Semiconductor device, semiconductor memory device and test-mode entry method

[0002] The present invention relates to a semiconductor device, and, more particularly, to a test-mode setting circuit for a synchronous DRAM.

[0003] Before shipment of synchronous DRAMs (SDRAMs), a variety of tests, including a reliability test, are conducted. A test mode is entered in accordance with a command signal synchronous with an external clock signal. The test-mode entry command signals are not accessible to ordinary customers (hereinafter referred to as “users”). When a user erroneously enters a test mode, therefore, the user continues to use the SDRAM without noticing the erroneous entry. This shortens the service life of the device. It is therefore necessary to indicate to the user that such an erroneous entry has been made.

[0004] In prior art devices, when a user erroneously enters an SDRAM test mode, the column address strobe (CAS) latency is automatically altered to notify the user of the erroneous entry. Specifically, when an erroneous entry is made, the value of the CAS latency, which is “2” or “3” according to standard specifications, is changed to “1”.

[0005] More recent SDRAMs maintain the CAS latency at a value of “1”, making it impossible to change the value of the CAS latency to “1” when an erroneous entry is made. As a solution to this shortcoming, a scheme has been proposed to set the data input/output terminal of the input/output circuit of an SDRAM to a high-impedance state when an erroneous entry is made, thus disabling the data input/output operation and informing the user of the erroneous entry.

[0006] FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a conventional SDRAM 50. The SDRAM 50 sets a data input/output terminal 7 of an input/output circuit 6 to a high-impedance state when an erroneous entry is made, thus disabling the data input/output operation.

[0007] An input buffer circuit 1 receives a clock signal CLK and various control signals CKE, CS, /RAS, /CAS and /WE. The control signals are buffered and supplied to a command decoder 2.

[0008] The command decoder 2 generates various command signals in accordance with the various control signals CKE, CS, /RAS, /CAS and /WE and sends the command signals to a peripheral circuit/memory core 3 and a plurality of test-mode decision circuits 4.

[0009] Multiple-bit address signals A0-An are supplied to the peripheral circuit/memory core 3 and the test-mode decision circuits 4 via an address buffer circuit 5.

[0010] The peripheral circuit/memory core 3 performs a data write operation or data read operation in accordance with the command signal supplied from the command decoder 2 and the address signals A0-An supplied from the address buffer circuit 5.

[0011] The peripheral circuit/memory core 3 is connected to an input/output circuit 6, which is further connected to the data input/output terminal 7.

[0012] In data read mode, data read from the peripheral circuit/memory core 3 is sent to an external circuit via the input/output circuit 6 and the data input/output terminal 7. In data write mode, on the other hand, write data supplied from the data input/output terminal 7 is written in memory cells (not shown) in the peripheral circuit/memory core 3 via the input/output circuit 6.

[0013] The test-mode decision circuits 4, each of which is provided for one of the test modes, receive the command signal from the command decoder 2 and the address signals A0-An. Based on the command signal and the address signals A0-An, the test-mode decision circuits 4 determine the test mode that is to be performed.

[0014] When detecting a test mode, each of the test-mode decision circuits 4 sends an associated one of, for example, test mode signals TEST1, TEST2, TEST3 and TEST4 to the peripheral circuit/memory core 3 and the test-mode output control circuit 8. The peripheral circuit/memory core 3 operates in the test mode that corresponds to the received test mode signal.

[0015] When the test-mode output control circuit 8 determines that the received test mode signal, TEST1, TEST2, TEST3 or TEST4, is a specific test mode signal that shortens the life of the device, it sends an output stop signal TESHIZ to the input/output circuit 6.

[0016] Upon reception of the output stop signal TESHIZ, the input/output circuit 6 sets the data input/output terminal 7 to a high-impedance state.

[0017] FIG. 3 is a schematic circuit diagram of the input/output circuit 6 of the SDRAM 50.

