Patent Description:
There is increasing demand for high performance (high speed, high power efficiency, and/or the like) of a memory device. To this end, interfaces of various modes for supporting a higher input/output speed have been supported in some specifications. However, only a ZQ calibration feature for a single interface is currently supported. Accordingly, when ZQ calibration is performed on interfaces of various modes, a command for the ZQ calibration and a ZQ calibration time increase by the number of interfaces.

<CIT>, <CIT> and <CIT> discuss information that is useful for understanding the background of the invention.

Example embodiments provide a ZQ calibration circuit for providing a ZQ calibration feature in multiple interfaces.

The generated calibration code is associated with the reference voltage (i.e. either the first reference voltage or the second reference voltage) used to produce it and with the interface mode associated with that reference voltage.

The ZQ controller may be referred to as a first circuit of the ZQ calibration circuit. The ZQ engine may be referred to as a second circuit of the ZQ calibration circuit. The ZQ calibration driver may be referred to as a third circuit of the ZQ calibration circuit.

The ZQ engine may perform the ZQ calibration for the one interface mode and for the another interface mode to generate separate calibration codes. The ZQ engine may perform the ZQ calibration based on the first reference voltage prior to the end of the one interface mode to generate a first calibration code associated with the one interface mode, and perform the ZQ calibration based on the second reference voltage following the end of the one interface mode to generate a second calibration code associated with the another interface mode. The ZQ driver then outputs the output signal based on the first calibration code if operating in the one interface mode or outputs the output signal based on the second calibration code if operating in the another interface mode.

In some embodiments, the ZQ engine is configured to perform the ZQ calibration for the plurality of interface modes during a single unit of ZQ time. In other words, the calibration for the plurality of interface modes is performed in response to a single command received at the calibration circuit, e.g. from a memory controller. In response, the ZQ engine performs the calibration for each of the interface modes based on the reference voltage associated with each of the interface modes to generate a calibration code associated with each interface mode.

Alternatively or additionally according to various example embodiments, a ZQ calibration method of a ZQ calibration circuit may include performing ZQ calibration based on a first reference voltage in one interface mode, among a plurality of interface modes in which the ZQ calibration is supported; detecting an end of the one interface mode; instructing a switch to another interface mode when the one interface mode comes to an end; generating a second reference voltage corresponding to the another interface mode when the switch to the another interface mode is instructed; performing the ZQ calibration based on the second reference voltage and outputting a calibration code; and outputting an output signal through an input/output pad based on the calibration code.

The another interface mode is one of the plurality of interface modes.

Alternatively or additionally according to various example embodiments, a memory device includes: a memory controller; a buffer chip operating configured to be under control of the memory controller; and a nonvolatile memory connected to the buffer chip. The memory controller, the buffer chip, and the nonvolatile memory may be configured to operate in a plurality of interface modes in which ZQ calibration is supported. The memory device may be configured to operate such that the ZQ calibration is performed based on a first reference voltage in one interface mode, among the plurality of interface modes, and may include instructing a switch to another interface mode in response to the one interface mode comes to an end, generating a second reference voltage corresponding to the another interface mode in response to the switch to the another interface being instructed, performing the ZQ calibration based on the second reference voltage, outputting a calibration code, and outputting an output signal through an input/output pad based on the calibration code.

The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of various example embodiments will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Hereinafter, some example embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Hereinafter, various example embodiments of a ZQ calibration circuit, which may be employed in a memory device supporting various interface modes, will be described.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating a ZQ calibration circuit according to various example embodiments.

Referring to <FIG>, a ZQ calibration circuit <NUM> may support a ZQ calibration feature, and includes a ZQ controller <NUM>, a ZQ engine <NUM>, and a ZQ driver <NUM>.

A ZQ pad ZP for ZQ calibration may be connected to the ZQ calibration circuit <NUM>, and a ZQ resistor RZQ may be connected to the ZQ pad ZP. The ZQ resistor RZQ may be or may include an external resistor connected to an outside of a chip of a memory device. For example, a resistance of the ZQ resistor RZQ may be <NUM> ohms, but example embodiments are not limited thereto. The ZQ resistor may have one end that is connected to the ZQ pad ZP, and another end connected to ground.

The ZQ calibration circuit <NUM> may support a ZQ calibration feature with respect to the ZQ resistor RZQ. Now, the ZQ calibration feature supported by the ZQ calibration circuit <NUM> will be described. Memory devices may output a signal to a channel through an output pad and may receive a signal transmitted from the channel through an input pad. At least a portion of the signals, transmitted and received through the channel, may be reflected at a receiving end (hereinafter referred to as a "reflected signal"), and such a reflected signal may operate as noise of an original signal. Thus, signal integrity may be deteriorated. A swing width of a signal may be reduced to significantly reduce transmission time of a signal transmitted and received between memory devices. However, in general the smaller the swing width, the more vulnerability to the noise.

In addition, an influence of the reflected signal may be increased with the presence of impedance mismatching between the transmitting end and the receiving end. The impedance mismatching may occur due to one or more variations in one or more of a process, a voltage, and a temperature (PVT).

Termination resistance may be employed to remove or help remove such a reflected signal and secure signal integrity. The termination resistance may match impedance between a transmitting end and a receiving end of a memory device. In a case of a memory device requiring or using a significantly high speed operation speed, on-die-termination (ODT) technology, in which termination resistance is employed on a die of a memory device, may be applied to block a reflected signal and signal interference between memory devices.

