Apparatus and method for tracking between data and echo clock

摘要

An output buffer has a data unit for buffering data for an off chip driver. The output buffer also includes an echo clock signal generator for generating an echo clock signal associated with the buffered data. The echo clock signal is generated responsive to either a buffer control signal that controls the data unit, or to the data itself. The buffer control signal or the data is mixed with an echo control signal to generate a reset signal. The echo control signal is outputted, responsive to the reset signal, as the echo clock signal. This prevents skew from developing between the data and the echo clock signal. A method includes buffering data for an off chip driver, and generating and outputting to the off chip driver an echo clock signal to accompany the data. The echo clock signal is generated responsive to either a buffer control signal that controls the data unit or to the data itself.