[0018] A node between CMOS output transistors Tr1 and Tr2 is connected to the data input/output terminal 7. The output signal of an OR circuit 9 is supplied to the gate of the transistor Tr1, and the output signal of a NOR circuit 10a is supplied to the gate of the transistor Tr2.

[0019] Read data RD is supplied to the OR circuit 9 via a data bus, and is supplied to the NOR circuit 10avia an inverter circuit 13d. The output stop signal TESHIZ is supplied to the OR circuit 9 and the NOR circuit 10a. A NOR circuit 10bis supplied with write data Din supplied to the data input/output terminal 7 and the output stop signal TESHIZ.

[0020] In the read mode, when the output stop signal TESHIZ has an L (Low) level, one of the transistors Tr1 and Tr2 in the input/output circuit 6 is turned on according to read data RD, causing the read data RD to be output from the data input/output terminal 7. In the write mode, the write data Din sent to the data input/output terminal 7 is inverted by the NOR circuit 10b and is then supplied to a write amplifier (not shown).

[0021] On the other hand, when the output stop signal TESHIZ has an H (High) level, both the transistors Tr1 and Tr2 are turned off so that the data input/output terminal 7 is set to a high-impedance state. This causes the output signal Din of the NOR circuit 10bto be fixed at an L level. The input/output circuit 6 therefore becomes inactive.

[0022] FIG. 2 is a timing chart illustrating the entry of a test mode of the SDRAM 50.

[0023] When a mode register set command MRS is supplied as a command signal CM and a code signal Cod for setting a predetermined test mode is supplied as the address signals A0-An, as shown in FIG. 2, the test-mode decision circuits 4 determine that the mode is a test mode. The test-mode decision circuits 4 then output one of the test mode signals TEST1-TEST4.

[0024] The test-mode output control circuit 8 sends the output stop signal TESHIZ to the input/output circuit 6 so that the data input/output terminal 7 is set to a high-impedance state. As a result, read data DQ with a CAS latency of “3” is not output from the data input/output terminal 7 in accordance with, for example, a read command READ.

[0025] When a user erroneously enters a test mode of the SDRAM 50, the data input/output operation is automatically inhibited so that the user notices the erroneous entry. This scheme can therefore prevent the device from operating in a test mode that shortens the life of the device, such as a burn-in test mode.

[0026] In the case in which a device manufacturer conducts a test on the SDRAM 50 at the time of shipment, even if the mode is set to a test mode, data input/output to or from the data input/output terminal 7 cannot be executed. The device manufacturer cannot test writing and reading data while applying the reliability test to the device.

[0027] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a semiconductor device that can reliably detect an erroneous entry into a test mode in ordinary usage and can perform various operational tests at the time of shipment.

[0028] To achieve the above object, the present invention provides a semiconductor device including an internal circuit operated in accordance with a plurality of operation modes, including a test mode, and a test-mode control circuit connected to the internal circuit for operating the internal circuit in the test mode in accordance with a test mode command. The test-mode control circuit includes a first control circuit and a second control circuit. The first control circuit is connected to the internal circuit for inactivating at least a part of the internal circuit in accordance with the test mode command. The second control circuit is connected to the first control circuit for activating at least the part of the internal circuit inactivated by the first control circuit in accordance with a release command supplied following the test mode command.

[0029] The present invention also provides a semiconductor memory device including an internal circuit operated in accordance with a plurality of operation modes including a test mode, a data write mode, and a data read mode. The internal circuit includes an input/output circuit having a data input/output terminal. The device includes a first control circuit and a second control circuit. The first control circuit is connected to the internal circuit for setting the internal circuit to a test mode and inactivating at least a part of the input/output circuit in accordance with a first command signal for setting the test mode. The second control circuit is connected to the internal circuit for activating at least the part of the input/output circuit inactivated by the first control circuit in accordance with a second command signal supplied following the first command signal, thereby ensuring data input/output in the test mode.