As used herein, ZQ calibration refers to a process of correcting such termination resistance to appropriately or more successfully perform impedance matching. In the ZQ calibration, pull-up and/or pull-down calibration codes that vary depending on PVT as described above, may be generated and termination resistance may be adjusted based on the generated pull-up and/or pull-down calibration codes so as to perform impedance matching between memory devices transmitting and receiving signals.

The ZQ calibration circuit <NUM> detects mode change between a plurality of interface modes, in which ZQ calibration is supported, and supports a ZQ calibration feature based on the detected mode.

As described herein, an interface mode refers to a mode in which a ZQ calibration feature is supported through various interfaces provided between different integrated circuits (ICs) or chips. When a plurality of interface modes are supported, an output signal OS on the transmitting end, outputting a signal from an IC or a chip through different interfaces, is pulled up and pulled down in different interface modes. Accordingly, the output signal OS is output to have a signal swing, varying depending on respective interface modes, through the pull-up and pull-down transistors. The interface mode may support the ZQ calibration feature between the transmitting end and the receiving end by receiving the output signal OS through the pull-up and pull-down transistors. Example embodiments of the interface mode will be described later.

Hereinafter, the elements of the ZQ calibration circuit <NUM> will be described in detail.

The ZQ controller <NUM> may control up to the overall operation of the ZQ calibration circuit <NUM>.

In various example embodiments, the ZQ controller <NUM> detects an end of a single interface mode, among a plurality of interface modes in which the ZQ calibration is supported, and instructs a mode switch to another interface mode when or in response to the single interface mode coming to an end.

The single interface mode may refer to an interface mode in which the ZQ calibration circuit <NUM> is currently operating. The ZQ calibration circuit <NUM> may perform ZQ calibration when the ZQ calibration is enabled based on a ZQ command, and may first perform the ZQ calibration in a predetermined single interface mode. When ZQ calibration is completed in a single interface mode, for example, when the interface mode comes to an end or is completed, the ZQ controller <NUM> may detect the ending or completion of the interface mode.

The ZQ controller <NUM> may instruct the ZQ engine <NUM> to switch to another interface mode when detecting the end or completion of the first interface mode. For example, the ZQ controller <NUM> may transmit a mode switch signal MSS to the ZQ engine <NUM>. The mode switch signal MSS may include information on a reference voltage for each interface mode.

The ZQ engine <NUM> may perform ZQ calibration and may generate a calibration code. The ZQ engine <NUM> may include a multi-reference voltage generator <NUM> generating a reference voltage having various values depending on an interface mode.

The multi-reference voltage generator <NUM> may generate a reference voltage generated for each interface mode. For example, the multi-reference voltage generator <NUM> may generate a first reference voltage corresponding to a predetermined single interface mode when the ZQ calibration is enabled. Then, when mode switch is instructed from the ZQ controller <NUM> (for example, through the mode switch signal MSS, or the like), the multi-reference voltage generator <NUM> may generate a second reference voltage corresponding to another interface mode.

The ZQ engine <NUM> performs ZQ calibration based on the first reference voltage or the second reference voltage generated from the multi-reference voltage generator <NUM>, and outputs a calibration code.

The ZQ engine <NUM> may compare the first reference voltage or the second reference voltage with a ZQ voltage, a voltage of the ZQ pad ZP, and may generate and output a calibration code based on a result of the comparison. The calibration code may include a pull-up calibration code and/or a pull-down calibration code, that are based on a result obtained by comparing the reference voltage with the ZQ voltage. The ZQ engine <NUM> may output the calibration code to the ZQ engine <NUM> or the ZQ controller <NUM>. The ZQ controller <NUM> may receive and store the calibration code. The calibration code may be generated for each interface mode.

The ZQ driver <NUM> outputs an output signal OS through the input/output pad DP based on the calibration code output from the ZQ engine <NUM>. The ZQ driver <NUM> may adjust the terminating resistance based on the calibration code. The output signal OS, output from the ZQ driver <NUM>, may have a signal level based on the adjusted terminating resistance. For example, the output signal OS may have different signal levels for each interface mode. This may be because the reference voltage used to output the calibration code is different for each interface mode, as described above.

The ZQ calibration according to various example embodiments may be performed on all of a plurality of interface modes during a single ZQ command and within a single unit ZQ time corresponding to the single ZQ command. For example, the ZQ engine <NUM> may performs ZQ calibration for a single interface mode in response to the single ZQ command, and may similarly perform ZQ calibration for another interface mode in response to the same ZQ command when mode switch is instructed from the ZQ controller <NUM>. For ease of description, the description has been provided with respect to two interface modes, but ZQ calibration may be similarly performed during a single ZQ command and a single unit ZQ interval even when three or more interface modes are employed.

As described above, the ZQ calibration circuit <NUM> according to various example embodiments may support a ZQ calibration feature for various interface modes. For example, when ZQ calibration for a single interface mode comes to an end or finishes, a mode switch such as a change in reference voltage for ZQ calibration of another interface mode may be instructed by detecting the end of or the completion of the interface mode, rather than assigning an additional ZQ command and/or allocating an additional ZQ time. Accordingly, ZQ calibration for all interface modes may be performed during a single ZQ command and a single unit ZQ time without issuing a ZQ command for each of a plurality of interface modes. There may be an improvement in performance of the memory device.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating an operation sequence of the ZQ calibration circuit of <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, a ZQ command ZQ CMD for ZQ calibration may be issued. The ZQ command ZQ CMD may be issued as a data signal (or an input/output signal OS) (hereinafter referred to as a "DQ signal").

