JP4727073B2 - Semiconductor memory - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a clock synchronous semiconductor memory.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Recently, mobile devices such as mobile phones that are driven using a battery have become widespread. These semiconductor memories mounted on portable devices are required to have a low current consumption so that the battery can be used for a long time. In particular, in a semiconductor memory used for a mobile phone, it is desirable that current consumption during standby is low. In addition, mobile devices that handle large amounts of data such as images are increasing. Along with this, DRAMs with low current consumption are required for these form devices.
[0003]
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Nos. 7-230688 and 2000-285684 disclose techniques for reducing the current consumption of a semiconductor memory by reducing the operation frequency of an input circuit.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In the above publication, the current consumption is reduced by operating the input buffer or the input latch circuit that receives the output of the input buffer only when the chip select signal is activated. However, in a semiconductor memory, memory operations such as a read operation and a write operation are not always executed when a chip select signal is activated. For example, in a DRAM, no memory operation is performed when a NOP command is supplied. The read command and write command before receiving the active command are invalid, and at this time, the memory operation is not executed. As described above, the conventional input circuit operates when the chip select signal is activated. That is, the input circuit operates even when the memory operation is not executed, and at this time, useless power is consumed.
[0005]
An object of the present invention is to provide a semiconductor memory capable of minimizing the operation of internal circuits such as an input circuit and a control circuit and reducing current consumption as compared with the conventional one.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The present invention In this semiconductor memory, the command buffer receives a command signal instructing the memory operation when the chip select signal instructing chip selection is activated and outputs it as an internal command signal. The first clock generation circuit generates the first internal clock signal in synchronization with the external clock signal when identifying that the internal command signal is valid. The command latch circuit takes in the internal command signal in synchronization with the first internal clock signal.
[0007]
The first clock generation circuit does not generate the first internal clock signal when the command signal supplied from the outside is not valid. For this reason, the command latch circuit operates only when a valid command signal is supplied. Therefore, the operation frequency of the command latch circuit can be reduced as compared with the prior art. Further, for example, the operation frequency of the command decoder that receives the output of the command latch circuit can be reduced. As a result, useless operation of the internal circuit accompanying the supply of the command signal can be prevented, and both current consumption during operation and standby can be reduced. Since the number of circuits that operate during standby is originally small, the current consumption reduction effect during standby is particularly great.
[0008]
The present invention In this semiconductor memory, the address buffer receives an address signal for selecting a memory cell when the chip select signal is activated and outputs it as an internal address signal. The address latch circuit takes in the internal address signal in synchronization with the first internal clock signal. Since the first internal clock signal is not generated when the supplied command signal is invalid, the address latch circuit does not operate. Therefore, the operation frequency of the address latch circuit can be reduced as compared with the conventional one. As a result, the current consumption during operation and standby can be further reduced.
[0019]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. Semiconductor memory The first embodiment of Show. This semiconductor memory is formed as a clock synchronous SDRAM using a CMOS process on a silicon substrate.
The SDRAM receives a clock enable signal CKE, a clock signal CLK, a chip select signal / CS, a command signal CMD, and an address signal ADD from the outside, and inputs / outputs a data signal DQ. Here, the clock enable signal CKE is a signal that permits transmission of the clock signal CLK and the chip select signal / CS into the SDRAM. The chip select signal CS is a signal for instructing selection of the SDRAM (chip). The command signal CMD is a signal for instructing a memory operation such as a read operation, a write operation, a precharge operation, and activation of a memory core. The address signal ADD is a signal for selecting a memory cell. The data signal DQ is a signal that represents data to be written into or read from the memory cell.
[0020]
In the figure, the signal lines indicated by bold lines are composed of a plurality of lines. For example, the command signal CMD includes a row address strobe signal / RAS, a column address strobe signal / CAS, and a write enable signal / WE. “/” At the beginning of the signal name indicates negative logic, and “Z” at the end of the signal name indicates positive logic. Hereinafter, the signal names of the clock signal CLK and the chip select signal / CS may be abbreviated as the CLK signal and the / CS signal.
[0021]
The SDRAM includes an input buffer (reference numerals 10, 12, 14, etc.) for receiving signals from the outside, a latch circuit (reference numerals 16, 18, 20, 22, 24) for receiving signals received by the input buffer, and a first clock generation circuit 26. , Command decoder 28, burst write control circuit 30, burst read control circuit 32, activity detection circuit 34, second clock generation circuit 36, third clock generation circuit 38, write enable generation circuit 40, latency control circuit 42, and a plurality of It has a logic gate. Although not particularly illustrated, the SDRAM includes a memory core having DRAM memory cells and a control circuit (internal circuit) that controls the memory core in synchronization with clock signals (CLKMZ and CLK0Z described later). In this embodiment, the SDRAM has two banks that can operate independently. A bank address signal for selecting a bank is not shown.
[0022]
The command buffer 10 receives an externally supplied command signal CMD when an internal chip select signal EN1 described later is activated, amplifies the received signal, and outputs it as an internal command signal ICMD. The address buffer 12 receives an externally supplied address signal ADD when the internal chip select signal EN1 is activated, amplifies the received signal, and outputs it as an internal address signal IADD. The data buffer 14 receives an externally supplied data signal DQ when a write enable signal WENZ1 described later is activated, amplifies the received signal, and outputs it as an internal data signal IDQ.
[0023]
The clock enable latch 16 captures the clock enable signal CKE in synchronization with the rising edge of the clock signal CLK supplied via the buffer, and outputs the captured signal as the internal clock enable signal CKECZ. The input buffer that receives the clock signal CLK and the chip select signal / CS is activated when the internal clock enable signal CKECZ is at a high level, and outputs the received signal as the internal clock signal ICLK and the internal chip select signal EN1. The EN1 signal is a positive logic signal, and its logic level is the opposite of the / CS signal. The internal clock signal ICLK is output as the internal clock signal CLK1 through the buffer.
[0024]
The chip select latch 18 captures the EN1 signal in synchronization with the rising edge of the ICLK signal, and outputs the captured signal as the internal chip select signal CSCZ.
The command latch circuit 20 captures the ICMD signal in synchronization with a rising edge of a first internal clock signal CLKCZ, which will be described later, and outputs the captured signal as a latch command signal LCMD. The internal command signal ICMD fetched into the command latch circuit 20 is valid only for that clock cycle. Therefore, as will be described later, the command latch circuit 20 has a function of automatically resetting the fetched command in the next clock cycle after fetching the internal command signal.
[0025]
The address latch circuit 22 captures the IADD signal in synchronization with the rising edge of the first internal clock signal CLKCZ, and outputs the captured signal as the latch address signal LADD. The data latch circuit 24 captures the IDQ signal in synchronization with a rising edge of a second internal clock signal CLKDQZ, which will be described later, and outputs the captured signal as a latch data signal LDQ.
[0026]
The first clock generation circuit 26 receives the EN1 signal, the CLK1 signal, the ICMD signal, and status signals ACTALLZ and ACTZ, which will be described later, and recognizes that the ICMD signal is valid, in synchronization with the CLK1 signal. A clock signal CLKCZ is generated. When the command decoder 28 receives the CSCZ signal, the LCMD signal, the ACTALLZ, and the ACTZ signal and identifies that the command supplied from the outside is valid, the command decoder 28 receives the command signal CMDCZ (the write command signal WRPZ, the read command signal RDPZ, Active command signal ACTPZ or precharge command signal PREPZ).
[0027]
The burst write control circuit 30 receives the WRPZ signal and activates the burst write signal WBSTZ for a period necessary for the burst write operation. The burst read control circuit 32 receives the RDPZ signal and activates the burst read signal RBSTZ during a period when the burst read operation is necessary.
