Abstract:
A data outputting apparatus of a semiconductor integrated circuit if presented for use in standardizing output timing brought about by different electrical output path lengths. The apparatus includes a data clock signal generating section and a data output section. The data clock signal generating section is configured to use an external clock signal in order to generate a plurality of data clock signals in which output timings of the data clock signals vary depending on a data output mode. The data output section is configured to be controlled by the plurality of data clock signals to output inputted data to the outside through a plurality of data input/output pads that have different path lengths.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATION 
       [0001]    The present application claims priority under 35 U.S.C 119(a) to Korean Application No. 10-2009-0021163, filed on Mar. 12, 2009, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety as set forth in full. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    1. Technical Field 
         [0003]    The present invention described herein relates to a semiconductor integrated circuit (IC) and, more particularly, to an apparatus for outputting data of a semiconductor IC. 
         [0004]    2. Related Art 
         [0005]    In semiconductor integrated circuits, data are inputted and outputted by a plurality of data input/output pads. 
         [0006]    At this time, data clock signals are used to synchronize data output by the plurality of data input/output pads. 
         [0007]    Since the plurality of input/output pads are separated from one another at different distances with respect to the circuit layout, the data clock signals should be supplied to the plurality of input/output pads in some sort of manner as to accommodate these different distances. 
         [0008]    Referring to an output data waveform of semiconductor integrated circuit according to a prior art shown in  FIG. 1 , distributed data clock signals ‘CLK 0 ’ to ‘CLK 3 ’ are used and phases of the data clock signals ‘CLK 1 ’ and ‘CLK 2 ’ are deviated from those of the data clock signals ‘CLK 0 ’ and ‘CLK 3 ’ in a data output mode (X 32  MODE) in which 32-bit data are outputted through all 32 data input/output pads. In this case, output data ‘DATA OUT_X 32 ’ also has output timings deviated from each other. 
         [0009]    Therefore, development of a technology that can reduce a timing error between the plurality of data clock signals has been required in order to improve the reliability of the output data in the semiconductor integrated circuit. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0010]    An apparatus for outputting data of a semiconductor integrated circuit so as to prevent or at least protect against timing errors between a plurality of data clock signals from being generated is disclosed herein. 
         [0011]    In one embodiment, a data outputting apparatus of a semiconductor integrated circuit includes a data clock signal generating section configured to generate a plurality of data clock signals of which output timings vary in accordance to a data output mode using an external clock signal; and an data output section configured to output inputted data to the outside through a plurality of data input/output pads in accordance to the plurality of data clock signals. 
         [0012]    In another embodiment, a data outputting apparatus of a semiconductor integrated circuit includes a data output section configured to output inputted data to the outside through a plurality of data input/output pads in accordance to a plurality of data clock signals; a clock tree circuit configured to generate the plurality of data clock signals by distributing external clock signal to a plurality of different paths; and an output timing controller configured to control an output timing of a data clock signal transmitted through at least one of the plurality of paths of the clock tree circuit in response to a data output mode signal for defining the output of data through all or some of the plurality of data input/output pads. 
         [0013]    In yet another embodiment, a data outputting apparatus of a semiconductor integrated circuit includes a data output section configured to output inputted data to the outside through a plurality of data input/output pads in accordance to a plurality of data clock signals; a clock tree circuit configured to generate the plurality of data clock signals by distributing external clock signal to a plurality of different paths; and an output timing controller configured to control an output timing of a data clock signal transmitted through at least one relatively shorter path among a plurality of paths of the clock tree circuit in response to a data output mode signal. 
         [0014]    These and other features, aspects, and embodiments are described below in the section “Detailed Description.” 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0015]    Features, aspects, and embodiments are described in conjunction with the attached drawings, in which: 
           [0016]      FIG. 1  is a waveform diagram illustrating generation of a timing error of output data of a semiconductor integrated circuit according to a prior art; 
           [0017]      FIG. 2  is a block diagram of an exemplary data outputting apparatus of a semiconductor integrated circuit according to one embodiment; 
           [0018]      FIG. 3  is a circuit diagram of an exemplary data clock signal generating section  10  that can be included with the circuit of  FIG. 2  according to one embodiment; 
           [0019]      FIG. 4  is a block diagram of an exemplary data outputting apparatus of a semiconductor integrated circuit according to another embodiment; 
           [0020]      FIG. 5  is a block diagram of another exemplary data clock signal generating section  100  that can be included with the circuit of  FIG. 4  according to another embodiment; 
           [0021]      FIG. 6  is a circuit diagram of an exemplary first clock signal generating unit (X 16 )  110  that can be included with the generator of  FIG. 5  according to another embodiment; 
           [0022]      FIG. 7  is a circuit diagram of an exemplary second clock signal generating unit (X 32 )  130  that can be included with the generator of  FIG. 5  according to another embodiment; and 
           [0023]      FIG. 8  is a waveform diagram of output data according to one embodiment. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0024]      FIG. 2  is a block diagram of an exemplary data outputting apparatus of a semiconductor integrated circuit according to one embodiment. 