[0030] The present invention further provides a method for entering a test mode in a semiconductor device. The semiconductor device has a plurality of operation modes including the test mode, operates in accordance with a plurality of operation commands, and has an internal circuit. The method includes entering the test mode in accordance with a test mode command to be supplied to the semiconductor device, inactivating at least a part of the internal circuit, activating at least the part of the inactivated internal circuit in accordance with a release command supplied following the test mode command, and executing a data write mode and data read mode in the test mode.

[0031] Other aspects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, illustrating by way of example the principles of the invention.

[0032] The invention, together with objects and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following description of the presently preferred embodiments together with the accompanying drawings in which:

[0033] FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a conventional semiconductor device;

[0034] FIG. 2 is a timing chart illustrating an operation to enter a test mode of the semiconductor device in FIG. 1;

[0035] FIG. 3 is a schematic circuit diagram of an input/output circuit of the semiconductor device in FIG. 1;

[0036] FIG. 4 is a schematic block diagram of a semiconductor device according to one embodiment of the invention;

[0037] FIG. 5 is a schematic circuit diagram of a first test-mode decision circuit in the semiconductor device in FIG. 4;

[0038] FIG. 6 is a schematic circuit diagram of a second test-mode decision circuit in the semiconductor device in FIG. 4;

[0039] FIG. 7 is a schematic circuit diagram of a test-mode output control circuit in the semiconductor device in FIG. 4; and

[0040] FIG. 8 is a timing chart illustrating an operation to enter a test mode of the semiconductor device in FIG. 4.

[0041] In the drawings, like numerals are used for like elements throughout.

[0042] FIG. 4 is a schematic block diagram of a semiconductor device (SDRAM) 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 4, the SDRAM 100 includes an input buffer circuit 1, a command decoder 2, a peripheral circuit/memory core 3, first test-mode decision circuits (first control circuit) 4, an address buffer circuit 5, an input/output circuit 6, a data input/output terminal 7, a test-mode output control circuit (first control circuit) 11, and a second test-mode decision circuit (second control circuit) 4a.

[0044] The second test-mode decision circuit 4a generates a clear signal CLR and sends the clear signal CLR to the test-mode output control circuit 11. The test-mode decision circuit 4a receives an output stop signal TESHIZ from the test-mode output control circuit 11.

[0045] FIG. 5 is a schematic circuit diagram of each first test-mode decision circuit 4. A NAND circuit 12areceives an H-level mode register set command MRS (test-mode entry signal) from the command decoder 2.

[0046] A NAND circuit 12breceives address signals AD of particular multiple bits of address signals A0-An output from the address buffer circuit 5. When a test mode is set, all address signals AD have H levels and are supplied to the NAND circuit 12b. The first test-mode decision circuits 4 then determine that a test mode has been entered.

[0047] The output signal of the NAND circuit 12bis supplied to the NAND circuit 12avia an inverter circuit 13a.

[0048] The output signal of the NAND circuit 12ais supplied to a NAND circuit 12c, which outputs a test mode signal TEST. The output signal of the NAND circuit 12cis also supplied to a NAND circuit 12dwhose output signal is supplied to the NAND circuit 12c.

[0049] The command decoder 2 supplies the NAND circuit 12dwith a test-mode release signal PRE. The test-mode release signal PRE is a command to disable part of the peripheral circuit/memory core 3. The NAND circuits 12cand 12dform a latch circuit.

[0050] When each first test-mode decision circuit 4 receives the H-level mode register set command MRS, and all of the address signals AD have H levels, the output signal of the inverter circuit 13agoes to an H level. Because the NAND circuit 12areceives two input signals both of H levels, the output signal of the NAND circuit 12agoes to an L level. As a result, the NAND circuit 12coutputs the H-level test mode signal TEST.

[0051] When each first test-mode decision circuit 4 receives the H-level test-mode release signal PRE, the test mode signal TEST is latched at an H level by the NAND circuits 12cand 12d, regardless of the mode register set command MRS and the address signals AD.

[0052] In the case in which the output signal of the NAND circuit 12ais latched at an H level, when the first test-mode decision circuit 4 receives the L-level test-mode release signal PRE, both input signals to the NAND circuit 12cbecome H levels. As a result, the test mode signal TEST is reset to an L level.

