DRAM Refresh Counter Circuit for Missing Signal Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The reliability of refresh counters in dynamic random access memory (DRAM) affects data retention due to the periodic need for refreshing data, as the absence of a second refresh signal can lead to incorrect inversion and counting processes, resulting in miscounted refresh operations.
Innovation Solution
A refresh circuit and method that includes a signal generation module, an adjustment unit, and a counting module to generate and adjust refresh signals, ensuring accurate refresh counts by generating inversion and carry signals based on refresh commands, and adjusting the time sequence when the second refresh signal is missing, using inversion adjustment signals to correct the inversion and counting processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the refresh circuit operates without an adjustment unit to handle missing second refresh signals, then the circuit structure is simpler, but the refresh count reliability deteriorates due to incorrect inversion and counting processes
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment unit acts as an intermediary component that detects when the second refresh signal is missing and generates a make-up inversion adjustment signal to compensate for the missing inversion operation. This mediator ensures the refresh count reliability is maintained without requiring fundamental changes to the entire refresh circuit architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment unit performs preliminary detection of the second refresh signal's presence before the inversion and counting processes occur. When absence is detected, it proactively generates the make-up inversion adjustment signal in advance to correct the upcoming inversion operation, preventing reliability issues before they manifest.
2Productivity
If the second refresh signal is missing in the refresh command, then the signal generation is simpler, but the inversion and counting processes become incorrect leading to miscounted refresh operations
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment unit implements a feedback mechanism where the presence or absence of the second refresh signal is continuously monitored. Based on this feedback, the unit dynamically generates or withholds the make-up inversion adjustment signal to ensure the inversion and counting processes remain accurate regardless of signal variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment unit introduces dynamic adaptability to the refresh circuit by conditionally generating the make-up inversion adjustment signal based on the real-time status of the second refresh signal. This dynamic response allows the system to maintain measurement precision under varying operational conditions without sacrificing productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
A refresh circuit includes: a signal generation module, configured to generate an inversion signal and a carry signal based on a refresh command; an adjustment unit, configured to generate, if a first refresh signal and a second refresh signal are generated based on the refresh command, an inversion adjustment signal according to the inversion signal, and generate, if only the first refresh signal is generated based on the refresh command, the inversion adjustment signal according to an inversion signal corresponding to a first refresh signal generated based on a current refresh command, and generate the inversion adjustment signal only according to an inversion signal corresponding to a second refresh signal generated based on a next refresh command; and a counting module, configured to generate a first output signal and a second output signal, and invert the first output signal based on the inversion adjustment signal.