The active detection circuits 34 are formed corresponding to the two banks, respectively. The activity detection circuit 34 receives the ACTPZ signal and the PREPZ signal, grasps the operating state of the bank, and activates the active signal ACT0 (or ACT1) when the bank is in an active state (a state in which a word line is selected). The status signal ACTALLZ is activated when both the ACT0 signal and the ACT1 signal are activated, that is, when all the banks are in the active state. The status signal ACTZ is activated when at least one of the ACT0 signal and the ACT1 signal is activated, that is, when any bank is in the active state.
[0028]
The second clock generation circuit 36 generates an OR gate for generating a write enable signal WENZ when the CSCZ signal or WBSTZ signal is activated, and an AND gate for generating a second internal clock signal CLKDQZ synchronized with the CLK1 signal when the WENZ signal is at a high level. And have. That is, when there is an active bank, the second clock generation circuit 36 outputs a CLKDQZ signal that captures the DQ signal when the / CS signal is activated and during a burst write operation.
[0029]
The third clock generation circuit 38 generates a third internal clock signal CLKMZ that is synchronized with the CLK1 signal when the CSCZ signal, the WBSTZ signal, or the RBSTZ signal is activated. That is, the third clock generation circuit 38 outputs the CLKMZ signal when the / CS signal is activated, during a burst write operation, and during a burst read operation. The CLKMZ signal is a basic clock signal for operating an internal circuit such as a control circuit that controls the memory core.
[0030]
The write enable generation circuit 40 generates the write enable signal WENZ1 when the EN1 signal or the WBSTZ signal is activated. That is, when there is an active bank, the write enable generation circuit 40 outputs a WENZ1 signal that receives the DQ signal when the / CS signal is activated and during a burst write operation.
[0031]
The latency control circuit 42 delays the RBSTZ signal that is activated during the burst read operation in accordance with the timing at which the read data from the memory cell is output to the outside. The internal clock signal CLK0Z is generated in synchronization with the CLK1 signal when the delayed RBSTZ signal is at a high level. The CLK0Z signal is used as a synchronization signal for a data output buffer that outputs read data or a synchronization signal for converting parallel read data into serial data.
[0032]
FIG. 2 shows details of the input buffers 10, 12, and 14 shown in FIG. The input buffers 10, 12, and 14 receive the inverted signal of the enable signal ENA (EN1 signal or WENZ1 signal) and the input signal IN (CMD signal, ADD signal, or DQ signal), and the output signal OUT (ICMD signal, IADD signal, (Or an IDQ signal) and a negative logic AND circuit. That is, the input buffers 10, 12, and 14 output the input signal IN as the output signal OUT when the enable signal is at a high level. Note that the input buffers 10, 12, and 14 may be configured by a differential amplifier circuit including a current mirror circuit. In this case, the input signal IN and its inverted signal are input to the differential input unit, and the enable signal ENA controls the switching transistor that connects the differential amplifier circuit and the power supply.
[0033]
FIG. 3 shows details of the latch circuits 16, 18, 22, and 24 shown in FIG. The latch circuit has a signal latch unit 44 and a signal output unit 46.
The signal latch unit 44 includes pMOS transistors 44c and 44d (hereinafter simply referred to as pMOS) which connect the output nodes ND1 and ND2 of the CMOS inverters 44a and 44b and the CMOS inverters 44a and 44b, respectively, whose inputs and outputs are connected to each other to the power supply line VII. And nMOS transistors 44e, 44f, 44g, 44h, 44i (hereinafter simply referred to as nMOS) for connecting the sources of the nMOS transistors of the CMOS inverters 44a, 44b to the ground line VSS, and an inverter 44j.
[0034]
The gates of the pMOSs 44c and 44d and the gate of the nMOS 44i are supplied with a clock signal CLKZ (a signal obtained by receiving a CLK signal in a buffer, an ICLK signal, a CLKCZ signal, and a CLKDQZ signal). An input signal IN is supplied to the gate of the nMOS 44e, and an inverted signal of the input signal IN is supplied to the gate of the nMOS 44g via the inverter 44j. The inversion nodes / ND1 and / ND2 of the nodes ND1 and ND2 are connected to the gates of the nMOSs 44f and 44h, respectively.
[0035]
The signal output unit 46 includes two output circuits 46a and 46b made of pMOS and nMOS, a latch 46c, and an inverter 46d. The latch 46c is configured by connecting the inputs and outputs of the two inverters to each other, and receives the outputs of the output circuits 46a and 46b at the inputs of both inverters. The inverter 46d inverts the output level of the output circuit 46b and outputs the inverted signal as the output signal OUT (CKECZ signal, CSCZ signal, LADD signal, and LDQ signal).
[0036]
In the latch circuit described above, the pMOSs 44c and 44d of the signal latch unit 44 are turned on when the CLKZ signal is at a low level, and the nodes ND1 and ND2 are at a high level. The output circuits 46a and 46b of the signal output unit 46 are turned off when the nodes ND1 and ND2 are at a high level. Therefore, the signal output unit 46 outputs the signal held in the latch 46c as the output signal OUT.
[0037]
When the CLKZ signal changes to a high level, the nMOS 44i of the signal latch unit 44 is turned on and the CMOS inverters 44a and 44b are activated. When one of the nMOSs 44e and 44g is turned on according to the level of the input signal IN, the nodes ND1 and ND2 change to opposite levels. The levels of the nodes ND1 and ND2 are fed back to the nMOSs 44f and 44h, and the state of the signal latch unit 44 is fixed. When the levels of the nodes ND1 and ND2 are determined, the state of the signal latch unit 44 does not change after that even if the input signal IN changes. That is, the input signal IN is latched in synchronization with the rising edge of the CLKZ signal.
[0038]
FIG. 4 shows details of the command latch circuit 20 shown in FIG. The command latch circuit 20 is configured by adding a circuit for automatically resetting an output signal (LCMD signal) to the latch circuits 16, 18, 22, and 24 of FIG. The command latch circuit 20 includes the same signal latch unit 44, signal output unit 46, CMOS transmission gate 20a, nMOS 20b, delay circuit 20c, flip-flop 20d, pMOS 20e, and nMOS 20f as in FIG.
[0039]
The CMOS transmission gate 20a is turned on when the output FOUT of the flip-flop 20d is at a high level, and transmits the CLKCZ signal to the signal latch unit 44. The nMOS 20b is turned on when the output FOUT of the flip-flop 20d is at a high level, and deactivates the signal latch unit 44. The delay circuit 20c delays the change in the output FOUT of the flip-flop 20d for a predetermined time, and generates control signals PCON and NCON for the pMOS 20e and the nMOS 20f.
[0040]
The flip-flop 20d is reset when the LCMD signal changes to a high level, and makes the output FOUT low. The flip-flop 20d receives a start signal STTZ that is activated when power is supplied to the SDRAM, and resets the output FOUT to a low level. The pMOS 20e and the nMOS 20f are turned on when the control signals PCON and NCON are at a low level and a high level, respectively, and the latch 46c of the signal output unit 46 is reset.
[0041]
FIG. 5 shows the operation of the command latch circuit 20 shown in FIG. For example, the command latch circuit 20 takes in the low level internal command signal ICMD at the rise of the CLKCZ signal, changes the node ND2 to the low level, and changes the LCMD signal to the low level (FIG. 5A). The flip-flop 20d is reset by the low-level LCMD signal, and the output FOUT is set to the low level (FIG. 5B). The CMOS transmission gate 20a and nMOS 20b in FIG. 4 are turned off and on in response to the low level of the output FOUT. By this operation, the signal latch unit 44 is reset, and both the nodes ND1 and ND2 become high level (FIG. 5C).
[0042]
The output FOUT of the flip-flop 20d is set in synchronization with the falling edge of the CLKCZ signal (FIG. 5 (d)). The control signals PCON and NCON change to a low level and a high level, respectively, after a predetermined time from the change of the output FOUT (FIG. 5 (e)). The pMOS 20e and the nMOS 20f are turned on in response to the control signals PCON and NCON to change the node OUT0 and the LCMD signal to a high level (FIG. 5 (f)). That is, the command latch circuit 20 is automatically reset after a predetermined time after taking in the ICMD signal.