In various example embodiments, ZQ calibration may include initial ZQ calibration (hereinafter referred to as "ZQ long calibration") and runtime ZQ calibration (hereinafter referred to as "ZQ short calibration"). The ZQ long calibration may be performed for a relatively long time (for example, for one us or less), and ZQ short calibration may be performed for a relatively short time, which may be shorter than the ZQ long calibration time (for example, for <NUM> or less).

For example, different ZQ commands ZQ CMD may be issued for the ZQ long calibration and the ZQ short calibration, respectively. A logic unit number (LUN) may be selected, wherein the LUN is a unit in which an independent command may be applied and an operation may be performed. When a reset command is issued during ZQ calibration, the ZQ calibration may be performed again. Before the runtime ZQ calibration is performed, initial ZQ calibration may be successfully completed or come to an end without being interrupted by reset.

When the LUN is selected, the ZQ calibration circuit <NUM> may perform ZQ calibration for the selected LUN. The ZQ calibration may be performed during a ZQ time tZQ indicated by a RnB signal representing a current state of a ZQ calibration operation. The ZQ time tZQ may also be referred to as "training time" and may be set to be different depending on ZQ long calibration (for example, <NUM>) or ZQ short calibration (for example, <NUM>), as described above.

The ZQ calibration circuit <NUM> according to various example embodiments may perform ZQ calibration for all of a plurality of interface modes within the ZQ time tZQ. For example, the ZQ calibration circuit <NUM> may perform ZQ calibration for each interface mode for a time subsequent to t1, t2, and t3 assigned for each interface mode within the ZQ time tZQ. For example, the ZQ calibration circuit <NUM> may detect the end of or the completion of a single interface mode (for example, a time corresponding to t1) and may instruct a mode switch to another interface mode (for example, a time corresponding to t2). In this case, the ZQ engine <NUM> may generate a second reference voltage during the time t2 when mode switch is instructed while generating a first reference voltage during the time t1.

Accordingly, ZQ calibration for a plurality of interface modes may be performed during a single ZQ command ZQ CMD and within a single unit ZQ time tZQ, as illustrated in <FIG>.

<FIG> are diagrams illustrating example interface modes of operation to which a ZQ calibration circuit according to various example embodiments may be applied.

As describe above, the calibration circuit <NUM> according to various example embodiments may be applied to all interface modes in which a ZQ calibration feature can be applied, and <FIG> are merely examples without limitation.

For example, an interface supporting a plurality of interface modes may include a center tapped termination (CTT) interface and a low tapped termination (LTT) interface.

Referring to <FIG>, in the CTR interface, an output of the CTT interface may have signal swing of half of an input/output voltage (hereinafter referred to as VccQ) as a center, for example, a common level. Accordingly, the CTT interface may have high resistance to VccQ noise and to ground noise. The CTT interface may have an advantage of noise margin under, for example, a heavy power load or a noise system.

A reference voltage for a CTT interface operation may be defined as a voltage within a predetermined range at half of VccQ.

Referring to <FIG>, in the LTT interface, an output of the LTT interface may have signal swing from a ground voltage VSS to VOH, which is an output voltage corresponding to logic '<NUM>. ' A swing range may be automatically calibrated through a NAND controller or a low-power operation. Since channel power is reduced to be equal to or lower than VOH (for example, VOL, an output voltage corresponding to logic '<NUM>' is grounded), the LTT interface may be appropriate to a light load system. An output voltage corresponding to logic '<NUM>' of the output of the LTT interface may be set to various voltages divided from VccQ.

A ground voltage for an LTT interface operation may be defined as a voltage within a predetermined range between the ground voltage VSS and half of VOH.

Each interface output illustrated in <FIG> may correspond to an output of the ZQ driver <NUM> when the ZQ calibration circuit <NUM> is employed or used.

In some example embodiments, in the case in which the calibration circuit <NUM> operates in a CTT interface mode when ZQ calibration is enabled, a first reference voltage may be a reference voltage of the CTT interface mode. In this case, the ZQ calibration circuit <NUM> may perform ZQ calibration until a common level of swing of the output signal OS of the ZQ driver <NUM> corresponds to half of an input/output voltage as illustrated in <FIG>.

When the ZQ calibration is completed and a first interface mode comes to an end, the ZQ calibration circuit <NUM> may detect the end of or the completion of the first interface mode. Then, the ZQ calibration circuit <NUM> may instruct mode switch and may perform ZQ calibration using a reference voltage of the LTT interface mode, a switched mode, as a second reference voltage. The ZQ calibration circuit <NUM> may perform ZQ calibration until or based upon a minimum point of the swing of the output signal OS of the ZQ driver corresponding to the ground voltage.

According to some example embodiments, when the ZQ calibration circuit <NUM> operates in a single interface mode (for example, the CTT interface mode) for noise margin and then operates in another interface mode (for example, the LTT interface mode) for power saving, a ZQ calibration for the two interface modes may be performed through a single ZQ command ZQ CMD and within a unit ZQ time tZQ.

Alternatively, in contrast, the LTT interface mode and the CTT interface mode may be sequentially performed.

The CTT interface mode and the LTT interface mode described above are merely examples, and the ZQ calibration according to various example embodiments may be performed in a dual interface mode, in which various other interface modes are combined, or a plurality of interface modes.

<FIG> is a flowchart illustrating a ZQ calibration method according to various example embodiments.