         [0025]    As shown in  FIG. 2 , the data outputting apparatus  1  of the semiconductor memory apparatus can include a data clock signal generating section  10  and a data output section  20 . 
         [0026]    The data clock signal generating section  10  can generate a plurality of data clock signals ‘CLK 0 ’ to ‘CLK 3 ’ by receiving an external clock signal ‘CLK’. 
         [0027]    The data output section  20  can include a plurality of buffers  21  to  24  and a plurality of data input/output pads DQ 0  to DQ 31 . At this time, the plurality of data input/output pads DQ 0  to DQ 31  is based on a semiconductor integrated circuit that can output data of maximum 32 bits. 
         [0028]    Since positions of the plurality of data input/output pads DQ 0  to DQ 31  are different from each other, lengths of signal lines for transmitting the plurality of data clock signals ‘CLK 0 ’ to ‘CLK 3 ’ to the plurality of data input/output pads DQ 0  to DQ 31  are also different from each other. Therefore, the plurality of data input/output pads DQ 0  to DQ 31  are grouped as DQ 0  to DQ 7 , DQ 8  to DQ 15 , DQ 16  to DQ 23 , and DQ 24  to DQ 31  so that the plurality of data clock signals ‘CLK 0 ’ to ‘CLK 3 ’ can be supplied to the plurality of data input/output pads ‘DQ 0 ’ to ‘DQ 31 ’ at a predetermined level and the plurality of buffers  21  to  24  are allocated to each group. 
         [0029]    Further, although not shown, the data output section  20  includes circuit components for processing data ‘DATA’. The data ‘DATA’ inputted through the circuit components are outputted to the outside of the semiconductor integrated circuit through the plurality of data input/output pads ‘DQ 0 ’ to ‘DQ 31 ’. 
         [0030]      FIG. 3  is a circuit diagram of an exemplary data clock signal generating section  10  that can be included with the circuit of  FIG. 2  according to one embodiment. 
         [0031]    As shown in  FIG. 3 , the data clock signal generating section  10  can generate the plurality of data clock signals ‘CLK 0 ’ to ‘CLK 3 ’ by distributing the external clock signal ‘CLK’ through different paths using a clock tree structure that is preferably composed of inverters. 
         [0032]      FIG. 4  is a block diagram of an exemplary data outputting apparatus of a semiconductor integrated circuit according to another embodiment. 
         [0033]    As shown in  FIG. 4 , the data outputting apparatus  2  of the semiconductor memory apparatus can include a data clock signal generating section  100  and a data output section  20 . 
         [0034]    The data clock signal generating section  100  is configured to generate a plurality of data clock signals ‘CLK 0 ’ to ‘CLK 3 ’ by receiving an external clock signal ‘CLK’ and a data output mode signal ‘X 32 ’. 
         [0035]    At this time, the data output mode signal ‘X 32 ’ corresponds to a signal that is used to distinguish a first data output mode ‘X 16  MODE’ and a second data output mode ‘X 32  MODE’ from each other. In the first data output mode ‘X 16  MODE’ and the second data output mode ‘X 32  MODE’ the semiconductor integrated circuit outputs 16-bit data and 32-bit depending on the one-time read command, respectively. 
         [0036]    The data output section  20  can include a plurality of buffers  21  to  24  and a plurality of data input/output pads DQ 0  to DQ 31 . Even though in this exemplary embodiment, the plurality of data input/output pads DQ 0  to DQ 31  is based on a semiconductor integrated circuit that can output data of maximum 32 bits, it is envisioned that the plurality of data input/output pads and the output data need not be restricted to a maximum of 32 bits. 
         [0037]    Since positions of the plurality of data input/output pads DQ 0  to DQ 31  are different from each other, lengths of signal lines for transmitting the plurality of data clock signals ‘CLK 0 ’ to ‘CLK 3 ’ to the plurality of data input/output pads ‘DQ 0 ’ to ‘DQ 31 ’ are also different from each other. Therefore, the plurality of data input/output pads DQ 0  to DQ 31  are grouped as DQ 0  to DQ 7 , DQ 8  to DQ 15 , DQ 16  to DQ 23 , and DQ 24  to DQ 31  so that the plurality of data clock signals ‘CLK 0 ’ to ‘CLK 3 ’ can be supplied to the plurality of data input/output pads ‘DQ 0 ’ to ‘DQ 31 ’ at a corresponding predetermined level and the plurality of buffers  21  to  24  are allocated to each group. Further, although not shown, the data output section  20  includes circuit components for processing data ‘DATA’. The data ‘DATA’ inputted through the circuit components are outputted outside of the semiconductor integrated circuit through the plurality of data input/output pads ‘DQ 0 ’ to ‘DQ 31 ’. 