[0043]
The node FOUT0 of the flip-flop 20d is changed to a low level by a high level LCMD signal (FIG. 5 (g)). The control signals PCON and NCON change to a high level and a low level, respectively, after a predetermined time from the change of the output FOUT (FIG. 5 (h)).
On the other hand, the command latch circuit 20 takes in the high-level ICMD signal at the rising edge of the CLKCZ signal and sets the node ND1 to the low level (FIG. 5 (i)). At this time, the output node OUT0 and the LCMD signal are not changed because they have already been reset to a high level (FIG. 5 (j)). The node ND1 is reset to a high level in synchronization with the falling edge of the CLKCZ signal (FIG. 5 (k)).
[0044]
FIG. 6 shows details of the first clock generation circuit 26 shown in FIG. The first clock generation circuit 26 includes a command determination circuit 26a and a clock output circuit 26b. The command determination circuit 26a includes a circuit that decodes the command signal CMD and outputs an active command signal ACTP0Z when the chip select signal / CS is activated and the state signal ACTALZ is deactivated, and the chip select signal / CS and the status signal ACTZ. And a circuit that decodes the command signal CMD and outputs the precharge command signal PREP0Z, the read command signal RDP0Z, or the write command signal WRP0Z when the signal is activated. That is, the first clock generation circuit 26 operates as a command decoder that decodes only a valid command signal CMD. The first clock generation circuit 26 does not operate when an invalid command signal CMD is supplied. For this reason, current consumption can be reduced.
[0045]
The command determination circuit 26a outputs the OR logic of the ACTPZ signal, PREPZ signal, RDPZ signal, and WRPZ signal as the command enable signal CMDEN. The clock output circuit 26b is turned on when the CLK1 signal is at a low level and transmits a command enable signal CMDEN to the inside, and a latch that holds the CMDEN signal transmitted through the CMOS transmission gate as a latch command enable signal LCMDEN. And an AND gate that outputs a first internal clock signal CLKCZ that is synchronized with the CLK1 signal when the LCMDEN signal is activated (at a high level).
[0046]
FIG. 7 shows the operation of the first clock generation circuit 26. The CMD signal is supplied to the SDRAM with a margin (predetermined setup time) with respect to the CLK signal. In this example, the active command ACT0 for the bank 0 is supplied in synchronization with the first CLK signal, the active command ACT1 for the bank 1 is supplied in synchronization with the second CLK signal, and the command for the third CLK signal is Shows the case where is not supplied.
[0047]
First, in response to the first CLK signal, the active command ACT0 is supplied together with the activation of the / CS signal (FIG. 7A). Since the status signal ACTALLZ is at a low level, the command determination circuit 26a shown in FIG. 6 operates and activates the CMDEN signal (FIG. 7 (b)). At this time, since the CLK signal is still at a low level, the CMOS transmission gate of the clock output circuit 26b is on. Therefore, the LCMDEN signal is activated in response to the activation of the CMDEN signal (FIG. 7C). Since the LCMDEN signal is activated, the first internal clock signal CLKCZ is output in synchronization with the CLK1 signal (FIG. 7 (d)).
[0048]
Thereafter, the internal circuit operates to activate the bank 0, and the state signal ACTZ changes to high level (FIG. 7 (e)). The CLKCZ signal changes to a low level in synchronization with the falling edge of the CLK signal (FIG. 7 (f)). Further, the CMOS transmission gate of FIG. 6 is turned on again by the fall of the CLK signal. The LCMDEN signal is deactivated in response to the low-level CMDEN signal (FIG. 7 (g)).
[0049]
Next, in response to the second CLK signal, the active command ACT1 is supplied together with the activation of the / CS signal (FIG. 7 (h)). Since the status signal ACTALLZ is at a low level, the CMDEN signal is activated (FIG. 7 (i)). The LCMDEN signal is activated in response to the activation of the CMDEN signal (FIG. 7 (j)). As the LCMDEN signal is activated, the first internal clock signal CLKCZ is output in synchronization with the CLK1 signal (FIG. 7 (k)). Thereafter, the internal circuit operates to activate the bank 1, and the state signal ACTALLZ changes to high level (FIG. 7 (l)).
[0050]
No command is supplied in response to the third CLK signal (FIG. 7 (m)). Since the / CS signal is not activated, the command determination circuit 26a in FIG. 6 is deactivated and the CMDEN signal is not activated (FIG. 7 (n)). Therefore, the first internal clock signal CLKCZ is not output (FIG. 7 (o)).
When the ACTALLZ signal is at a high level, all banks are activated. Therefore, when the active command ACT0 (or ACT1) is supplied in response to the third CLK signal, the command determination circuit 26a determines that the command is invalid and does not output the first internal clock signal CLKCZ. Similarly, when a write command, a read command, or a precharge command is supplied corresponding to the first CLK signal, the command determination circuit 26a determines that the command is invalid and outputs the first internal clock signal CLKCZ. do not do.
[0051]
FIG. 8 shows details of the command decoder 28 shown in FIG. The command decoder 28 operates when the CSCZ signal is activated and the ACTALLZ signal is deactivated. The command decoder 28 operates when the CSCZ signal and the ACTZ signal are activated. The AND circuit 28a outputs the active command signal ACTPZ according to the decoding result. There are AND circuits 28b, 28c, and 28d that output a precharge command signal PREPZ, a read command signal RDPZ, and a write command signal WRPZ, respectively, according to the decoding result.
[0052]
For example, when the ACTALLZ signal is at a high level, the command decoder 28 does not output the ACTPZ signal even when the command signal indicating the active command is received together with the activation of the / CS signal (CSCZ signal). For example, when the ACTZ signal is at a low level (when neither bank 0 nor bank 1 is activated), the command decoder 28 activates the / CS signal (CSCZ signal) and outputs a command signal indicating a write command. WRPZ is not output even if received. That is, the command decoder 28 operates only when a valid command for operating an internal circuit such as a control circuit that controls the memory core is supplied. For this reason, the operation frequency of the command decoder 28 is reduced, and current consumption is reduced.
[0053]
FIG. 9 shows an example of the operation of the SDRAM of the first embodiment. Note that when the first CLK signal is supplied, none of the banks is activated.
First, the chip select signal / CS, the active command ACT0 for the bank 0, the address signal ADD1, and the data signal DQ0 are supplied corresponding to the first CLK signal. The EN1 signal is activated by the activation of the / CS signal, and the command buffer 10 and the address buffer 12 in FIG. 1 are activated (FIG. 9A). Due to the inactivation of the ACTZ signal, the write enable signal WENZ1 remains inactive, and the data buffer 14 in FIG. 1 remains inactive (FIG. 9B).
[0054]
1 receives a high level EN1 signal, an active command signal ACT0, and low level status signals ACTZ and ACTALLZ. At this time, since the status signal ACTALLZ signal is at a low level, the first clock generation circuit 26 identifies the active command ACT0 as a valid command, and generates the first internal clock signal CLKCZ (FIG. 9C). The command latch circuit 20 and the address latch circuit 22 in FIG. 1 take in the internal command signal ICMD and the internal address signal IADD in synchronization with the CLKCZ signal and output them as a latch command signal LCMD (ACTPZ) and a latch address signal LADD (ADD1). (FIG. 9 (d)). The command latch circuit 20 is automatically reset as described above (FIG. 9 (e)).
[0055]
Due to the low level of the WENZ1 signal, the second and third internal clock signals are not output in synchronization with the CLK signal (FIG. 9 (f)). The control circuit (internal circuit) operates in synchronization with the CLKMZ signal. Then, the bank 0 is activated and the state signal ACTZ is activated (FIG. 9 (h)).