Referring to <FIG>, in various example embodiments, in operation S1010, the ZQ calibration circuit <NUM> may perform ZQ calibration based on a first reference voltage in one interface mode, among a plurality of interface modes in which ZQ calibration is supported. A calibration code may be output through ZQ calibration, and the ZQ calibration circuit <NUM> may perform ZQ calibration in the one interface mode based on to the corresponding calibration code.

In operation S1020, the ZQ calibration circuit <NUM> may detect the end of the one interface mode.

In operation S1030, the ZQ calibration circuit <NUM> may instruct a mode switch to another interface mode when the one interface mode comes to an end.

In operation S1040, the ZQ calibration circuit <NUM> may generate a second reference voltage corresponding to another interface mode when the mode switch to another interface mode is instructed.

In operation S1050, the ZQ calibration circuit <NUM> may perform ZQ calibration based on the second reference voltage and may output a calibration code. The output calibration code may be generated in another interface mode.

In operation S1060, the ZQ calibration circuit <NUM> may output an output signal OS through the input/output pad DP based on the calibration code. In this case, the output signal OS may have the second reference voltage, corresponding to another interface mode, at a common level.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating a ZQ controller according to various example embodiments.

Referring to <FIG>, a ZQ controller <NUM> according to various example embodiments may include a mode end detector <NUM>, a mode switcher <NUM>, and a register <NUM>.

The mode end detector <NUM> may detect an end of or a completion of a currently operating interface mode, among a plurality of interface modes, and may output a mode end signal ES.

In various example embodiments, the mode end detector <NUM> may output the mode end signal ES when an output signal OS of the ZQ driver <NUM> swings, for example, dithers within a range (such as a dynamically determined, or, alternatively, predetermined range) with respect to a first reference voltage or a second reference voltage. For example, the mode end detector <NUM> may monitor an output of the ZQ driver <NUM> to detect the end of the interface mode.

In various example embodiments, the mode end detector <NUM> may detect the of the interface mode based on a ZQ clock signal for an operation of the ZQ calibration circuit <NUM>. A number of pulses, such as a dynamically determined or predetermined number of pulses included in the ZQ clock signal, may be assigned for each interface mode. In this case, the mode end detector <NUM> may detect the end of the interface mode based on the number of pulses corresponding to a single interface mode.

The mode end detector <NUM> may detect the end of the interface mode through various methods, other than or in addition to variously described example embodiments. The mode end signal ES generated by the detection may be transmitted to the mode switcher <NUM> or the register <NUM>. Alternatively or additionally, the mode end signal ES may be generated for each of the different interface modes.

The mode switcher <NUM> may output a mode switch signal MSS to the ZQ engine <NUM> when receiving the mode end signal ES. The mode switch signal MSS may include information on a reference voltage of the switched interface mode.

In various example embodiments, the mode switcher <NUM> may output a mode switch signal MSS to the ZQ engine <NUM> when receiving the mode end signal ES.

Also, the mode switcher <NUM> may generate a reset signal RST to reset various control logics for ZQ calibration. The term "control logic" may refer to a component included in the ZQ calibration circuit <NUM> or provided for a ZQ calibration feature to control the overall operation of the ZQ calibration. The control logic may be implemented in various forms of hardware and/or software and/or firmware.

For example, the reset signal RST may reset at least a portion of the operation of the ZQ controller <NUM> and the operation of the ZQ engine <NUM>. The reset signal RST may reset the control logic in a state in which the ZQ enable signal for operating the ZQ engine <NUM> is maintained. For example, the reset signal RST may perform a reset operation without disabling the ZQ calibration.

The register <NUM> may store the mode end signal ES, received from the mode end detector <NUM>, and a calibration code received from the ZQ engine <NUM>.

In various example embodiments, the register <NUM> may store a calibration code corresponding to a time point at which the mode end signal ES is output. For example, the register <NUM> may store a calibration code corresponding to a time point at which a mode end signal ES generated when an end of one interface mode is detected (hereinafter referred to as a "first mode end signal") is output, and may store calibration codes corresponding to a time point at which the mode end signal ES generated when an end of another interface mode is detected (hereinafter referred to as a "second mode end signal") is output.

In various example embodiments, the register <NUM> may store a calibration code corresponding to a time point at which the ZQ enable signal for operating the ZQ engine <NUM> comes to an end. For example, the register <NUM> may store a calibration code at a time point at which the ZQ time tZQ, illustrated in <FIG>, comes to an end. In some example embodiments, the register <NUM> may store only a calibration code generated in a last interface mode within the ZQ time tZQ according to various example embodiments.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating a ZQ engine and ZQ driver according to various example embodiments.

Referring to <FIG>, the ZQ engine <NUM> according to various example embodiments may include a multi-reference voltage generator <NUM>, a comparator <NUM>, and a logic <NUM>.

The multi-reference voltage generator <NUM> may generate a first reference voltage Vrefl corresponding to one interface mode when ZQ calibration is enabled, and may output the generated first reference voltage Vrefl to the comparator <NUM>. Then, the multi-reference voltage generator <NUM> may generate a second reference voltage Vref2 corresponding to another interface mode and output the generated second reference voltage Vref2 to the comparator <NUM> when receiving the mode switch signal MSS from the ZQ controller <NUM>. Also, the multi-reference voltage generator <NUM> may generate reference voltages having various values according to various interfaces.