         [0038]      FIG. 5  is a block diagram of another exemplary data clock signal generating section  100  that can be included with the circuit of  FIG. 4  according to another embodiment. 
         [0039]    As shown in  FIG. 5 , the data clock signal generating section  100  can include first clock signal generating units (X 16 )  110  and  120  and second clock signal generating units (X 32 )  130  and  140 . 
         [0040]    The first clock signal generating units (X 16 )  110  and  120  can generate the plurality of data clock signals ‘CLK 1 ’ and ‘CLK 2 ’ by receiving the external clock signal ‘CLK’ and the data output mode signal ‘X 32 ’. 
         [0041]    The second clock signal generating units (X 32 )  130  and  140  can generate the plurality of data clock signals ‘CLK 0 ’ and ‘CLK 3 ’ by receiving the external clock signal ‘CLK’. 
         [0042]      FIG. 6  is a circuit diagram of an exemplary first clock signal generating unit (X 16 )  110  that can be included with the generator of  FIG. 5  according to another embodiment. 
         [0043]    As shown in  FIG. 6 , the first clock signal generating unit (X 16 )  110  can include first and second inverters IV 11  and IV 12 , an output timing controller  111 , and a delay option  112 . The first and second inverters IV 11  and IV 12  constitute a buffer structure. The first and second inverters IV 11  and IV 12  can generate the first data clock signal ‘CLK 1 ’ by buffering the external clock signal ‘CLK’. 
         [0044]    The output timing controller  111  can include a third inverter IV 13 , a plurality of control-type capacitors CSW, and a plurality of option switches OS. 
         [0045]    The third inverter IV 13  can receive the data output mode signal ‘X 32 ’. The plurality of control-type capacitors CSW are, in parallel, connected to a signal line between the first inverter IV 11  and the second inverter IV 12  through the plurality of option switches OS. The plurality of control-type capacitors CSW operate depending on the output of the third inverter IV 13  or the data output mode signal ‘X 32 ’. 
         [0046]    The delay option  112  is a circuit component for use in basic delay time setting or delay time trimming. The delay option  112  may be selectively provided depending on the design of the circuit. The delay option  112  can include a resistor R, a plurality of capacitors C, and a plurality of option switches OS. The delay option  112  is configured to control a delay time by using the plurality of option switches OS. 
         [0047]    The first clock signal generating unit (X 16 )  120  can be implemented similarly as the first clock signal generating unit (X 16 )  110 . 
         [0048]    When the data output mode signal ‘X 32 ’ is at a level indicating the first data output mode ‘X 16  MODE’ i.e., a low level, all the plurality of control-type capacitors CSW cannot operates as a delay element. Therefore, the external clock signal ‘CLK’ is outputted as the first data clock signals ‘CLK 1 ’ and ‘CLK 2 ’ via the first and second inverters IV 11  and IV 12 . Of course, when the delay option  112  is provided and a predetermined delay time is set, a delay time corresponding to the delay option  112  is applied to the first data lock signals ‘CLK 1 ’ and ‘CLK 2 ’. 
         [0049]    Meanwhile, when the data output mode signal ‘X 32 ’ is at a level indicating the second data output mode ‘X 32  MODE’, i.e., a high level, the control-type capacitor CSW connected to the signal line between the first inverter IV 11  and the second inverter IV 12  by establishing the option switch OS among the plurality of control-type capacitors CSW, which operates as the delay element, delays an output signal of the first inverter IV 11  by the corresponding delay time and outputs the delayed output signal to the second inverter IV 12 . Accordingly, it is possible to vary the delay time by adjusting the number of the control-type capacitors CSW that are connected to the signal line between the first inverter IV 11  and the second inverter IV 12  using the plurality of option switches OS. Of course, when the delay option  112  is provided and a predetermined delay time is set, a delay time corresponding to the delay option  112  is applied to the first data clock signals ‘CLK 1 ’ and ‘CLK 2 ’. 
         [0050]    Therefore, output timings of the first data clock signals ‘CLK 1 ’ and ‘CLK 2 ’ are delayed by a delay time set in each of the output timing controller  111  or/and the delay option  112 . 
         [0051]      FIG. 7  is a circuit diagram of an exemplary second clock signal generating unit (X 32 )  130  that can be included with the generator of  FIG. 5  according to another embodiment. 
