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DRA726: External DQS and DQSn lines pull up/downs routing

Part Number: DRA726
Other Parts Discussed in Thread: DRA750, SYSCONFIG

Hello all,

I have a design based on a DRA726. It's EMIF must be able to work as follows:

  • Option A: 32-Bit, one-Bank DDR3 Interface schematic using two 16-Bit DDR3 devices
  • Option B: 16-Bit, one-Bank DDR3 Interface schematic using one16-Bit DDR3 devices

To make the schematic  compatible with both options, according to datasheet (SPRS993E - 7.6.3.4.2 16-Bit DDR3 Interface):

  • If Option A is desired, two DDR3 devices must be mounted and external DQS and DQSn PU/PD must be not fitted
  • If Option B is desired, high-word DDR3 memory must not be fitted and the external PU/PD of the DQS and DQSn connected to it must be fitted

Therefore, the PCB must contain to possible paths for this signals

  • Path for Option A: DRA to DDR3 device and to a not fitted PU/PD
  • Path for Option B: DRA to PU/PD and to a not fitted DDR3 device

I have reviewed the layout recommendations and I have not seen anything related with this scenario, so the question is:

¿Has TI any layout recommendation for DQS and DQSN lines taking into account their path is "splitted" between DDR3 and PU/PD?

PS: This question also applies to DRA777 and DRA750

Thank you very much in advance.

  • Hi,

    I am not sure that splitting the DQS signals between DDR3 and PU/PD is recommended.

    Although the recommendation is to use external pull resistors on unused DQS pins, the IO has internal pulls which can be enabled. If not using external pulls, the internal pulls must be enabled and you should ensure software enables this appropriately. If further information on how to enable the internal pulls is required, please let us know; thanks.

    Regards,
    Kevin

  • Hi Kevin,

    Thanks for your reply,

    I'm aware placing the external PU/PD resistors instead of using the internal ones are supposedly just a recommendation, but the datasheet is contradictory in different sections:

    • 8.7.2.4.2 16-Bit DDR3 Interface: "external pullups and pulldowns provide additional protection
      against external electrical noise causing activity on the signals."
    • Table 4-1. Unused Balls Specific Connection Requirements 
      • DQS lines: These balls must be connected to GND through an external pull resistor if unused.
      • DQSn lines: These balls must be connected to the corresponding power supply through an external pull resistor if unused.

    As in some section they are reported as recommended but in other section they are reported as mandatory, to be honest I don't feel comfortable in not placing them without any further explanation.

    Can you please double check it and confirm me the external PU/PDs are not mandatory?

    Regards,

  • Hi,

    Confirming that external PU/PDs are not mandatory as long as internal pulls are enabled.

    Regards,
    Kevin

  • Hi Kevin,

    Thank you very much for your support.

    I have tried to enable internal DQS lines PU/PD in sysconfig and I have found the option is "disabled" in all the DDR signals. How I'm supposed to configure them?

    Regards,

  • Hi,

    Section 18.4.6.10 of the TRM (link below) has a good description of the DDR IO software controls. Table 18-25 shows the mapping of register to signal mapping. 

    https://www.ti.com/lit/pdf/spruic2

    For your particular concern (enabling internal pulls on upper two byte lanes), the register of interest is CTRL_CORE_CONTROL_DDRCH1_1 (address 0x4A002E3C). The bits which control the internal pull for DQS2 and DQS3 are [17:16] and [1:0] respectively. You should set both of these parameters to 0b10.

    If you add the source code baseline you are using, we can help point to where this would get configured in software.

    Regards,
    Kevin

  • Hi Kevin,

    It is enough for me with the provided information.Thank you very much for your support.