-10-02

    摘要: A delay circuit has a fixed delay path at a lower voltage level, a level converter, and an adjustable delay path at a higher voltage level. The fixed delay path includes an inverter chain, and the adjustable delay path includes serially-connected delay elements selectively connected to the circuit output. In an application for a local clock buffer of a static, random-access memory (SRAM), the lower voltage level is that of the local clock buffer, and the higher voltage level is that of the SRAM. These voltages may vary in response to dynamic voltage scaling, requiring re-calibration of the adjustable delay path. The adjustable delay path may be calibrated by progressively increasing the read access time of the SRAM array until a contemporaneous read operation returns the correct output, or by using a replica SRAM path to simulate variations in delay with changes in voltage supply.

    摘要翻译: 延迟电路具有在较低电压电平的固定延迟路径,电平转换器和在较高电压电平下的可调延迟路径。 固定延迟路径包括反相器链,并且可调延迟路径包括选择性地连接到电路输出的串联连接的延迟元件。 在静态随机存取存储器(SRAM)的本地时钟缓冲器的应用中,较低的电压电平是本地时钟缓冲器的电平,而较高的电压电平是SRAM的电压电平。 这些电压可以响应于动态电压缩放而变化,需要重新校准可调延迟路径。 可调整的延迟路径可以通过逐渐增加SRAM阵列的读取访问时间来校准,直到同时读取操作返回正确的输出,或者通过使用复制SRAM路径来模拟延迟随电压变化的变化。

    Storage array including a local clock buffer with programmable timing
    3.
    发明授权
    Storage array including a local clock buffer with programmable timing 有权
    存储阵列包括具有可编程时序的本地时钟缓冲器

    公开(公告)号:US07668037B2

    公开(公告)日:2010-02-23

    申请号:US11935566

    申请日:2007-11-06

    IPC分类号: G11C8/00

    摘要: A storage array including a local clock buffer with programmable timing provides a mechanism for evaluating circuit timing internal to the storage array. The local clock buffer can independently adjust the pulse width of a local clock that controls the wordline and local bitline precharge pulses and the pulse width of a delayed clock that controls the global bitline precharge, evaluate and read data latching. The delay between the local clock and the delayed clock can also be adjusted. By varying the pulse widths of the local and delayed clock signal, along with the inter-clock delay, the timing margins of each cell in the array can be evaluated by reading and writing the cell with varying pulse width and clock delay. The resulting evaluation can be used to evaluate timing margin variation within a die, as well variation from die-to-die and under varying environments, e.g., voltage and temperature variation.

    摘要翻译: 包括具有可编程时序的本地时钟缓冲器的存储阵列提供了用于评估存储阵列内部的电路定时的机制。 本地时钟缓冲器可以独立调节控制字线和本地位线预充电脉冲的本地时钟的脉冲宽度以及控制全局位线预充电,评估和读取数据锁存的延迟时钟的脉冲宽度。 本地时钟和延迟时钟之间的延迟也可以调整。 通过改变本地和延迟的时钟信号的脉冲宽度以及时钟间延迟,可以通过读取和写入具有变化的脉冲宽度和时钟延迟的单元来评估阵列中每个单元的定时裕度。 所得到的评估可用于评估管芯内的时间裕度变化,以及在管芯到管芯之间以及在变化的环境(例如电压和温度变化)下的变化。

    Storage Array Including a Local Clock Buffer with Programmable Timing
    4.
    发明申请
    Storage Array Including a Local Clock Buffer with Programmable Timing 有权
    包括具有可编程时序的本地时钟缓冲器的存储阵列

    公开(公告)号:US20090116312A1

    公开(公告)日:2009-05-07

    申请号:US11935566

    申请日:2007-11-06

    IPC分类号: G11C7/00 G11C8/00

    摘要: A storage array including a local clock buffer with programmable timing provides a mechanism for evaluating circuit timing internal to the storage array. The local clock buffer can independently adjust the pulse width of a local clock that controls the wordline and local bitline precharge pulses and the pulse width of a delayed clock that controls the global bitline precharge, evaulate and read data latching. The delay between the local clock and the delayed clock can also be adjusted. By varying the pulse widths of the local and delayed clock signal, along with the inter-clock delay, the timing margins of each cell in the array can be evaluated by reading and writing the cell with varying pulse width and clock delay. The resulting evaluation can be used to evaluate timing margin variation within a die, as well variation from die-to-die and under varying environments, e.g., voltage and temperature variation.

