DRAM Word-Line Refresh Control by Retention-Based Timing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional memory refresh operations in dynamic random access memory (DRAM) lead to unnecessary power consumption and reduced access bandwidth due to performing refresh operations on all word lines regardless of data retention, affecting overall efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device with timers and buffers that store word line information, generating interrupt signals for auto-refresh operations based on data retention, allowing the controller to send targeted refresh commands to specific word line groups, thereby reducing unnecessary refreshes and optimizing power usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If refresh operations are performed on all word lines based on the strictest conditions, then data correctness is ensured, but power consumption increases due to unnecessary refresh operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments word lines into multiple groups based on their data retention characteristics. Each group is assigned a specific timer value corresponding to its retention period. This segmentation allows the memory system to refresh only the necessary word line groups at appropriate intervals, rather than uniformly refreshing all word lines, thereby reducing unnecessary power consumption while maintaining data correctness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different refresh characteristics to different word line groups based on their specific data retention needs. Word lines with shorter retention times receive more frequent refreshes, while those with longer retention times receive less frequent refreshes. This localized approach ensures each word line group receives the precise refresh treatment it requires, avoiding both data loss and unnecessary power consumption.
2Reliability
If refresh operations are performed on all word lines based on the strictest conditions, then data retention is maintained, but access bandwidth is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting word lines into groups with different refresh requirements, the patent enables parallel access to word lines that do not require immediate refreshing. This segmentation reduces the blocking effect on access bandwidth while ensuring data retention for all word line groups through their respective timed refresh operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic refresh actions with different periods for different word line groups based on their retention characteristics. This periodic action allows the memory system to interleave refresh operations with access operations more efficiently, reducing the impact on access bandwidth while maintaining data retention through regular timed refreshes.
3Reliability
If multiple unnecessary refresh operations are performed, then data correctness is maintained, but overall efficiency of the electronic device is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the refresh operation into targeted groups based on actual data retention needs, eliminating unnecessary refresh operations on word lines that do not require them. This segmentation improves overall device efficiency by reducing redundant operations while maintaining data correctness through appropriate refresh timing for each group.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the refresh parameter (timer value) for each word line group based on its data retention characteristics. This parameter adjustment allows the system to optimize refresh frequency for each group, avoiding unnecessary refresh operations and improving overall device efficiency while ensuring data correctness through scientifically determined refresh intervals.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device and a control method for memory refresh operation thereof are provided. The electronic device includes a memory and a controller. The memory includes a plurality of timers, a plurality of buffers and an interrupt signal generator. Each of the buffers is configured to store at least one word line information, and generate a refresh word line information according to a timing result trigger signal of each corresponding timer. The interrupt signal generator generates an interrupt signal corresponding to an auto refresh operation according to the timing result trigger signal, a non-internal self-refresh mode signal and a non-accessing status. The controller receives the interrupt signal and transmits an auto refresh command to the memory according to the interrupt signal to enable the memory to perform the auto refresh operation.