DRAM Activation Counter Refresh Across Adjacent Memory Blocks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing DRAM memory protection methods against row hammering are inadequate as they rely on physical isolation of memory blocks, which may not be optimal for managing larger matrix sizes.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that utilize activation counters associated with memory blocks to trigger preventive refreshes of not only the affected block but also adjacent blocks, based on threshold values, to mitigate row hammering effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If memory blocks are physically isolated to prevent row hammering, then row hammering protection is improved, but the management of larger matrix sizes becomes suboptimal
Solution Approach 1:
The memory device is segmented into multiple memory blocks, each with its own activation counter. This segmentation allows independent monitoring and refresh of each block, enabling effective row hammering protection while maintaining flexibility for larger matrix sizes through modular organization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by proactively refreshing memory blocks before actual row hammering corruption occurs. When an activation counter reaches a threshold, the system refreshes the affected block and its adjacent blocks in advance, preventing potential data corruption rather than reacting to it after the fact.
2Reliability
If activation counters are used to trigger preventive refreshes, then row hammering protection is improved, but the complexity of the memory management system increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each memory block is equipped with its own activation counter that automatically tracks row activations and triggers refresh operations when thresholds are reached. This self-service mechanism reduces the need for complex external control logic, as each block autonomously manages its own protection while the system coordinates refreshes of adjacent blocks.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback through activation counters that continuously monitor row activation frequencies and provide information to the refresh control logic. This feedback mechanism enables dynamic adjustment of refresh operations based on actual usage patterns, improving protection effectiveness while maintaining manageable system complexity through information-based control.
Data Source
AI summary
A memory device comprises a DRAM unit formed by a plurality of memory point matrices subdivided into a plurality of memory blocks, and activation counters respectively associated with the memory blocks. The protection method comprises, with each activation of a row of a given block, incrementing the activation counter associated with a given block, and initiating a preventive refresh of all rows of the given block when the activation counter of this given block exceeds a threshold value. The method also comprises at least one of: including, in the preventive refresh, at least some of the rows of at least one block directly adjacent to the given block; incrementing, during activation of the row(s) of the given block, the activation counter of at least one directly adjacent block; and initiating the preventive refresh of all the rows of the adjacent block when the activation counter exceeds a threshold value.