[0053] FIG. 6 is a schematic circuit diagram of the second test-mode decision circuit 4a.

[0054] The second test-mode decision circuit 4aincludes NAND circuits 12e, 12f, 12gand 12h, a NOR circuit 14aand an inverter circuit 13b.

[0055] The mode register set command MRS is supplied to the first input terminal of the NAND circuit 12e, and the address signals AD of a predetermined number of bits are supplied to the second NAND circuit 12f. The output signal of the NAND circuit 12fis supplied to the first input terminal of the NOR circuit 14a.

[0056] If predetermined address signals A0-An are set for releasing the output stop signal TESHIZ, all of the predetermined number of bits of the address signals AD are set to H levels when address signals A0-An are supplied to the address buffer circuit 5.

[0057] The output stop signal TESHIZ from the test-mode output control circuit 11 is supplied via the inverter circuit 13bto the second input terminal of the NOR circuit 14a, whose output signal is supplied to the second input terminal of the NAND circuit 12e.

[0058] The output signal of the NAND circuit 12eis supplied to the first input terminal of the NAND circuit 12g. The test-mode release signal PRE is supplied to the first input terminal of the NAND circuit 12h. The NAND circuits 12gand 12hform a latch circuit. The NAND circuit 12goutputs the clear signal CLR.

[0059] When an H-level output stop signal TESHIZ is supplied to the inverter circuit 13band the address signals AD all go to H levels, the output signal of the NOR circuit 14agoes to an H level. If an H-level mode register set command MRS is supplied to the NAND circuit 12e, then both input signals to the NAND circuit 12ego to an H level. The output signal of the NAND circuit 12ethen goes to an L level, causing the NAND circuit 12gto output the H-level clear signal CLR.

[0060] When the H-level test-mode release signal PRE is supplied to the NAND circuit 12h, the clear signal CLR is latched at an H level by the NAND circuits 12gand 12h, irrespective of the mode register set command MRS and the address signals AD.

[0061] When the L-level test-mode release signal PRE is supplied to the second test-mode decision circuit 4awith the output signal of the NAND circuit 12ehaving returned to an H level, both input signals to the NAND circuit 12ggo to H levels. This resets the clear signal CLR to an L level.

[0062] FIG. 7 is a schematic circuit diagram of the test-mode output control circuit 11.

[0063] The test-mode output control circuit 11 includes a NAND circuit 12i, NOR circuits 14b, 14cand 14dand an inverter circuit 13c.

[0064] Test mode signals TEST1 and TEST2 are respectively supplied to the first and second input terminals of the NOR circuit 14b, and test mode signals TEST3 and TEST4 are respectively supplied to the first and second input terminals of the NOR circuit 14c. The output signals of the NOR circuits 14band 14care respectively supplied to the first and second input terminals of the NAND circuit 12i.

[0065] The output signal of the NAND circuit 12iis supplied via the inverter circuit 13cto the first input terminal of the NOR circuit 14d, whose second input terminal is supplied with the clear signal CLR from the test-mode decision circuit 4a. The NOR circuit 14doutputs the output stop signal TESHIZ.

[0066] When any of the test mode signals TEST1, TEST2, TEST3, and TEST4 goes to an H level, the output signal of the NAND circuit 12igoes to an H level in the test-mode output control circuit 11. Consequently, the output signal of the inverter circuit 13cgoes to an L level. When the clear signal CLR is at an L level, the output stop signal TESHIZ goes to an H level. When the clear signal CLR is at an H level, on the other hand, the output stop signal TESHIZ goes to an L level.

[0067] When all of the test mode signals TEST1, TEST2, TEST3, and TEST4 have L levels, both input signals to the NAND circuit 12igo to H levels so that the output signal of the NAND circuit 12igoes to an L level. As a result, the output signal of the inverter circuit 13cgoes to an H level, and the output stop signal TESHIZ goes to an L level.