    摘要翻译: 包括具有可编程时序的本地时钟缓冲器的存储阵列提供了用于评估存储阵列内部的电路定时的机制。 本地时钟缓冲器可以独立调节控制字线和本地位线预充电脉冲的本地时钟的脉冲宽度以及控制全局位线预充电,延迟和读取数据锁存的延迟时钟的脉冲宽度。 本地时钟和延迟时钟之间的延迟也可以调整。 通过改变本地和延迟的时钟信号的脉冲宽度以及时钟间延迟,可以通过读取和写入具有变化的脉冲宽度和时钟延迟的单元来评估阵列中每个单元的定时裕度。 所得到的评估可用于评估管芯内的时间裕度变化,以及在管芯到管芯之间以及在变化的环境(例如电压和温度变化)下的变化。

    Pulsed ring oscillator circuit for storage cell read timing evaluation
    5.
    发明授权
    Pulsed ring oscillator circuit for storage cell read timing evaluation 有权
    脉冲环形振荡电路用于存储单元读取时序评估

    公开(公告)号:US07409305B1

    公开(公告)日:2008-08-05

    申请号:US11682542

    申请日:2007-03-06

    IPC分类号: G06F3/01

    摘要: A methor for storage cell read timing evaluation provides read strength information by using a pulsed ring oscillator. A pulse generator is coupled to a bitline to which the storage cell to be measured is connected. The storage cell thereby forms part of the ring oscillator and the read strength of the storage cell is reflected in the frequency of oscillation. A pulse regeneration circuit is included in the ring so that the storage cell read loading does not cause the oscillation to decay. Alternatively, a counter may be used to count the number of oscillations until the oscillations decay, which also yields a measure of the read strength of the storage cell. The pulse generator may have variable output current, and the current varied to determine a change in current with the storage cell enabled and disabled that produces the same oscillation frequency. The read current is the difference between currents.

    摘要翻译: 用于存储单元读取定时评估的方法通过使用脉冲环形振荡器来提供读取强度信息。 脉冲发生器耦合到待测量的存储单元连接到的位线。 因此,存储单元形成环形振荡器的一部分,并且存储单元的读取强度被反映在振荡频率中。 在环中包括脉冲再生电路,使得存储单元读取负载不会导致振荡衰减。 或者,可以使用计数器对振荡次数进行计数,直到振荡衰减,这也产生存储单元的读取强度的量度。 脉冲发生器可以具有可变输出电流,并且电流变化以确定产生相同振荡频率的存储单元的使能和禁用的电流变化。 读取电流是电流之间的差异。

    PULSED RING OSCILLATOR CIRCUIT FOR STORAGE CELL READ TIMING EVALUATION
    6.
    发明申请
    PULSED RING OSCILLATOR CIRCUIT FOR STORAGE CELL READ TIMING EVALUATION 有权
    用于存储单元的脉冲振荡器电路读取时序评估

    公开(公告)号:US20080225615A1

    公开(公告)日:2008-09-18

    申请号:US12128526

    申请日:2008-05-28

    IPC分类号: G11C29/00

    摘要: A pulsed ring oscillator circuit for storage cell read timing evaluation provides read strength information. A pulse generator is coupled to a bitline to which the storage cell to be measured is connected. The storage cell thereby forms part of the ring oscillator and the read strength of the storage cell is reflected in the frequency of oscillation. A pulse regeneration circuit is included in the ring so that the storage cell read loading does not cause the oscillation to decay. Alternatively, a counter may be used to count the number of oscillations until the oscillations decay, which also yields a measure of the read strength of the storage cell. The pulse generator may have variable output current, and the current varied to determine a change in current with the storage cell enabled and disabled that produces the same oscillation frequency. The read current is the difference between currents.

