DRAM Pump Circuit With Temperature-Based Current Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional DRAMs face a power-consumption issue due to a fixed oscillating frequency of the clock signal, which results in unnecessary high pump current even when the temperature decreases, leading to increased power consumption.
Innovation Solution
A pump circuit with a temperature-sensing module, an oscillating module, and a pumping module that adjusts the oscillating frequency of the clock signal based on the DRAM's temperature, allowing the pump current to change correspondingly, thereby reducing power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the oscillating frequency of the clock signal is kept fixed to ensure stable operation, then the pump current remains sufficient at high temperatures, but the pump current does not decrease when temperature decreases, leading to increased power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the oscillating frequency adjustable rather than fixed. The oscillating module changes its oscillating frequency based on temperature conditions, allowing the system to adapt between stable operation at high temperatures and reduced power consumption at low temperatures. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between maintaining reliable operation and reducing energy usage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the oscillating frequency parameter in response to temperature variations. When temperature decreases, the oscillating frequency is reduced, which consequently reduces the pump current and power consumption. This parameter adjustment strategy directly addresses the contradiction by changing the operational parameters to match environmental conditions.
2Reliability
If the oscillating frequency is increased to maintain high refresh frequency at low temperatures, then data retention is improved, but unnecessary power consumption occurs when high refresh frequency is not needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses parameter changes to adjust the oscillating frequency based on temperature and refresh requirements. When data retention needs are low (at lower temperatures), the oscillating frequency parameter is reduced, thereby decreasing power consumption. This dynamic parameter adjustment eliminates unnecessary energy loss while maintaining adequate data retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action through temperature-based triggering of frequency adjustments. The system periodically monitors temperature conditions and adjusts the oscillating frequency accordingly, enabling the DRAM to operate at optimal power levels matched to actual refresh requirements rather than maintaining constant high-frequency operation.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a pump circuit comprising a temperature-sensing module, an oscillating module and a pumping module. The temperature-sensing module is configured to measure a temperature of a dynamic random access memory (DRAM). The oscillating module is coupled to the temperature-sensing module and is configured to generate a clock signal based on the temperature of the DRAM. The pumping module is coupled to the oscillating module and is configured to generate a pump voltage and a pump current to drive the DRAM, wherein the pump current is generated based on an oscillating frequency of the clock signal. When the temperature of the DRAM changes, the oscillating frequency of the clock signal changes based on the temperature of the DRAM, and the pump current correspondingly changes based on the oscillating frequency of the clock signal.