Next, in response to the second CLK signal, a chip select signal / CS, an active command ACT1, an address signal ADD1, and a data signal DQ0 for the bank 1 are supplied. Similarly to the above, the EN1 signal is activated (FIG. 9 (i)), and since the ACTZ signal is activated this time, the write enable signal WENZ1 is activated (FIG. 9 (j)), and the command buffer 10, The address buffer 12 and the data buffer 14 are activated.
[0056]
Since the status signal ACTALLZ is at a low level, the first clock generation circuit 26 identifies the active command ACT1 as a valid command and generates the first internal clock signal CLKCZ (FIG. 9 (k)). The command latch circuit 20 and the address latch circuit 22 take in the internal command signal ICMD and the internal address signal IADD in synchronization with the CLKCZ signal (FIG. 9 (l)).
[0057]
Due to the high level of the CSCZ signal, the second internal clock signal CLKDQZ and the third internal clock signal CLKMZ are output in synchronization with the CLK signal (FIG. 9 (m)). The data latch circuit 24 takes in the internal data signal IDQ in synchronization with the CLKDQZ signal (FIG. 9 (n)). The control circuit (internal circuit) operates in synchronization with the CLKMZ signal. Then, the bank 1 is activated and the status signal ACTALLZ is activated (FIG. 9 (o)).
[0058]
In the next third clock cycle, the / CS signal, the CMD signal, and the like are not supplied (FIG. 9 (p)). For this reason, the EN1 signal and the CSCZ signal are not activated, and the CLKCZ signal, the CLKDQZ signal, and the CLKMZ signal are not generated.
Next, in response to the fourth CLK signal, a / CS signal and a NOP (no operation) command are supplied (FIG. 9 (q)). The first clock generation circuit 26 determines that the supplied NOP command is not valid (command not related to the operation of the internal circuit), and does not generate the CLKCZ signal. Since the CLKCZ signal is not generated, the command latch circuit 20 and the address latch circuit 22 in FIG. 1 do not operate. For this reason, current consumption can be reduced. The command latch circuit 20 self-resets the fetched command. This prevents the internal circuit from malfunctioning due to the command supplied in the second clock cycle in the fourth clock cycle. Conventionally, as indicated by the broken line, the CLKCZ signal is output in response to the / CS signal (FIG. 9 (r)).
[0059]
In this embodiment, the CLKDQZ signal and the CLKMZ signal are generated in synchronization with the CLK signal when the CSCZ signal is activated. Therefore, in the fourth clock cycle in which the / CS signal is activated, the CLKDQZ signal and the CLKMZ signal are generated (FIG. 9 (s)), and the data latch circuit 24 and some internal circuits operate.
In response to the fifth CLK signal, a DESL (device deselect) command is supplied (FIG. 9 (t)). The DESL command is a command supplied when the / CS signal is inactivated, and is a command not related to the memory operation. . Since the / CS signal is not activated, the EN1 signal and the CSCZ signal are not activated, and the CLKCZ signal, the CLKDQZ signal, and the CLKMZ signal are not generated.
[0060]
Corresponding to the sixth CLK signal, the / CS signal, the write command WRITE to the bank 1, the address signal ADD1, and the data signal DQ0 are supplied (FIG. 9 (u)). Since the status signal ACTZ signal is at a high level, the first clock generation circuit 26 identifies the write command WRITE as a valid command and generates the first internal clock signal CLKCZ (FIG. 9 (v)). The command latch circuit 20 and the address latch circuit 22 take in the ICMD signal (WRPZ) and the IADD signal (ADD1) in synchronization with the CLKCZ signal (FIG. 9 (w)).
[0061]
The burst write control circuit 30 in FIG. 1 receives the write command signal WRPZ from the command decoder 28, and sets the burst write signal WBSTZ to the high level during the clock cycle corresponding to the write burst length (FIG. 9 (x)). Therefore, the data buffer 14 and the data latch circuit 24 receive the write enable signal WENZ1 and the second internal clock signal CLKDQZ for a period of 4 clock cycles, respectively (FIG. 9 (y)). Then, write data DQ0, DQ1, DQ2, and DQ3 are taken into the SDRAM, and a write operation is executed (FIG. 9 (z)).
[0062]
FIG. 10 shows another example of the operation of the SDRAM of the first embodiment. This example shows the operation when the command signal CMD is supplied in a state where none of the banks is activated. Only the NOP command is supplied in the first to fourth clock cycles. Such a state is referred to as a precharge standby state. Detailed description of the same operations as those in FIG. 9 described above will be omitted.
[0063]
First, the / CS signal, NOP command, address signal ADD1, and data signal DQ0 are supplied corresponding to the first CLK signal. The EN1 signal is activated by the activation of the / CS signal, and the command buffer 10 and the address buffer 12 in FIG. 1 are activated (FIG. 10A). Due to the inactive state of the ACTZ signal, the write enable signal WENZ1 remains inactive, and the data buffer 14 in FIG. 1 maintains the inactive state (FIG. 10B).
[0064]
The first clock generation circuit 26 in FIG. 1 determines that the supplied NOP command is not valid (command not related to the operation of the internal circuit), and does not generate the CLKCZ signal (FIG. 10 (c)). Since the CLKCZ signal is not generated, the command latch circuit 20 and the address latch circuit 22 in FIG. 1 do not operate. The CLKDQZ signal and the CLKMZ signal do not generate a clock synchronized with the CLK signal because the ACTZ signal is inactive (FIG. 10D). For this reason, the data latch circuit 24 does not operate.
[0065]
Since the operations of the second and fourth clock cycles are the same as the operations of the first clock cycle, description thereof is omitted. The operations in the third and fifth clock cycles are the same as the operations in the third and fifth clock cycles in FIG.
Corresponding to the sixth CLK signal, a / CS signal, a write command WRITE, an address signal ADD1, and a data signal DQ0 are supplied (FIG. 10 (e)). At this time, since no bank is activated (ACTZ signal = low level), the first clock generation circuit 26 determines that the supplied write command WRITE is not valid (command not related to the operation of the internal circuit). Then, the CLKCZ signal is not generated (FIG. 10 (f)). Since the CLKCZ signal is not generated, the command latch circuit 20 and the address latch circuit 22 in FIG. 1 do not operate.
[0066]
Conventionally, as indicated by the broken line, the CLKCZ signal not related to the actual operation is output in response to the / CS signal. In this embodiment, since such a useless CLKCZ signal is not output, the operation frequency of the command latch circuit 20 and the address latch circuit 22 is reduced. The present embodiment is particularly effective in reducing current consumption during precharge standby.
[0067]
As described above, in the present embodiment, the first clock generation circuit 26 generates the first internal clock signal CLKCZ only when the command signal CMD supplied from the outside is valid. Therefore, the command latch circuit 20 and the address latch circuit 22 can be operated only when a valid command signal CMD is supplied. Therefore, the operation frequency of the command latch circuit 20 and the address latch circuit 22 can be reduced as compared with the prior art, and current consumption can be reduced.
[0068]
FIG. Semiconductor memory The second embodiment of Show. The same circuits / signals as those described in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted. In this embodiment, instead of the first clock generation circuit 26, the third clock generation circuit 38, and the write enable generation circuit 40 of the first embodiment, the first clock generation circuit 50, the third clock generation circuit 52, and the write Each of the enable generation circuits 54 is formed, and a signal input to the second clock generation circuit 36 is different from that of the first embodiment. Other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment.
[0069]
The first clock generation circuit 50 calculates an AND logic of the internal clock signal CLK1 and the internal chip select signal CSCZ, and generates a first internal clock signal CLKCZ to be supplied to the command latch circuit 20 and the address latch circuit 22. That is, the CLKCZ signal is generated in synchronization with the clock signal CLK when the chip select signal / CS is activated.
