Multi-stage data buffers having efficient data transfer characteristics and methods of operating same

Abstract

Integrated circuit devices having signal buffers therein include first and second storage devices that are electrically coupled in series and configured so that data can be loaded into the first storage device in-sync with a first clock signal (e.g., external clock signal) and then passed and loaded into the second storage device in-sync with a second clock signal (e.g., internal clock signal). The second clock signal is derived from the first clock signal and may be a delayed version of the first clock signal having an equivalent duty cycle. The buffer also comprises an integrated circuit that operates synchronously with the second clock signal and a transfer device that passes an output of the second storage device to the integrated circuit in-sync with the second clock signal. In this manner, data can be loaded into the integrated circuit in-sync with the same clock signal used to control the integrated circuit even though the data is originally transferred in-sync with another clock signal.