DRAM Directed Refresh Circuit for Row Hammer Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Row hammer attacks in dynamic random access memory cause data loss in adjacent memory rows due to frequent activation, necessitating a solution to mitigate this issue.

Innovation Solution

Implement a directed refresh management function with a refresh indication circuit and generation circuit to perform targeted refresh operations on adjacent memory rows based on bounded refresh configuration, ensuring accurate verification and prevention of erroneous operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If frequent activation of a certain memory row is performed, then data access speed is improved, but row hammer attacks cause data loss in adjacent memory rows

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata access speedVSAvoiddata integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary anti-action by implementing a directed refresh management mechanism that proactively performs refresh operations on adjacent memory rows before row hammer attacks can cause data loss. The refresh indication circuit detects frequent activation patterns and triggers targeted refresh operations on susceptible adjacent rows, countering the harmful effect before it occurs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs feedback mechanisms through the refresh indication circuit that monitors activation patterns of memory rows. When frequent activation is detected, the circuit generates control signals to trigger directed refresh operations on adjacent rows, creating a closed-loop system that adapts to access patterns and prevents data loss through continuous monitoring and response.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If directed refresh operation is performed on adjacent memory rows, then data integrity is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata integrityVSAvoidrefresh management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the memory device into multiple memory blocks, each managed by its own refresh indication circuit. This modular approach allows independent refresh management for each block, reducing the complexity burden on any single circuit while maintaining comprehensive protection across the entire memory array.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements self-service through autonomous refresh indication circuits that automatically detect activation patterns and trigger directed refresh operations without external intervention. The circuits self-regulate the refresh process based on real-time monitoring of memory access patterns, eliminating the need for complex external control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS20260031128A1Memory and electronic device
Publication Date: 2026.01.29 RUILI INTEGRATED CIRCUIT CO LTD
  • US20260031128A1 patent drawing
  • US20260031128A1 patent drawing
  • US20260031128A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The present disclosure provides a memory and an electronic device. The memory includes a refresh indication circuit and a generation circuit. The refresh indication circuit decodes an external command signal indicating a directed refresh operation and outputs a first enable signal in an enabled state and a first block selection signal. The first enable signal is used to enable the generation circuit, such that the generation circuit outputs a target refresh command based on the first block selection signal.