[0070]
The third clock generation circuit 52 activates the write command signal WRPZ, the read command signal RDPZ from the command decoder 28, the burst write signal WBSTZ from the burst write control circuit 30, or the burst read signal RBSTZ from the burst read control circuit 32. Sometimes, a third internal clock signal CLKMZ that is synchronized with the CLK1 signal is generated. In other words, the third clock generation circuit 38 performs a normal write operation (when a valid write command is supplied), a read operation (when a valid read command is supplied), a burst write operation, and a burst read. Output CLKMZ signal during operation.
[0071]
The write enable generation circuit 54 has a write command determination circuit 56. The write command determination circuit 56 activates the write enable signal WRITE when a write command is received when the internal chip select signal EN1 and the state signal ACTZ are activated (when a valid write command is supplied). The write enable generation circuit 56 outputs a write enable signal WENZ1 that accepts a DQ signal when the write enable signal WRITE is activated (during a write operation) and when the burst write signal WBSTZ is activated (during a burst write operation). .
[0072]
The OR gate of the second clock generation circuit 36 receives the write command signal WRPZ from the command decoder 28 or the burst write signal WBSTZ from the burst write control circuit 30 and generates a write enable signal WENZ. The second clock generation circuit 36 generates a second internal clock signal CLKDQZ that is synchronized with the CLK1 signal when the WENZ signal is at a high level. That is, the second clock generation circuit 36 outputs a CLKDQZ signal that captures the DQ signal during a normal write operation (when a valid write command is supplied) and a burst write operation.
[0073]
FIG. 12 shows details of the write command determination circuit 56 shown in FIG. The write command determination circuit 56 has an AND circuit that receives the EN1 signal, the ACTZ signal, and the ICMD signal indicating the write command. That is, the write command determination circuit 56 operates as a command decoder that is activated when the EN1 signal and the ACTZ signal are activated and activates the write enable signal WRITE when the ICMD signal indicates a write command.
[0074]
FIG. 13 shows an example of the operation of the SDRAM of the second embodiment. Detailed description of the same operations as those in FIG. 9 of the first embodiment described above will be omitted. The signal supplied from the outside is the same as in FIG.
In this embodiment, the write enable signal WENZ1 and the second internal clock signal CLKDQZ are generated only when a valid write command is supplied and during a burst write operation, and a valid write command and a valid read command are supplied. The third internal clock signal CLKMZ is generated only at the time of burst write operation and burst read operation. Therefore, the WENZ1 signal, the CLKDQZ signal, and the CLKMZ signal are not generated in the first, second, and fourth clock cycles (FIGS. 13A to 13C). Here, the broken line has shown the conventional waveform. In this way, the data buffer 14, the data latch circuit 24, and the internal circuit that controls the bank do not operate, and power consumption is reduced.
[0075]
In this embodiment, the first internal clock signal CLKCZ is generated by AND logic of the internal clock signal CLK1 and the internal chip select signal CSCZ. Therefore, in the fourth clock cycle, the CSCZ signal is generated, and the command latch circuit 20 and the address latch circuit 22 operate (FIG. 13 (d)).
FIG. 14 shows another example of the operation of the SDRAM of the second embodiment. Detailed description of the same operations as those in FIG. 10 of the first embodiment described above will be omitted. The signal supplied from the outside is the same as in FIG.
[0076]
In this example, since none of the banks is activated, the WENZ1 signal, the CLKDQZ signal, and the CLKMZ signal are not generated in all clock cycles (FIGS. 14A to 14D). Here, the broken line has shown the conventional waveform. Therefore, the data buffer 14, the data latch circuit 24, and the internal circuit that controls the bank do not operate, and power consumption is reduced. Since the operation frequency of a large number of circuits can be reduced, almost the same current consumption reduction effect can be obtained even during precharge standby.
[0077]
Since the CLKCZ signal is generated when the / CS1 signal is activated, the command latch circuit 20 and the address latch circuit 22 operate in the first, second, fourth and sixth clock cycles (FIG. 13 (e) to 13). (H)).
Also in this embodiment, the same effect as that of the first embodiment described above can be obtained.
[0078]
The second clock generation circuit 36 generates the second internal clock signal CLKDQZ when the command signal CMD indicates a valid write command and during a burst write operation. Therefore, the data latch circuit 24 operates only when it is necessary to take in the data signal DQ in order to actually execute the write operation.
The third clock generation circuit 52 generates the third internal clock signal CLKMZ during the burst write operation and the burst read operation when the command signal CMD indicates a valid write command and a valid read command. Therefore, the internal circuit that controls the bank operates only when the write operation and the read operation are actually executed.
[0079]
FIG. Semiconductor memory The third embodiment of Show. The same circuits / signals as those described in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted. In this embodiment, a first clock generation circuit 58 and a command latch circuit 60 are formed instead of the first clock generation circuit 26 and the command latch circuit 22 of the first embodiment. The command latch circuit 60 is the same as the latch circuit shown in FIG. 3, and does not have a self-reset function. Other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment.
[0080]
The first clock generation circuit 58 includes a latch 62 that captures the internal chip select signal CSCZ in synchronization with the rising edge of the internal clock signal ICLK, an OR gate that outputs an OR logic of the output signal CSCZ2 and the CSCZ signal of the latch 62, OR An AND gate that outputs an AND logic of the gate and the internal clock signal CLK1 as the first internal clock signal CLKCZ is provided. The CSCZ signal is generated in synchronization with the ICLK signal. Therefore, the latch 62 outputs the CSCZ2 signal in the next clock cycle when the CSCZ signal is generated. That is, the first clock generation circuit 58 generates the first internal clock signal CLKCZ in synchronization with the clock signal CLK in the clock cycle to which the chip select signal / CS is supplied and the next clock cycle.
[0081]
FIG. 16 shows details of the latch 62 in the first clock generation circuit 58. The latch 62 is configured by connecting a CMOS transmission gate 62a, a latch 62b, a CMOS transmission gate 62c, and a latch 62d in series. The CMOS transmission gate 62a that receives the CSCZ signal is turned on when the ICLK signal is at a low level. The CMOS transmission gate 62c sandwiched between the latches 62b and 62d is turned on when the ICLK signal is at a high level.
[0082]
FIG. 17 shows an example of the operation of the SDRAM of the third embodiment. Detailed description of the same operations as those in FIG. 9 of the first embodiment described above will be omitted. The signal supplied from the outside is the same as in FIG.
In this embodiment, as shown in the third and seventh clock cycles, the CLKCZ signal is also output in the next clock cycle to which the / CS signal is supplied (FIGS. 17A and 17B). Therefore, the command latch circuit 60 that has received the command signal CMD supplied together with the / CS signal captures another command signal CMD in the next cycle. That is, the command latch circuit 60 is always reset in the next cycle. Therefore, the command latch circuit 60 does not need to have a self-reset function and can be configured with a simple circuit. As a result, the current consumption of the circuit required for resetting the command latch circuit 60 can be reduced.
[0083]
FIG. 18 shows another example of the operation of the SDRAM of the third embodiment. Detailed description of the same operations as those in FIG. 10 of the first embodiment described above will be omitted. The signal supplied from the outside is the same as in FIG.
Also in this example, as shown in the third and seventh clock cycles, the CLKCZ signal is output in the next clock cycle to which the / CS signal is supplied (FIGS. 18A and 18B). For this reason, the command latch circuit 22 that has received the command signal is always reset in the next cycle.
[0084]
Also in this embodiment, the same effect as that of the first embodiment described above can be obtained. Further, the first clock generation circuit 58 generates the first clock signal CLKCZ at the next clock cycle when the chip select signal / CS is activated. For this reason, the command latch circuit 60 can be reset by simple control, and current consumption can be reduced.
[0085]
FIG. Semiconductor memory The fourth embodiment of Show. The same circuits and signals as those described in the first and third embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted. In this embodiment, a first clock generation circuit 64 is formed instead of the first clock generation circuit 58 of the third embodiment. Other configurations are the same as those of the third embodiment.