         [0052]    As shown in  FIG. 7 , the second clock signal generating unit (X 32 )  130  can include first and second inverters IV 21  and IV 22  and a delay option  132 . 
         [0053]    The first and second inverters IV 21  and IV 22  and the delay option  132  can be implemented similarly as the first and second inverters IV 11  and IV 12  and the delay option  112  of the first clock signal generating unit (X 16 )  110 . 
         [0054]    The second clock signal generating unit (X 32 )  140  can be implemented similarly as the second clock signal generating unit (X 32 )  130 . 
         [0055]    The first clock signal generating units (X 32 )  130  and  140  operate similarly as the first clock signal generating unit (X 16 )  110  when the data output mode signal ‘X 32 ’ is at the level indicating the first data output mode ‘X 16  MODE’. However, when the data output mode signal ‘X 32 ’ is at the level indicating the first data output mode ‘X 16  MODE’, the data are not outputted through the data input/output pad groups ‘DQ 0  to DQ 7  and DQ 24  to DQ 31  that are connected to the second clock signal generating units (X 32 )  130  and  140 . 
         [0056]    As described above, in the second data output mode ‘X 32  MODE’, the data are outputted through all the data input/output pads DQ 0  to DQ 31 . 
         [0057]    Therefore, the output timing controller  111  of the first clock signal generating units (X 16 )  110  and  120  is configured to delay the output timings of the first data clock signals ‘CLK 1 ’ and ‘CLK 2 ’ for a predetermined time by recognizing the second data output mode ‘X 32  MODE’ depending on the data output mode signal ‘X 32 ’ to input the first data clock signals ‘CLK 1 ’ and ‘CLK 2 ’ and the second data clock signals ‘CLK 0 ’ and ‘CLK 3 ’ into the plurality of buffers  21  to  24  at the same time. 
         [0058]    The data output section  20  can also output the data at the same time through the data input/output pads DQ 0  to DQ 31  in response to the first data clock signals ‘CLK 1 ’ and ‘CLK 2 ’ and the second data clock signals ‘CLK 0 ’ and ‘CLK 3 ’ that are inputted at the same time. 
         [0059]    Meanwhile, in the first data output mode ‘X 16  MODE’ the data are not outputted through the data input/output pad groups DQ 0  to DQ 7  and DQ 24  to DQ 31  that are connected to the second clock signal generating units (X 32 )  130  and  140 . 
         [0060]    Therefore, the first clock signal generating units (X 16 )  110  and  120  can output the first data clock signals ‘CLK 1 ’ and ‘CLK 2 ’ to the plurality of buffers  22  and  23  without any additional delay time by the output timing controller  111  by recognizing the first data output mode ‘X 16  MODE’ depending on the data output mode signal ‘X 32 ’. 
         [0061]    In addition, the data output section  20  can output the data through the data input/output pads DQ 8  to DQ 23  depending on the first data clock signals ‘CLK 1 ’ and ‘CLK 2 ’. 
         [0062]      FIG. 8  depicts a waveform diagram of output data according to one embodiment. 
         [0063]    In the case of a waveform of output data ‘DATA OUT_ 32 ’ shown in  FIG. 8 , phases of the first data clock signals ‘CLK 1 ’ and ‘CLK 2 ’ coincide with those of the second data clock signals ‘CLK 0 ’ and ‘CLK 3 ’ in the data output mode ‘X 32  MODE’. 
         [0064]    In the above-mentioned other embodiments, the data clock signal generating section  100  is divided into the first clock signal generating units (X 16 )  110  and  120  and the second clock signal generating units (X 32 )  130  and  140 . However, referring to an entire structure in the other embodiments, a clock tree is formed by connecting the first and second inverters IV 11  and IV 12  between a plurality of signal paths so as to distribute the external clock signal ‘CLK’ to the plurality of data clock signals ‘CLK 0 ’ to ‘CLK 3 ’. In addition, in the second data output mode ‘X 32  MODE’, all the data clock signals ‘CLK 0 ’ to ‘CLK 3 ’ can be inputted into the plurality of buffers  21  to  24  at the same time by delaying the output timings of the first data clock signals ‘CLK 1 ’ and ‘CLK 2 ’ through the first clock signal generating units (X 16 )  110  and  120  that are connected to a signal line for transmitting the first data clock signals ‘CLK 1 ’ and ‘CLK 2 ’ shorter than a signal line for transmitting the second data clock signals ‘CLK 0 ’ and ‘CLK 3 ’ among the plurality of signal paths. 
         [0065]    While certain embodiments have been described above, it will be understood to those skilled in the art that the embodiments described are by way of example only. Accordingly, the apparatus described herein should not be limited based on the described embodiments. Rather, the apparatus described herein should only be limited in light of the claims that follow when taken in conjunction with the above description and accompanying drawings.