The comparator <NUM> may have an input terminal connected to the multi-reference voltage generator <NUM> and a ZQ pad ZP to which a ZQ resistor RZQ is connected. The comparator <NUM> may compare a reference voltage with a ZQ voltage, e.g., a voltage of the ZQ pad ZP, and may generate an up/down signal UP/DN based on a result of the comparison. The ZQ voltage may be or may correspond to a divided voltage of the ZQ driver <NUM> and the ZQ resistor RZQ. The ZQ driver <NUM> may include at least one pull-up circuit and at least one pull-down circuit according to various embodiments. For example, when one of the at least one pull-up circuit is connected to the ZQ pad ZP, the ZQ voltage may be a divided voltage of a single pull-up circuit and the ZQ resistor RZQ.

The logic <NUM> may output the calibration code to the ZQ driver <NUM> based on the result of the comparison.

In various example embodiments, the logic <NUM> may be a counter. The logic <NUM> may generate a binary calibration code based on the up/down signal. The binary code may include a pull-up calibration code and a pull-down calibration code. The logic <NUM> may output the generated calibration code to the ZQ driver <NUM>. The ZQ driver <NUM> may receive the pull-up calibration code or the pull-down calibration code from the counter, and impedance may be adjusted based on a corresponding code. For example, at least one pull-up circuit included in the ZQ circuit may be adjusted based on the pull-up calibration code, and at least one pull-down circuit included in the ZQ circuit may be adjusted based on the pull-down calibration code.

In various example embodiments, the pull-up/pull-down calibration codes generated through the logic <NUM> may be transmitted to a memory device, performing ZQ calibration, and another memory device transmitting and receiving a signal. Similarly, the memory device transmitting and receiving a signal may perform ZQ calibration based on the received pull-up/pull-down calibration codes. According to various example embodiments, the memory device receiving the pull-up/pull-down calibration codes may perform ZQ calibration based on ODT, and/or may perform ZQ calibration based on adjustment of driver strengths DS. An operation of adjusting the driver strengths DS may have an equivalent effect the ZQ calibration. For example, the memory device receiving the pull-up/pull-down calibration codes may perform ZQ calibration through adjustment of driver strengths without including components such as a calibration circuit or an ODT circuit.

The logic <NUM> may transmit the generated pull-up/pull-down calibration codes Code to the ZQ controller <NUM>. The register <NUM> included in the ZQ controller <NUM> may store a calibration code. For example, the logic <NUM> may store the pull-up/pull-down calibration codes Code when signal swing of the output signal OS of the ZQ driver <NUM> through ZQ calibration reaches a target swing range.

In various example embodiments, the logic <NUM> may generate and output a flag signal FL to the ZQ controller <NUM> when ZQ calibration through the pull-up/pull-down calibration code is completed. For example, the logic <NUM> may generate the flag signal FL when the ZQ calibration is successfully performed and one interface mode or another interface mode comes to an end. Alternatively or additionally, the logic <NUM> may transmit the calibration code at the time of the end to the ZQ controller <NUM>.

The ZQ controller <NUM> receiving the generated flag signal FL may detect the end of the interface mode through, for example, the mode end detector <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, in various example embodiments, the ZQ controller <NUM> may receive the flag signal FL described above in <FIG>. The flag signal FL may include a first flag signal FL1, generated when one interface mode comes to an end, and a second flag signal FL2 generated when another interface mode comes to an end.

When the mode end detector <NUM> receives the first flag signal FL1 from the ZQ engine <NUM>, the mode end detector <NUM> may detect that one interface mode has come to an end. The mode end detector <NUM> may detect the end of one interface mode based on the first flag signal FL1 and may output the mode end signal ES to the mode switcher <NUM>. The mode switcher <NUM> may output the mode switch signal MSS to the ZQ engine <NUM>.

In some example embodiments, the register <NUM> may receive and/or store the first flag signal FL1 and the second flag signal FL2 from the ZQ engine <NUM>.

In some example embodiments, the register <NUM> may receive and/or store a first calibration code1 and a second calibration code2, respectively corresponding to the interface modes, from the ZQ engine <NUM>.

<FIG> is an operation waveform diagram of a ZQ calibration circuit according to various example embodiments.

Referring to <FIG>, when ZQ calibration is enabled, the ZQ calibration feature may be performed during a ZQ time tZQ indicated by an RnB signal representing a current state of operation. As an example, <FIG> illustrates a case in which a first reference voltage Vrefl corresponding to a first interface mode is higher than (greater than) a second reference voltage Vref2 corresponding to a second interface mode, but example embodiments are not limited thereto.

The ZQ calibration circuit <NUM> may perform ZQ calibration according to the first interface mode. An output signal OS of the ZQ driver <NUM> may have repeated levels corresponding to logic '<NUM>' and logic '<NUM>' with respect to the first reference voltage Vrefl through ZQ calibration at an initial level. The ZQ calibration may be performed until the output signal OS of the ZQ driver <NUM> swings within a predetermined range with respect to the first reference voltage Vrefl.

When the ZQ calibration is completed and the swing of the output signal OS is dithered, the ZQ calibration circuit <NUM> may detect the end of or the completion of the first interface mode and may generate a first mode end signal ES1. In various example embodiments, the end of or the completion of the first interface mode may be detected through a first flag signal FL1. In this case, the ZQ calibration circuit <NUM> may store a calibration code at a first timing t1 at which the first mode end signal ES1 is generated.

