Counter-Based Temperature Controlled Refresh for DRAM
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Temperature Controlled Refresh features in DDR4 DRAM lack granularity in adjusting refresh operations based on temperature, limiting power savings and flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A counter-based system that increments with external refresh commands and selectively skips or performs internal refresh operations based on binary counter states, allowing programmable ratios of external to internal refresh, enabling multiple refresh modes and enhanced flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If external refresh commands are provided every 7.8 micro-seconds in normal mode, then data retention is ensured, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of refresh command intervals based on temperature conditions. The system transitions between normal mode (every 7.8 micro-seconds) and extended temperature mode (every 3.9 micro-seconds) automatically, allowing flexible optimization of both power consumption and data retention according to actual operating conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the refresh command interval parameter based on temperature thresholds. By monitoring temperature and adjusting the refresh interval accordingly (every 7.8 micro-seconds for normal temperature, every 3.9 micro-seconds for extended temperature), the system optimizes the balance between power savings and data retention reliability
2Use of energy by moving object
If temperature controlled refresh is activated to skip external refresh commands at low temperatures, then power savings are achieved, but refresh operation flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts refresh behavior based on temperature conditions, automatically transitioning between skipping refresh commands (at low temperatures) and executing them (at high temperatures). This dynamic adaptation provides both power savings and operational flexibility without manual intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The temperature controlled refresh feature operates automatically without requiring manual configuration or intervention. The system self-adjusts refresh commands based on temperature monitoring, providing both power optimization and adaptability through autonomous operation
3Ease of manufacture
If fixed refresh intervals are used regardless of temperature, then implementation is simple, but power optimization is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses built-in temperature sensors to automatically monitor and adjust refresh intervals without external intervention. This self-service mechanism maintains implementation simplicity while achieving significant power optimization through automatic temperature-based adaptation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control by continuously monitoring temperature and adjusting refresh command intervals accordingly. The temperature information feeds back to the refresh control logic, enabling automatic optimization of power consumption while maintaining data retention reliability
Data Source
AI summary
A DRAM includes: a temperature sensor for monitoring a temperature operating condition of the DRAM; and a binary counter coupled to the temperature sensor, for receiving external commands to perform a refresh operation, and incrementing a count upon each received external command, wherein the refresh operation will be selectively skipped according to a value of the binary counter. The binary counter is activated to a first mode when the temperature sensor determines the temperature operating condition of the DRAM goes below a first threshold and activated to a second mode when the temperature sensor determines the temperature operating condition of the DRAM goes below a second threshold lower than the first threshold.