Dynamic Memory Refresh Timing Based on Power and Temperature
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional memory sub-systems perform refresh operations at fixed intervals, which may not accommodate varying power demand due to system characteristics like temperature and power supply levels, potentially leading to insufficient power for read operations.
Innovation Solution
A memory sub-system dynamically adjusts the frequency of refresh operations based on system characteristics such as temperature and power supply levels to ensure sufficient power is available for read operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If refresh operations are performed at fixed intervals, then the timing is simple and predictable, but the power supply may be insufficient for read operations under varying system conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic refresh interval adjustment by monitoring system conditions (temperature, power supply level) and modifying the refresh timing accordingly. When power supply drops below a threshold or temperature exceeds a threshold, the system extends the refresh interval to reduce power consumption during refresh operations, ensuring sufficient power availability for critical read operations while adapting to changing environmental conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the temporal parameter (refresh interval) based on monitored system characteristics. By adjusting the refresh interval duration according to power supply levels and temperature conditions, the system optimizes power distribution between refresh and read operations, preventing power insufficiency during read operations while maintaining data integrity
2Reliability
If refresh operations are performed frequently to ensure data integrity, then reliability improves, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic refresh operations with variable intervals rather than continuous or fixed-frequency refreshing. The refresh operations occur at dynamically adjusted periods based on power availability and temperature conditions, maintaining data integrity through regular refreshing while adapting the frequency to power constraints, thereby reducing overall power consumption compared to fixed high-frequency refreshing
Solution Approach 2:
The refresh interval parameter is dynamically modified based on power supply conditions and temperature. When power is abundant and temperature is acceptable, shorter intervals maintain data integrity. When power is limited or temperature is high, intervals are extended to reduce power consumption, achieving an optimal balance between data integrity and energy usage
3Loss of energy
If the refresh interval is extended to save power, then power consumption decreases, but the risk of read operation failure due to insufficient power increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors power supply levels and temperature conditions, using this feedback to dynamically adjust the refresh interval. When power drops below a threshold or temperature exceeds a threshold, the system responds by extending the refresh interval to reduce power consumption during refresh operations, ensuring sufficient power remains available for read operations. This closed-loop feedback mechanism prevents read operation failures while optimizing power usage
Data Source
AI summary
A method for performing a refresh operation based on system characteristics is provided. A The method includes determining that a current operation condition of a memory component is in a first state and detecting a change in the operation condition from the first state to a second state. The method further includes determining a range of the operation condition to which the second state belongs. The method further includes determining a refresh period associated with the range of the operation condition, the refresh period corresponding to a period of time between a first time when a write operation is performed on a segment of the memory component and a second time when a refresh operation is to be performed on the segment. The method further includes performing the refresh operation on the memory component according to the refresh period.