According to the first mode end signal ES1, the interface mode may switch from the first interface mode to the second interface mode. Accordingly, the reference voltage may also change from the first reference voltage Vrefl to a second reference voltage Vref2. The ZQ calibration circuit <NUM> may perform ZQ calibration based on the changed second reference voltage Vref2. The ZQ calibration may be performed until the output signal OS of the ZQ driver <NUM> swings within a particular (or predetermined) range with respect to the second reference voltage Vref2.

When the ZQ calibration is completed and the swing of the output signal OS is dithered, the ZQ calibration circuit <NUM> may detect the end of the second interface mode and may generate a second mode end signal ES2. As an example, the end of the second interface mode may be detected through a second flag signal FL2. In this case, the ZQ calibration circuit <NUM> may store the calibration code at a second timing t2 at which the second mode end signal ES2 is generated.

In <FIG>, the description has been provided with respect to two interface modes, ZQ calibration may be performed according to three or more interface modes. In this case, the second mode end signal ES may trigger a switch to an interface mode to operate after the second interface mode.

Referring to <FIG>, the ZQ calibration circuit <NUM> according to an embodiment may detect an end of an interface mode based on a ZQ clock signal for an operation of the ZQ calibration circuit <NUM>.

For example, a predetermined number of pulses included in the ZQ clock signal may be assigned to each of the first interface mode and the second interface mode. When the number of ZQ clock signals assigned to the first interface mode is identified (a time point t3), the ZQ calibration circuit <NUM> may generate a first mode end signal ES1. Then, when the number of ZQ clock signals assigned to the second interface mode is identified (a time point t4), the ZQ calibration circuit <NUM> may generate a second mode end signal ES2.

Similarly, the ZQ calibration circuit <NUM> may store a calibration code at each timing at which the first mode end signal ES1 and the second mode end signal ES2 are generated.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating a memory device according to various example embodiments.

Referring to <FIG>, a memory device <NUM> may include a memory controller <NUM> and a plurality of multi-chip packages (MCPs) 2200_1, 2200_2 to 2200_N.

The memory controller <NUM> may be connected to the plurality of MCPs 2200_1, 2200_2 to 2200_N, and may control the plurality of MCPs 2200_1, 2200_2 to 2200_N. The memory controller <NUM> transmit various enable signals, data signals DQ, strobe signals DQS, and ZQ commands ZQ CMD for controlling the plurality of MCPs 2200_1, 2200_2 to 2200_N to the plurality of MCPs 2200_1, 2200_2 to 2200_N. Alternatively or additionally, the memory controller <NUM> may receive the data signal DQ and the strobe signal DQS from the plurality of MCPs 2200_1, 2200_2 to 2200_N.

Each of the plurality of MCPs 2200_1, 2200_2 to 2200_N may be implemented as packages such as one or more of PoP (Package On Package), BGA (Ball Grid Arrays), CSP (Chip Scale Package), PLCC (Plastic Leaded Chip Carrier), PDIP (Plastic Dual In-line Package), Die in Waffle Pack, Die in Wafer Form, COB (Chip On Board), CERDIP (CERamic Dual In-line Package), MQFP (Metric Quad Flat Package), TQFP (Thin Quad FlatPack), Small Outline (SOIC), SSOP (Shrink Small Outline Package), TSOP (Thin Small Outline), SIP (System In Package), MCP (2200_1, 2200_2 to 2200_N) (Multi Chip Package), WFP (Wafer-level Fabricated Package), or WSP (Wafer-level processed Stack Package).

The plurality of MCPs 2200_1, 2200_2 to 2200_N may be connected to the memory controller <NUM> through different channels, respectively. Alternatively, at least some of the plurality of MCPs 2200_1, 2200_2 to 2200_N may be connected to the memory controller <NUM> through the same channel.

Each of the plurality of MCPs 2200_1, 2200_2 to 2200_N may include buffer chips 2210_1 and 2210_2 and nonvolatile memories (NVMs) 2220_1, 2220_2, 2220_3, and 2220_4.

The buffer chips 2210_1 and 2210_2 may operate under the control of the memory controller <NUM>, and may be configured to communicate with the memory controller <NUM> and the NVMs 2220_1, 2220_2, 2220_3, and 2220_4. For example, the buffer chips 2210_1 and 2210_2 may transmit signals, transmitted from the memory controller <NUM>, to the NVMs 2220_1, 2220_2, 2220_3, and 2220_4, and/or may transmit signals, transmitted from the NVMs 2220_1, 2220_2, 2220_3, and 2220_4, to the memory controller <NUM>.

At least two channels may be connected to a single buffer chip 2210_1 or 2210_2, and the plurality of NVMs 2220_1, 2220_2, 2220_3, and 2220_4 may be connected to each channel. Accordingly, the buffer chips 2210_1 and 2210_2 may reduce capacitive loading between the buffer chips 2210_1 and 2210_2 and the NVMs 2220_1 and 2220_2, 2220_3, and 2220_4.

The NVMs 2220_1, 2220_2, 2220_3, and 2220_4 may include a nonvolatile memory such as one or more of a NAND flash memory, a phase-change random access memory (PRAM), a magnetic RAM (MRAM), a ferroelectric RAM (FeRAM), a resistive RAM (RRAM), or the like.

In various example embodiments, the memory controller <NUM>, the buffer chips 2210_1 and 2210_2, and the NVMs 2220_1, 2220_2, 2220_3, and 2220_4 may support the ZQ calibration feature according to the above-described embodiments.

In various example embodiments, various interfaces supporting the ZQ calibration feature may be employed between the memory controller <NUM> and the buffer chips 2210_1 and 2210_2, and various interfaces supporting the ZQ calibration feature may be employed between the buffer chips 2210_1 and 2210_2 and the NVMs 2220_1, 2220_2, 2220_3, and 2220_4.