    摘要翻译: 用于存储单元读取定时评估的脉冲环形振荡器电路提供读取强度信息。 脉冲发生器耦合到待测量的存储单元连接到的位线。 因此,存储单元形成环形振荡器的一部分,并且存储单元的读取强度被反映在振荡频率中。 在环中包括脉冲再生电路,使得存储单元读取负载不会导致振荡衰减。 或者,可以使用计数器对振荡次数进行计数,直到振荡衰减,这也产生存储单元的读取强度的量度。 脉冲发生器可以具有可变输出电流,并且电流变化以确定产生相同振荡频率的存储单元的使能和禁用的电流变化。 读取电流是电流之间的差异。

    Pulsed ring oscillator circuit for storage cell read timing evaluation
    7.
    发明授权
    Pulsed ring oscillator circuit for storage cell read timing evaluation 有权
    脉冲环形振荡电路用于存储单元读取时序评估

    公开(公告)号:US07620510B2

    公开(公告)日:2009-11-17

    申请号:US12128526

    申请日:2008-05-28

    IPC分类号: G06F3/00

    摘要: A pulsed ring oscillator circuit for storage cell read timing evaluation provides read strength information. A pulse generator is coupled to a bitline to which the storage cell to be measured is connected. The storage cell thereby forms part of the ring oscillator and the read strength of the storage cell is reflected in the frequency of oscillation. A pulse regeneration circuit is included in the ring so that the storage cell read loading does not cause the oscillation to decay. Alternatively, a counter may be used to count the number of oscillations until the oscillations decay, which also yields a measure of the read strength of the storage cell. The pulse generator may have variable output current, and the current varied to determine a change in current with the storage cell enabled and disabled that produces the same oscillation frequency. The read current is the difference between currents.

    摘要翻译: 用于存储单元读取定时评估的脉冲环形振荡器电路提供读取强度信息。 脉冲发生器耦合到待测量的存储单元连接到的位线。 因此,存储单元形成环形振荡器的一部分,并且存储单元的读取强度被反映在振荡频率中。 在环中包括脉冲再生电路,使得存储单元读取负载不会导致振荡衰减。 或者,可以使用计数器对振荡次数进行计数,直到振荡衰减,这也产生存储单元的读取强度的量度。 脉冲发生器可以具有可变输出电流,并且电流变化以确定产生相同振荡频率的存储单元的使能和禁用的电流变化。 读取电流是电流之间的差异。

    Wordline-to-bitline output timing ring oscillator circuit for evaluating storage array performance
    8.
    发明授权
    Wordline-to-bitline output timing ring oscillator circuit for evaluating storage array performance 失效
    用于评估存储阵列性能的字线到位线输出定时环形振荡器电路

    公开(公告)号:US07760565B2

    公开(公告)日:2010-07-20

    申请号:US11781994

    申请日:2007-07-24

    IPC分类号: G11C29/00 G11C7/00

    摘要: A wordline-to-bitline timing ring oscillator circuit for evaluating storage cell access time provides data on internal bitline access timing, and in particular the total wordline select-to-bitline read output timing. Columns of a storage array are connected in a ring, forming a ring oscillator. The bitline read circuit output of each column is connected to a wordline select input of a next column, with a net inversion around the ring, so that a ring oscillator is formed. The period of oscillation of the ring oscillator is determined by the total wordline select-to-bitline read circuit output timing for a first phase and the pre-charge interval time for the other phase, with the bitline read timing dominating. The circuit may be applied both to small-signal storage arrays, with the sense amplifier timing included within the ring oscillator period, or to large-signal storage arrays, with the read evaluate circuit timing included.