[0086]
The first clock generation circuit 64 receives a write command signal WRPZ, a read command signal RDPZ, or an active command signal ACTPZ output from the command decoder 28 in synchronization with the rising edge of the internal clock signal ICLK, and a latch 64a. And an OR gate that outputs an OR logic of the internal chip select signal CSCZ, and an AND gate that outputs an AND logic of the OR gate and the internal clock signal CLK1 as a first internal clock signal CLKCZ.
[0087]
The command decoder 28 decodes the internal command signal LCMD latched by the first internal clock signal CLKCZ. Therefore, the latch 64a of the first clock generation circuit 64 takes in the command signal WRPZ (or RDPZ, ACTPZ) with the ICLK signal of the next cycle to which the command signal CMD is supplied. That is, the first clock generation circuit 64 is synchronized with the clock signal CLK even in the next clock cycle when the clock cycle to which the chip select signal / CS is supplied and the command signal CMD supplied with the chip select signal / CS are valid. Thus, the first internal clock signal CLKCZ is generated.
[0088]
FIG. 20 shows an example of the operation of the SDRAM of the fourth embodiment. Detailed description of the same operations as those in FIGS. 9 and 17 described above is omitted. The signal supplied from the outside is the same as in FIG.
In this embodiment, the NOP command supplied in the fourth clock cycle is not a command (valid command) necessary for the memory operation. For this reason, the CLKCZ signal is not output in the fifth clock cycle (FIG. 20A). Since the CLKCZ signal is not output, the command latch circuit 60 and the address latch circuit 22 of FIG. 19 do not operate in the fifth clock cycle. Therefore, current consumption is reduced compared to the third embodiment.
[0089]
FIG. 21 shows another example of the operation of the SDRAM of the fourth embodiment. Detailed descriptions of the same operations as those in FIGS. 10 and 18 described above are omitted. The signal supplied from the outside is the same as in FIG.
Also in this example, the CLKCZ signal is not output in the fifth clock cycle (FIG. 21A). For this reason, the current consumption of the command latch circuit 60 and the address latch circuit 22 is reduced. .
[0090]
Also in this embodiment, the same effect as the third embodiment described above can be obtained. Further, the command latch circuit 60 and the address latch circuit 22 are operated in the next clock cycle when the clock cycle supplied with the chip select signal / CS and the command signal CMD supplied together with the chip select signal / CS are valid. It was. Therefore, the operation frequency of the latch circuits 60 and 22 can be reduced as compared with the conventional case, and current consumption can be reduced.
[0091]
FIG. Semiconductor memory The fifth embodiment of Show. The same circuits and signals as those described in the first and second embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted. In this embodiment, a command latch circuit 66 and a command decoder 67 are formed instead of the command latch circuit 20 and the command decoder 28 of the second embodiment. Other configurations are the same as those of the second embodiment.
[0092]
The command latch circuit 66 captures the internal command signal ICMD in synchronization with the rising edge of the first internal clock signal CLKCZ, and outputs the captured signal as the latch command signal LCMD. The command latch circuit 66 has a function of resetting a command signal fetched in synchronization with the falling edge of the internal chip select signal CSCZ.
[0093]
The command decoder 67 is a circuit obtained by removing the logic of the internal chip select signal CSCZ from the command decoder 28 shown in FIG. This is because the command latch circuit 66 is reset in response to the CSCZ signal, so that the command decoder 67 does not need to include the logic of the CSCZ signal.
FIG. 23 shows details of the command latch circuit 66 shown in FIG. The command latch circuit 66 includes a NAND gate 66a instead of the inverter 46d of the signal output unit 46 in the latch circuit shown in FIG. One input of the NAND gate 66a receives the output of the latch 46c, and the other input receives the internal chip select signal CSCZ. Therefore, when the CSCZ signal is at a low level, the command latch circuit 66 always outputs a high level latch command signal LCMD regardless of the latched command signal CMD.
[0094]
FIG. 24 shows an example of the operation of the SDRAM of the fifth embodiment. Detailed description of the same operations as those in FIGS. 9 and 13 described above is omitted. The signal supplied from the outside is the same as in FIG.
In this embodiment, as shown in the third, fifth, and seventh clock cycles, the command latch circuit 66 is reset in synchronization with the falling edge of the CSCZ signal (FIGS. 24A to 24C). ). Therefore, the command latch circuit 66 can be reset without forming a special circuit such as a complicated command latch circuit.
[0095]
Note that when the / CS signal is continuously supplied, the CSCZ signal is kept at a high level. For this reason, for example, the fetched command is prevented from being reset in the second clock cycle.
FIG. 25 shows another example of the operation of the SDRAM of the fifth embodiment. Detailed description of the same operations as those in FIGS. 10 and 14 described above is omitted. The signal supplied from the outside is the same as in FIG.
[0096]
Also in this example, the command latch circuit 66 is reset in synchronization with the falling edge of the CSCZ signal in the third, fifth, and seventh clock cycles (FIGS. 25A to 25C).
Also in this embodiment, the same effects as those of the second embodiment described above can be obtained. Further, the malfunction of the command latch circuit 66 and the malfunction of the command decoder 28 receiving the output of the command latch circuit 66 can be prevented without forming a special control circuit.
[0097]
FIG. Semiconductor memory The sixth embodiment Show. The same circuits and signals as those described in the first and second embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted. In this embodiment, a command latch circuit 68 and a command decoder 67 are formed instead of the command latch circuit 20 and the command decoder 28 of the second embodiment. In addition, a pulse generation circuit 70 that generates a chip select pulse CSP in synchronization with the falling edge of the internal chip select signal CSCZ is provided. Other configurations are the same as those of the second embodiment.
[0098]
The command latch circuit 68 takes in the internal command signal ICMD in synchronization with the rising edge of the first internal clock signal CLKCZ, and outputs the taken signal as a latch command signal LCMD. The command latch circuit 68 has a function of resetting a command signal fetched in synchronization with the chip select pulse CSP. FIG. 27 shows details of the command latch circuit 68 shown in FIG. The command latch circuit 68 includes an nMOS 68a having a source connected to the ground line VSS at the output node of the latch 46c of the signal output unit 46 in the latch circuit shown in FIG. The gate of the nMOS 68a receives a chip select pulse CSP. When the command latch circuit 68 receives a chip select pulse CSP (high level pulse) synchronized with the falling edge of the internal chip select signal CSCZ, the command latch circuit 68 always latches at a high level regardless of the latched command signal CMD. Outputs command signal LCMD.
[0099]
Since the operation of the SDRAM in this embodiment is the same as that of the fifth embodiment (FIGS. 24 and 25) described above, description thereof is omitted. Also in this embodiment, the same effects as those of the second and fifth embodiments described above can be obtained.
In the above-described embodiment, the example in which the present invention is applied to the SDRAM has been described. The present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. For example, the present invention may be applied to FCRAM (Fast Cycle RAM) or clock synchronous SRAM.
[0100]
In the above-described embodiment, the example in which the command decoder 28 decodes the command signal latched by the command latch circuit has been described. The present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. For example, the command signal may be latched after the command decoder 28 decodes the command signal.
In the second embodiment described above, the write enable signal WENZ1, the second internal clock signal CLKDQZ, and the third internal clock signal CLKMZ are output when a write command and a read command are supplied regardless of the bank address signal. An example was given. The present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. For example, the logic of the bank address signal is included in the generation of these signals WENZ1, CLKDQZ, and CLKMZ. May be. In this case, the current consumption can be further reduced.
[0101]
By applying the write enable generation circuit 54 and the second and third clock generation circuits 36 and 52 of the second embodiment to the first embodiment, the current consumption can be further reduced. Further, combining the first and third embodiments, the second and third embodiments, the second and fourth embodiments, and the first and fifth (or sixth) embodiments, respectively, A remarkable effect can be obtained from the embodiment.
