RECONFIGURABLE MEMORY SYSTEM DATA STROBES

摘要

In a reconfigurable data strobe-based memory system, data strobes may be re-tasked in different modes of operation. For example, in one mode of operation a differential data strobe may be used as a timing reference for a given set of data signals. In a second mode of operation, one of the components of the differential data strobe may be used as a timing reference for a first portion of the set of data signals and the other component used as a timing reference for a second portion of the set of data signals. Different data mask-related schemes also may be invoked for different modes of operation. For example, in a first mode of operation a memory controller may generate a data mask signal to prevent a portion of a set of data from being written to a memory array. Then, in a second mode of operation the memory controller may invoke a coded value replacement scheme or a data strobe transition inhibition scheme to prevent a portion of a set of data from being written to a memory array.

主权项

1. A memory device, comprising:
a memory array; a mode controller configured to select a first mode of operation or a second mode of operation; and a data width controller coupled to the mode controller and configured to:
in the first mode of operation, define a first width of a data path for the memory array, wherein a first data strobe signal component and a second data strobe signal component provide a first timing reference for a first set of data signals received via the data path; andin the second mode of operation, define a second width of the data path for the memory array, wherein the first width is wider than the second width, and wherein the first data strobe signal component provides a second timing reference for a second set of data signals received via the data path.