Dynamic Bank Selection for Memory Refresh Optimization

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing memory sub-systems face inefficiencies in refreshing banks, particularly when refreshing predefined pairs of banks that share the same address, as this can consume more resources than necessary.

Innovation Solution

The solution involves expanding the predefined pairs of banks that can be refreshed, allowing for adjustable pairs that do not necessarily share an address, and enabling concurrent refreshing of banks to be defined at runtime using mode registers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If predefined pairs of banks that share the same address are refreshed, then memory reliability is maintained, but resource consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The memory banks are segmented into different groups based on their address characteristics. The refresh operation is divided into selective bank refreshing rather than refreshing all banks uniformly. This allows only the necessary banks to be refreshed, reducing resource consumption while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The refresh operation transitions from a static predefined pair approach to a dynamic selective approach. The system dynamically determines which banks need refreshing based on runtime conditions and address patterns, allowing optimization of resource usage while maintaining memory reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If predefined pairs of banks are refreshed, then memory maintenance is simplified, but flexibility in bank selection is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The refresh mechanism is designed to serve multiple functions: it can refresh predefined pairs of banks for simplicity, or it can selectively refresh individual banks or custom groups based on runtime needs. This multi-functionality provides both ease of operation and flexibility, resolving the contradiction between simplified maintenance and adaptable bank selection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If all banks are refreshed concurrently, then memory reliability is ensured, but system performance decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The concurrent refresh of all banks is segmented into selective refresh operations on individual banks or small groups of banks. This segmentation allows the system to maintain reliability by refreshing only the necessary banks while avoiding the performance penalty of refreshing all banks concurrently.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of performing a complete refresh of all banks (excessive action), the system performs a partial refresh only on the banks that require it. This partial action maintains sufficient reliability while significantly improving system performance by avoiding unnecessary refresh operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS12315548B2Bank selection for refreshing

Publication Date: 2025.05.27

AI summary

In various examples, refreshing a bank can include receiving a refresh command, wherein the refresh command comprises selector bits and receiving mode register bits from the mode registers. Refreshing a bank can also include refreshing a number of banks from the plurality of banks utilizing the mode register bits and the selector bits.