DRAM Temperature Sensor Frequency Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing DRAM systems face challenges in dynamically adjusting the refresh rate and temperature sensing frequency, leading to potential data loss at high temperatures and inefficiency at low temperatures due to fixed sensing frequencies and unchanged refresh rates.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a temperature sensor and control device that dynamically adjusts the sense frequency based on the retention ability and refresh rate of the memory array, activating the temperature sensor at varying frequencies to optimize data retention and power efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed sensing frequency is used for the temperature sensor, then the device complexity is reduced, but the data retention deteriorates at high temperatures due to insufficient refresh rate adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of the temperature sensor's sensing frequency based on detected temperature conditions. When temperature exceeds a threshold, the sensing frequency is increased to enable more frequent refresh rate adjustments, thereby improving data retention. This dynamic behavior allows the system to adapt to varying thermal conditions rather than operating with a fixed sensing frequency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the temperature sensor based on temperature thresholds. Specifically, the sensing frequency parameter is adjusted from a first frequency to a second frequency when temperature conditions change. This parameter adaptation enables the system to maintain reliable data retention at high temperatures while reducing unnecessary operations at normal temperatures.
2Reliability
If the temperature sensor operates at high sensing frequency continuously, then the data retention is improved, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by adjusting the temperature sensor's sensing frequency based on temperature thresholds. At normal temperatures, the sensor operates at a lower first sensing frequency, reducing power consumption. When temperature exceeds the threshold, it switches to a higher second sensing frequency to ensure data retention. This periodic adjustment pattern optimizes the balance between reliability and energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the sensing frequency of the temperature sensor based on real-time temperature detection. Rather than maintaining a continuously high sensing frequency, the system transitions between different frequency states based on thermal conditions, thereby reducing unnecessary power consumption while maintaining data retention when needed.
3Reliability
If the refresh rate is increased at high temperatures, then the data retention is improved, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the refresh rate parameter based on temperature conditions. When the detected temperature exceeds a threshold, the system increases the refresh rate to improve data retention. When temperature is within normal range, the refresh rate is reduced to minimize power consumption. This conditional parameter adjustment resolves the contradiction between reliability and energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic refresh operations with variable frequency based on temperature. Rather than maintaining a continuously high refresh rate, the system alternates between lower and higher refresh rates according to thermal conditions, thereby achieving data retention improvement only when necessary while conserving power during normal operation.
4Measurement precision
If the temperature sensor is activated frequently, then the temperature detection accuracy is improved, but the device complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic temperature sensing with variable frequency. The temperature sensor is activated at a first (lower) frequency during normal temperature conditions and at a second (higher) frequency when temperature exceeds the threshold. This periodic activation pattern ensures adequate temperature detection accuracy when needed while minimizing power consumption during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the activation frequency of the temperature sensor based on thermal conditions. The sensing frequency transitions between two states: a lower frequency for normal operation and a higher frequency for elevated temperature conditions. This dynamic adjustment maintains measurement precision when required while reducing power consumption during stable thermal conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
A dynamic random access memory (DRAM) DRAM includes a memory array, a temperature sensor and a control device. The temperature sensor is configured to sense a temperature of the DRAM. The control device is configured to adjust a sense frequency based on a retention ability of the memory array, and to activate the temperature sensor according to the adjusted sense frequency.