[0102]
FIG. 28 shows an example of the first clock generation circuit 72 when the first and third embodiments are combined. The first clock generation circuit 72 is formed by adding a latch 72a and an OR gate 72b to the clock output circuit 26b of the first clock generation circuit 26 shown in FIG. The latch 72a takes in the latch command enable signal LCMDEN in synchronization with the falling edge of the CLK1 signal. The OR gate 72b outputs the OR logic of the LCMDEN signal and the output signal LCMD2 of the latch 72a as the LCMD3 signal. The first internal clock signal CLKCZ is generated in synchronization with the CLK1 signal when the LCMD3 signal is at a high level. That is, the first clock generation circuit 72 outputs the CSCZ signal only in the clock cycle in which a valid command is supplied and the next clock cycle.
[0103]
FIG. 29 shows the operation of the first clock generation circuit 72. The latch 72a in FIG. 28 outputs the LCMD3 signal at the high level until the next clock cycle (third clock cycle) in which the valid active command ACT1 is received (FIG. 29 (a)). Therefore, the CLKCZ signal is output not only in the clock cycle in which a valid command signal is supplied, but also in the next clock cycle (FIG. 29B). As a result, the command latch circuit is reliably reset.
[0104]
The invention described in the above embodiments is organized and disclosed as an appendix.
(Supplementary Note 1) A command buffer that receives a command signal instructing a memory operation upon activation of a chip select signal instructing chip selection and outputs it as an internal command signal;
A first clock generation circuit for generating a first internal clock signal in synchronization with an external clock signal when the internal command signal is identified as being valid;
A semiconductor memory comprising: a command latch circuit that captures the internal command signal in synchronization with the first internal clock signal.
[0105]
(Appendix 2) In the semiconductor memory described in Appendix 1,
The first clock generation circuit activates a command enable signal when it receives the chip select signal, the internal command signal, and a status signal indicating the operating state of the chip and determines that the acceptable command signal is supplied. A command determination circuit to perform,
A semiconductor memory comprising: a clock output circuit for outputting an internal clock signal synchronized with the external clock signal as the first internal clock signal when the command enable signal is activated.
[0106]
(Appendix 3) In the semiconductor memory described in Appendix 2,
The semiconductor memory according to claim 1, wherein the command determination circuit includes a command decoder that is activated in response to the chip select signal and the status signal and decodes the internal command signal.
(Appendix 4) In the semiconductor memory described in Appendix 1,
An address buffer that receives an address signal for selecting a memory cell when the chip select signal is activated, and outputs it as an internal address signal;
A semiconductor memory comprising: an address latch circuit that captures the internal address signal in synchronization with the first internal clock signal.
[0107]
(Appendix 5) In the semiconductor memory described in Appendix 1,
A memory core having DRAM memory cells;
And a control circuit for controlling the memory core in synchronization with the internal clock signal.
(Supplementary Note 6) A command buffer that receives a command signal instructing a memory operation upon activation of a chip select signal instructing chip selection and outputs it as an internal command signal;
A write enable generation circuit that activates a write enable signal when the command signal identifies a valid write command;
A semiconductor memory comprising: a data buffer that receives a data signal written to a memory cell when the write enable signal is activated and outputs the data signal as an internal data signal.
[0108]
(Appendix 7) In the semiconductor memory described in Appendix 6,
Has a burst write function that continuously accepts multiple write data in response to one write command,
The semiconductor memory according to claim 1, wherein the write enable generation circuit activates the write enable signal when the command signal indicates a valid write command and during a burst write operation.
[0109]
(Appendix 8) In the semiconductor memory described in Appendix 6,
The write enable generation circuit receives the chip select signal, the internal command signal, and a status signal indicating an operation state of the chip, and generates a write enable signal when it is determined that a valid write command is supplied. A semiconductor memory comprising a command determination circuit.
[0110]
(Supplementary note 9) In the semiconductor memory according to supplementary note 8,
The semiconductor memory according to claim 1, wherein the write command determination circuit includes a command decoder that is activated in response to the chip select signal and the status signal and decodes the internal command signal.
(Supplementary note 10) In the semiconductor memory according to supplementary note 6,
A second clock generation circuit for generating a second internal clock signal in synchronization with an external clock signal when the command signal indicates a valid write command;
A semiconductor memory comprising: a data latch circuit that captures the internal data signal in synchronization with the second internal clock signal.
[0111]
(Supplementary note 11) In the semiconductor memory according to supplementary note 10,
Has a burst write function that continuously accepts multiple write data in response to one write command,
The semiconductor memory characterized in that the second clock generation circuit generates the second internal clock signal when the command signal indicates a valid write command and during a burst write operation.
[0112]
(Supplementary note 12) In the semiconductor memory according to supplementary note 10,
A command decoder for decoding the internal command signal;
The semiconductor memory according to claim 2, wherein the second clock generation circuit generates the second internal clock signal in response to a write command signal decoded by the command decoder.
[0113]
(Supplementary note 13) In the semiconductor memory according to supplementary note 6,
A third clock generation circuit for generating a third internal clock signal in synchronization with an external clock signal when the command signal indicates a valid write command and a valid read command;
A semiconductor memory comprising: an internal circuit that operates in synchronization with the third internal clock signal and executes a write operation and a read operation.
[0114]
(Supplementary note 14) In the semiconductor memory according to supplementary note 13,
A burst write function for continuously receiving a plurality of write data corresponding to one write command and a burst read function for continuously outputting a plurality of read data corresponding to one read command,
The third clock generation circuit generates the third internal clock signal during a burst write operation and a burst read operation when a command signal indicates the valid write command and valid read command. Semiconductor memory.
[0115]
(Supplementary note 15) In the semiconductor memory according to supplementary note 14,
A command decoder for decoding the internal command signal;
The semiconductor memory according to claim 3, wherein the third clock generation circuit detects that a valid command signal indicating a write operation and a read operation is supplied according to a decoding result of the command decoder.
[0116]
(Supplementary Note 16) A command buffer that receives a command signal instructing a memory operation when the chip select signal instructing chip selection is activated and outputs it as an internal command signal;
A first clock generation circuit for generating a first internal clock signal in synchronization with an external clock signal in a clock cycle to which the chip select signal is supplied and a clock cycle next thereto;
A semiconductor memory comprising: a command latch circuit that captures the internal command signal in synchronization with the first internal clock signal.
[0117]
(Supplementary Note 17) A command buffer that receives a command signal instructing a memory operation when the chip select signal instructing chip selection is activated and outputs it as an internal command signal;
A first internal clock signal is generated in synchronization with an external clock signal in the clock cycle to which the chip select signal is supplied, and when the command signal supplied with the chip select signal is valid, A first clock generation circuit for generating a first internal clock signal in synchronization with the external clock signal;
A semiconductor memory comprising: a command latch circuit that captures the internal command signal in synchronization with the first internal clock signal.
[0118]
(Supplementary note 18) In the semiconductor memory according to supplementary note 17,
A command decoder for decoding the internal command signal;
The semiconductor memory according to claim 1, wherein the first clock generation circuit generates the first internal clock signal in response to a write command signal decoded by the command decoder.
[0119]
In the semiconductor memory of appendix 2, the first clock generation circuit includes a command determination circuit and a clock output circuit. The command determination circuit activates the command enable signal when it receives a chip select signal, an internal command signal, and a status signal indicating the operating state of the chip and determines that an acceptable command signal is supplied. The clock output circuit outputs an internal clock signal synchronized with the external clock signal as the first internal clock signal when the command enable signal is activated.
[0120]
In the clock synchronous semiconductor memory, the command signal is supplied with a margin (setup time) with respect to the edge of the external clock signal. Therefore, the command determination circuit can determine in advance whether or not the supplied command signal is valid, and the first internal clock signal can be generated using the determination result.