In various example embodiments, an interface mode applied between the memory controller <NUM> and the buffer chips 2210_1 and 2210_2 and an interface mode applied between the buffer chips 2210_1 and 2210_2 and the NVMs 2220_1, 2220_2, 2220_3, and 2220_4 may be different from each other. For example, the memory device <NUM> may support a dual interface mode.

In various example embodiments, a first interface mode may be applied to the memory controller <NUM> and the buffer chips 2210_1 and 2210_2, and a second interface mode may be applied to the buffer chips 2210_1 and 2210_2 and the NVMs 2220_1, 2220_2, 2220_3 and 2220_4. The memory controller <NUM> may transmit a single ZQ command ZQ CMD to the buffer chips 2210_1 and 2210_2 when the ZQ calibration is required.

The memory controller <NUM> and the buffer chips 2210_1 and 2210_2 may perform the ZQ calibration based on the first reference voltage Vrefl corresponding to the first interface mode. The above-described ZQ calibration circuit <NUM> may be provided in one of the memory controller <NUM> and the buffer chips 2210_1 and 2210_2. Of the memory controller <NUM> and the buffer chips 2210_1 and 2210_2, a side provided with the ZQ calibration circuit <NUM> may transmit a calibration code based on the ZQ calibration to a side not provided with the ZQ calibration circuit <NUM>, and the side not provided with the ZQ calibration circuit <NUM> may similarly perform the ZQ calibration through the calibration code.

Then, when the end of or the completion of the first interface mode is detected through the ZQ calibration circuit <NUM>, the reference voltage may change from a first reference voltage Vrefl to a second reference voltage Vref2. In this case, the buffer chips 2210_1 and 2210_2 and the NVMs 2220_1, 2220_2, 2220_3, and 2220_4 may perform the ZQ calibration based on the second reference voltage Vref2. Similarly, the above-described ZQ calibration circuit <NUM> may be provided in one of the buffer chips 2210_1 and 2210_2 and the NVMs 2220_1, 2220_2, 2220_3, and 2220_4.

The ZQ calibration for both the first interface mode and the second interface mode may be performed during a single unit ZQ time tZQ based on the ZQ command ZQ CMD issued by the memory controller <NUM>.

According to various example embodiments, the memory device <NUM> may perform ZQ calibration for each interface mode during a single ZQ command ZQ CMD and a single unit ZQ time tZQ when a plurality of different interface modes are supported. Accordingly, an additional ZQ command ZQ CMD or an additional ZQ time tZQ may not be required even when a number of interface modes is increased.

In various example embodiments, the memory device <NUM> may support a training function even in a heavy load system. For example, duty cycle correction (DCC) training may be a function for compensating for duty cycle mismatch of a red enable signal. Read/write DQ training (hereinafter referred to "read training" or "write training") may be a function of a host for aligning DQS and DQ signal DQ caused by a mismatched DQS path. For example, the DCC training and the read/write training may be supported in an operation of <NUM> Mbps or more. In addition, the above-described training functions may be sequentially performed after the ZQ calibration according to the above-described embodiments is performed.

In various example embodiments, when the first interface is set to be an initial interface, the first interface may perform training. A side of the memory controller <NUM> may perform ZQ calibration in the first interface mode, and then sides of the NVMs 2220_1, 2220_2, 2220_3, and 2220_4 may also perform the ZQ calibration. The ZQ calibration may be performed together with the above-described buffer chips 2210_1 and 2210_2. Then, the sides of the NVMs 2220_1, 2220_2, 2220_3, and 2220_4 may perform DCC training. Then, read/write training may be performed.

In various example embodiments, the second interface may perform training. A side of the memory controller <NUM> may activate the second interfaced and may perform ZQ calibration in the second interface mode. Then, the sides of the NVMs 2220_1, 2220_2, 2220_3, and 2220_4 may also perform the ZQ calibration. The ZQ calibration may be performed together with the above-described buffer chips 2210_1 and 2210_2. When the ZQ calibration is performed, the sides of the NVMs 2220_1, 2220_2, 2220_3, and 2220_4 may perform DCC training. Then, read/write training may be performed. For example, a read training sequence for read training may be used by the memory controller <NUM>, and a write training sequence for write training may be used by the memory controller <NUM>.

ZQ calibration in each interface mode may be performed through the ZQ calibration circuit <NUM> according to various example embodiments. For example, the ZQ calibration circuit <NUM> may an end of the first interface mode when the first interface mode comes to an end (for example, ZQ calibration for the first interface mode is successfully performed). In this case, the memory controller <NUM> may activate the second interface and ZQ calibration for the second interface mode may be performed.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating an example of a buffer chip in <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, the buffer chips 2210_1 and 2210_2 according to various example embodiments may include a core circuit <NUM>, a plurality of first DQ pads DQ0_1, DQ1_1 to DQN_1, a plurality of second DQ pads DQ0_2, DQ1_2 to DQN_2, a ZQ pad ZP, a plurality of first drivers 2212_1, 2212_2 to 2212_N, a plurality of first receivers 2213_1, 2213_2 to 2213_N, a plurality of second drivers 2214_1, 2214_2 to 2214_N, and a plurality of second receivers 2215_1, 2215_2 to 2215_N.

