Adaptive Memory Bank Refresh for Lower Latency Traffic
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing memory systems face inefficiencies in bank refresh operations, leading to increased latency due to fixed spacing requirements and potential traffic stalls during refresh cycles, which are not optimized for varying bank usage patterns.
Innovation Solution
Implementing adaptive refresh commands such as per bank, quad bank, and octa bank refresh commands that allow flexible selection of banks to be refreshed based on traffic patterns, reducing the need for concurrent refreshes of unused banks and minimizing latency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If fixed spacing requirements are used for bank refresh operations, then refresh operations can be performed systematically, but latency increases due to inability to adapt to varying bank usage patterns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic refresh commands that allow the memory controller to adaptively select which banks to refresh based on real-time usage patterns. The refresh operations transition from fixed static patterns to dynamic patterns that respond to actual bank activity, enabling the system to optimize refresh timing and reduce latency by skipping refreshes on actively used banks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters of refresh operations by introducing variable refresh intervals and selective bank targeting. Instead of uniform fixed spacing, the system modifies refresh parameters dynamically based on bank usage metrics, allowing different refresh frequencies for different banks according to their actual needs and usage patterns.
2Productivity
If concurrent refreshes of multiple banks are performed, then more banks can be refreshed simultaneously, but traffic stalls occur reducing memory system performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses preliminary monitoring of bank usage patterns to identify which banks are candidates for refresh before initiating refresh operations. By performing preliminary assessment of bank activity states, the system can proactively schedule refreshes during optimal times when banks are least likely to be accessed, preventing traffic stalls before they occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the memory controller continuously monitors bank usage patterns and adjusts refresh scheduling based on this feedback. The system uses real-time information about bank activity to dynamically modify refresh operations, creating a closed-loop control system that optimizes both refresh throughput and traffic flow continuity.
Data Source
AI summary
A memory system with adaptive refresh commands is disclosed. In one aspect, a memory system or device that has multiple banks within a channel may receive a per bank command that indicates a first bank to be refreshed and provides additional information about a second bank to be refreshed. In a further exemplary aspect, a quad bank refresh command may be sent that indicates a first bank to be refreshed and provides additional information about second through fourth banks to be refreshed. In a further exemplary aspect, an octa bank refresh command may be sent that indicates a first bank to be refreshed and provides additional information about second through eighth banks to be refreshed. The three new refresh commands allow adjacent or spaced banks to be refreshed.