[0068] FIG. 8 is a timing chart illustrating an operation to enter a test mode of the SDRAM 100.

[0069] When the mode register set command MRS and a code signal Cod1 (address signal A0-An) are supplied to the SDRAM 100, as shown in FIG. 8, each test-mode decision circuit 4 determines that the operation mode is a test mode and sets at least one of the test mode signals TEST1, TEST2, TEST3, and TEST4 to an H level.

[0070] Then, the test-mode output control circuit 11 outputs the output stop signal TESHIZ, setting the data input/output terminal 7 to a high-impedance state. At this time, the clear signal CLR that is supplied to the test-mode output control circuit 11 from the test-mode decision circuit 4ais set to an L level.

[0071] When a user erroneously enters a test mode, therefore, the data input/output operation is automatically inhibited so that the user notices the erroneous entry. This prevents the device from operating in a test mode that'shortens the life of the device, such as a burn-in test mode.

[0072] Next, the mode register set command MRS is supplied again to the SDRAM 100 prior to an active command ACT and a code signal Cod2, a release command for the output stop signal TESHIZ. Then, the output signals of the NAND circuit 12fand the inverter circuit 13bin the test-mode decision circuit 4aboth go to L levels, causing the output signal of the NAND circuit 12eto go to an L level. As a result, the NAND circuit 12goutputs the H-level clear signal CLR.

[0073] When receiving the H-level clear signal CLR from the test-mode decision circuit 4a, the test-mode output control circuit 11 outputs the L-level output stop signal TESHIZ regardless of the test mode signals TEST1, TEST2, TEST3, and TEST4.

[0074] Consequently, the input/output circuit 6 is enabled again, and the data input/output terminal 7 is set to a low-impedance state. This allows data to be written in or read from the peripheral circuit/memory core 3. In a read operation, as shown in FIG. 8, for example, read data DQ is output at a timing with the CAS latency of “3”. Data writing is likewise possible. The code signal Cod2 (release command) is effective until a reset command is supplied to the SDRAM 100.

[0075] It is very unlikely that a user supplies two types of code signals Cod1 and Cod2, which are normally not accessible to the public, to the SDRAM 100 erroneously and consecutively. This can allow a device manufacturer to conduct a reliable upon-shipment test necessary to reduce the number of defective devices while providing a user with a failsafe capability.

[0076] The SDRAM 100 of this embodiment has the following advantages.

[0077] (1) When a user erroneously enters a test mode, the data input/output terminal 7 is set to a high-impedance state, thus inhibiting the data input/output operation. This allows the user to notice the erroneous entry.

[0078] (2) At the time of making an upon-shipment test, the device manufacturer can enter a test mode by supplying the mode register set command MRS and code signal Cod1 to the SDRAM 100. As the device manufacturer supplies the mode register set command MRS and the code signal Cod2 for releasing the output stop signal TESHIZ to the SDRAM 100, data input/output operation becomes possible. The device manufacturer can reliably make a test of writing and reading data while applying the reliability test to the device.

[0079] (3) Neither code signal Cod1 nor Cod2 is accessible to the public. It is therefore very unlikely that a user inputs the code signals Cod1 and Cod2, together with the mode register set command MRS, erroneously and consecutively. This prevents the user from erroneously entering a test mode and performing a data input/output operation in a test mode.

[0080] It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be embodied in many other specific forms without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Particularly, it should be understood that the invention may be embodied in the following forms.

[0081] The control that sets the data input/output terminal 7 to a high-impedance state upon reception of the output stop signal TESHIZ is not limited to the control on the input/output circuit 6 in the present embodiment. Impedance control on the data input/output terminal 7 may be executed as the output stop signal TESHIZ is supplied to, for example, a read amplifier for amplifying read data or a write amplifier for writing data in memory cells.

[0082] Therefore, the present examples and embodiment are to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive and the invention is not to be limited to the details given herein, but may be modified within the scope and equivalence of the appended claims.