    摘要翻译: 用于评估存储单元访问时间的字线到位线定时环形振荡器电路提供关于内部位线访问定时的数据,特别是总字线选择到位线读出输出定时。 存储阵列的列以环形连接,形成环形振荡器。 每列的位线读取电路输出连接到下一列的字线选择输入,环绕环反转,从而形成环形振荡器。 环形振荡器的振荡周期由第一相的总字线选择到位线读取电路输出定时和另一相的预充电间隔时间决定,而位线读取时序主导。 该电路可以应用于小信号存储阵列,其中包括在环形振荡器周期内的读出放大器定时,或者包括读取评估电路时序的大信号存储阵列。

    Wordline-To-Bitline Output Timing Ring Oscillator Circuit for Evaluating Storage Array Performance
    9.
    发明申请
    Wordline-To-Bitline Output Timing Ring Oscillator Circuit for Evaluating Storage Array Performance 失效
    用于评估存储阵列性能的字线到位线输出定时环形振荡器电路

    公开(公告)号:US20090027065A1

    公开(公告)日:2009-01-29

    申请号:US11781994

    申请日:2007-07-24

    IPC分类号: G01R27/28

    摘要: A wordline-to-bitline timing ring oscillator circuit for evaluating storage cell access time provides data on internal bitline access timing, and in particular the total wordline select-to-bitline read output timing. Columns of a storage array are connected in a ring, forming a ring oscillator. The bitline read circuit output of each column is connected to a wordline select input of a next column, with a net inversion around the ring, so that a ring oscillator is formed. The period of oscillation of the ring oscillator is determined by the total wordline select-to-bitline read circuit output timing for a first phase and the pre-charge interval time for the other phase, with the bitline read timing dominating. The circuit may be applied both to small-signal storage arrays, with the sense amplifier timing included within the ring oscillator period, or to large-signal storage arrays, with the read evaluate circuit timing included.

    摘要翻译: 用于评估存储单元访问时间的字线到位线定时环形振荡器电路提供关于内部位线访问定时的数据,特别是总字线选择到位线读出输出定时。 存储阵列的列以环形连接,形成环形振荡器。 每列的位线读取电路输出连接到下一列的字线选择输入,环绕环反转,从而形成环形振荡器。 环形振荡器的振荡周期由第一相的总字线选择到位线读取电路输出定时和另一相的预充电间隔时间决定,而位线读取时序主导。 该电路可以应用于小信号存储阵列,其中包括在环形振荡器周期内的读出放大器定时,或者包括读取评估电路时序的大信号存储阵列。

    Method for evaluating memory cell performance
    10.
    发明授权
    Method for evaluating memory cell performance 失效
    评估存储单元性能的方法

    公开(公告)号:US07545690B2

    公开(公告)日:2009-06-09

    申请号:US11741187

    申请日:2007-04-27

    IPC分类号: G11C7/00 G11C11/00

    摘要: A method for evaluating memory cell performance provides for circuit delay and performance measurements in an actual memory circuit environment. A row in a memory array is enabled along with a set of drive devices that couple each bitline pair to the next in complement fashion to form a cascade of memory cells. The drive devices can be inverters and the inverters can be sized to simulate the bitline read pre-charge device and the write state-forcing device so that the cascade operates under the same loading/drive conditions as the operational with memory cell read/write circuits. The last and first bitline in the row can be cascaded, providing a ring oscillator or the delay of the cascade can be measured in response to a transition introduced at the head of the cascade. Weak read and/or weak write conditions can be measured by selective loading.

    摘要翻译: 用于评估存储器单元性能的方法在实际存储器电路环境中提供电路延迟和性能测量。 存储器阵列中的行与一组驱动装置一起被启用,这些驱动装置将每个位线对以互补方式耦合到下一个位置以形成级联的存储器单元。 驱动装置可以是逆变器,并且逆变器的大小可以模拟位线读取预充电装置和写入状态强制装置,使得级联在与存储单元读/写电路的操作相同的加载/驱动条件下操作 。 该行中的最后一个和第一个位线可以级联,提供环形振荡器,或者响应于在级联头部引入的转换,可以测量级联的延迟。 弱写入条件和/或弱写入条件可以通过选择性加载来测量。