In the semiconductor memories of Supplementary Note 3 and Supplementary Notes 9, 12, 15, and 18, the command determination circuit includes a command decoder that is activated in response to the chip select signal and the status signal and decodes the internal command signal. When the chip select signal is inactivated and when the status signal does not indicate a state in which a command can be accepted, the command decoder is deactivated and the clock enable signal is not activated. When the chip select signal is activated and the status signal indicates that the command can be accepted, the command decoder is activated and decodes the internal command signal. The above operation can be configured by a simple logic circuit. Therefore, a simple circuit can determine that a valid command signal has been supplied by the command decoder. Since the determination can be made with a simple circuit, the determination time can be shortened.
[0121]
In the semiconductor memory of appendix 8, the write enable generation circuit receives a chip select signal, an internal command signal, and a status signal indicating the chip operating state, and generates a write enable signal when it is determined that a valid write command has been supplied. A write command determination circuit. In the clock synchronous semiconductor memory, the command signal is supplied with a margin (setup time) with respect to the edge of the external clock signal. Therefore, the command determination circuit can determine in advance whether or not the supplied write command is valid, and a write enable signal can be generated using this determination result.
[0122]
In the semiconductor memories of Supplementary Note 12, Supplementary Note 15, and Supplementary Note 18, a command decoder that can be configured with a simple logic circuit can detect that a valid command signal has been supplied, or can generate an internal clock signal in accordance with the detection result. . Furthermore, an existing command decoder can be used.
As mentioned above, although this invention was demonstrated in detail, said embodiment and its modification are only examples of this invention, and this invention is not limited to this. Obviously, modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.
[0123]
【The invention's effect】
The present invention In this semiconductor memory, the operation frequency of the command latch circuit can be reduced as compared with the conventional one. As a result, useless operation of the internal circuit accompanying the supply of the command signal can be prevented, and both current consumption during operation and standby can be reduced. Since the number of circuits that operate during standby is originally small, the current consumption reduction effect during standby is particularly great.
The present invention In this semiconductor memory, the operation frequency of the address latch circuit can be reduced as compared with the conventional one. As a result, the current consumption during operation and standby can be further reduced.
[Brief description of the drawings]
[Figure 1] Semiconductor memory It is a block diagram which shows 1st Embodiment of this.
FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram showing details of the input buffer shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram showing details of a first clock generation circuit shown in FIG. 1;
4 is a circuit diagram showing details of a command latch circuit shown in FIG. 1; FIG.
FIG. 5 is a timing chart showing an operation of the command latch circuit shown in FIG. 4;
6 is a circuit diagram showing details of a first clock generation circuit shown in FIG. 1; FIG.
7 is a timing chart showing an operation of the first clock generation circuit shown in FIG. 6;
FIG. 8 is a circuit diagram showing details of the command decoder shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 9 is a timing chart showing an example of the operation of the SDRAM of the first embodiment.
FIG. 10 is a timing chart showing another example of the operation of the SDRAM of the first embodiment.
FIG. 11 Semiconductor memory It is a block diagram which shows 2nd Embodiment.
12 is a circuit diagram showing details of a write command determination circuit shown in FIG. 11. FIG.
FIG. 13 is a timing chart showing an example of the operation of the SDRAM of the second embodiment.
FIG. 14 is a timing chart showing another example of the operation of the SDRAM according to the second embodiment.
FIG. 15 Semiconductor memory It is a block diagram which shows 3rd Embodiment of this.
16 is a circuit diagram showing details of a latch in the first clock generation circuit shown in FIG. 15;
FIG. 17 is a timing chart showing an example of the operation of the SDRAM of the third embodiment.
FIG. 18 is a timing chart showing another example of the operation of the SDRAM according to the third embodiment.
FIG. 19 Semiconductor memory It is a block diagram which shows 4th Embodiment of this.
FIG. 20 is a timing chart showing an example of the operation of the SDRAM of the fourth embodiment.
FIG. 21 is a timing chart showing another example of the operation of the SDRAM of the fourth embodiment.
FIG. 22 Semiconductor memory It is a block diagram which shows 5th Embodiment.
FIG. 23 is a circuit diagram showing details of the command latch circuit shown in FIG. 22;
FIG. 24 is a timing chart showing an example of the operation of the SDRAM of the fifth embodiment.
FIG. 25 is a timing chart showing another example of the operation of the SDRAM of the fifth embodiment.
FIG. 26 Semiconductor memory It is a block diagram which shows 6th Embodiment of this.
FIG. 27 is a circuit diagram showing details of the command latch circuit shown in FIG. 26;
FIG. 28 is a circuit diagram showing another example of the first clock generation circuit.
29 is a timing chart showing an operation of the first clock generation circuit shown in FIG. 28. FIG.
[Explanation of symbols]
10 Command buffer
12 Address buffer
14 Data buffer
16 Clock enable latch
18 Chip select latch
20 Command latch circuit
22 Address latch circuit
24 Data latch circuit
26 First clock generation circuit
28 Command decoder
26a Command determination circuit
26b Clock output circuit
30 Burst write control circuit
32 burst read control circuit
34 Activity detection circuit
36 Second clock generation circuit
38 Third clock generation circuit
40 Write enable generation circuit
42 Latency control circuit
44 Signal latch
46 Signal output section
50 First clock generation circuit
52 Third clock generation circuit
54 Write Enable Generation Circuit
56 Write command determination circuit
58 First clock generation circuit
60 Command latch circuit
62 Latch
64 First clock generation circuit
66 Command latch circuit
68 Command latch circuit
70 Pulse generation circuit
72 First clock generation circuit
ACT0, ACT1 active signal
ACTALLZ, ACTZ status signal
ACTPZ active command signal
ADD address signal
CLK clock signal
CLK0Z Internal clock signal
CLKCZ 1st internal clock signal
CLKDQZ Second internal clock signal
CLKMZ Third internal clock signal
CKE clock enable signal
CKECZ Internal clock enable signal
CMD command signal
/ CS chip select signal
CSCZ Internal chip select signal
DQ data signal
EN1 Internal chip select signal
IADD Internal address signal
ICMD internal command signal
IDQ internal data signal
LCMD Latch command signal
LADD Latch address signal
LDQ latch data signal
RBSTZ burst read signal
PREPZ Precharge command signal
RDPZ read command signal
WBSTZ burst write signal
WENZ Write enable signal
WENZ1 Write enable signal
WRPZ write command signal

Claims (5)

A command buffer for receiving a command signal for instructing memory operation upon activation of a chip select signal for instructing chip selection, and outputting as an internal command signal;
A first clock generation circuit for generating a first internal clock signal in synchronization with an external clock signal when the internal command signal is identified as being valid;
A semiconductor memory comprising: a command latch circuit that captures the internal command signal in synchronization with the first internal clock signal. The semiconductor memory according to claim 1.
An address buffer that receives an address signal for selecting a memory cell when the chip select signal is activated, and outputs it as an internal address signal;
A semiconductor memory comprising: an address latch circuit that captures the internal address signal in synchronization with the first internal clock signal. The semiconductor memory according to claim 1.
  The first clock generation circuit activates a command enable signal when it receives the chip select signal, the internal command signal, and a status signal indicating the operating state of the chip and determines that the acceptable command signal is supplied. A command determination circuit to perform,
  A semiconductor memory comprising: a clock output circuit for outputting an internal clock signal synchronized with the external clock signal as the first internal clock signal when the command enable signal is activated. The semiconductor memory according to claim 3.
  The semiconductor memory according to claim 1, wherein the command determination circuit includes a command decoder that is activated in response to the chip select signal and the status signal and decodes the internal command signal. The semiconductor memory according to claim 1.
  A memory core having DRAM memory cells;
  And a control circuit for controlling the memory core in synchronization with the internal clock signal.

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