The core circuit <NUM> may control the overall operation of the buffer chips 2210_1 and 2210_2. For example, the core circuit <NUM> may transmit a signal, transmitted from the memory controller <NUM> through the plurality of first receivers 2213_1, 2213_2 to 2213_N, to the plurality of second drivers 2214_1, 2214_2 to 2214_N, or may transmit a signal, transmitted from NVMs 2220_1, 2220_2, 2220_3, and 2220_4 through the plurality of second receivers 2215_1, 2215_2 to 2215_N, to the plurality of first drivers 2212_1, 2212_2 to 2212_N.

The plurality of first drivers 2212_1, 2212_2 to 2212_N and the plurality of first receivers 2213_1, 2213_2 to 2213_N may be referred to as a controller stage.

The plurality of first drivers 2212_1, 2212_2 to 2212_N may be connected to the plurality of first DQ pads DQ0_1, DQ1_1 to DQN_1 and the core circuit <NUM>, respectively. The plurality of first drivers 2212_1, 2212_2 to 2212_N may transmit a signal, received from the core circuit <NUM>, to the memory controller <NUM> through the plurality of first DQ pads DQ0_1, DQ1_1 to DQN_1.

The plurality of first drivers 2212_1, 2212_2 to 2212_N may correspond to the ZQ driver <NUM> according to the above-described embodiments. In various example embodiments, when a ZQ calibration feature may be performed for each of various interface modes through the ZQ pad ZP, the plurality of first drivers 2212_1, 2212_2 to 2212_N may adjust termination resistance based on a calibration code generated for each interface mode, and may adjust driver strengths.

The plurality of first drivers 2212_1, 2212_2 to 2212_N may receive the signal transmitted from the memory controller <NUM>, and may transmit the received signal to the core circuit <NUM>.

The plurality of second drivers 2214_1, 2214_2 to 2214_N and the plurality of second receivers 2215_1, 2215_2 to 2215_N may be referred to as a memory stage.

The plurality of second drivers 2214_1, 2214_2 to 2214_N may be connected to the plurality of second DQ pads DQ0_2, DQ1_2 to DQN_2 and the core circuit <NUM>, respectively. The plurality of second drivers 2214_1, 2214_2 to 2214_N may transmit a signal, received from the core circuit <NUM>, to the NVMs 2220_1, 2220_2, 2220_3, and 2220_4 through the plurality of second DQ pads DQ0_2, DQ1_2 to DQN_2.

Similarly, the plurality of second drivers 2214_1, 2214_2 to 2214_N may correspond to the ZQ driver <NUM> according to the above-described embodiments. In various example embodiments, when a ZQ calibration feature <NUM> is performed for each of various interface modes through the ZQ pad ZP, the plurality of second drivers 2214_1, 2214_2 to 2214_N may adjust termination resistance based on the calibration code generated for each interface mode, or may adjust driver strengths.

The plurality of second drivers 2214_1, 2214_2 to 2214_N may receive a signal transmitted from the memory controller <NUM>, and may transmit the received signal to the core circuit <NUM>.

The buffer chips 2210_1 and 2210_2 may perform the ZQ calibration feature <NUM> in the controller stage or the memory stage. For example, the buffer chips 2210_1 and 2210_2 may perform ZQ calibration for a current interface mode of the controller stage or the memory stage, and may detect an end of the ZQ calibration for the current interface mode when the current interface mode comes to an end. The buffer chips 2210_1 and 2210_2 may change a reference voltage to a reference voltage corresponding to another interface mode when detecting the end of the current interface mode, and may perform ZQ calibration based on the changed reference voltage.

<FIG> is a flowchart illustrating a method of operating a memory device according to various example embodiments.

Referring to <FIG>, in various example embodiments, in operation S1110, the memory device may receive a ZQ command.

In operation S1120, the memory device may perform ZQ calibration based on a first reference voltage.

In operation S1130, the memory device may repeatedly perform operation S1120 until a ZQ level, for example, an output of a ZQ driver is dithered to the first reference voltage.

In operation S1140, when the output of the ZQ driver is dithered to the first reference voltage in operation S1130, the memory device may detect that a single interface mode comes to an end, and may generate a mode end signal ES.

In operation S1150, the memory device may perform ZQ calibration based on a second reference voltage generated by changing the first reference voltage.

In operation S1160, the memory device may repeatedly perform operation S1150 until the ZQ level, for example, the output of the ZQ driver is dithered to the second reference voltage.

In operation S1170, when the output of the ZQ driver is dithered to the second reference voltage in operation S1160, the memory device detect that another interface mode comes to an end, and may generate a mode end signal ES.

As set forth above, according to example embodiments, a ZQ calibration circuit for providing a ZQ calibration feature in multiple interfaces may be provided.

Claim 1:
A ZQ calibration circuit (<NUM>) comprising:
a ZQ controller (<NUM>) configured to detect an end of a first interface mode from among a plurality of interface modes in which ZQ calibration is supported, and to instruct a switch to a second interface mode in response to the first interface mode coming to an end;
a ZQ engine (<NUM>) configured to generate a first reference voltage corresponding to the first interface mode through a multi-reference voltage generator, to generate a second reference voltage corresponding to the second interface mode in response to the switch to the second interface mode being instructed, to perform the ZQ calibration based on the first reference voltage or the second reference voltage, and to output a calibration code, the ZQ calibration comprising a process of correcting termination resistance to perform impedance matching; and
a ZQ driver (<NUM>) configured to output the output signal through an input/output pad based on the calibration code,
wherein the first interface mode and the second interface mode have different target swing ranges.