Semiconductor Memory Auto-Refresh Control via Temperature
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Solution Overview
Problem
In semiconductor memory devices, the auto-refresh mode struggles to balance data retention time and power consumption, as existing methods like 5.3K-refresh and 4K-refresh either lead to data loss or increased current consumption, and are not adjustable based on temperature variations.
Innovation Solution
A semiconductor device with an auto-refresh command detector and a refresh number setting unit that adjusts the number of auto-refresh operations based on temperature, using a temperature detector and a refresh number setting circuit to select between different refresh modes (e.g., 4KREF, 5.3KREF, 8KREF) to optimize data retention and power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the number of auto-refresh operations is increased to ensure data retention, then data retention time is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the refresh number adjustable rather than fixed. The refresh number setting unit dynamically changes the number of auto-refresh operations based on temperature conditions, switching between different refresh modes (e.g., 4KREF, 5.3KREF, 8KREF) to optimize the balance between data retention and power consumption under varying thermal environments
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of refresh number based on temperature. By detecting temperature through the temperature detector and using this information to adjust the number of refresh operations via the refresh number setting unit, the system adapts the refresh behavior to match actual thermal conditions, reducing unnecessary refresh operations at lower temperatures while ensuring retention at higher temperatures
2Ease of manufacture
If fixed refresh modes (4KREF, 5.3KREF, 8KREF) are used, then implementation is simplified, but data loss occurs at higher temperatures or increased power consumption at lower temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static fixed refresh modes to dynamic adaptive refresh modes. The refresh number setting unit automatically selects appropriate refresh modes (4KREF, 5.3KREF, or 8KREF) based on detected temperature conditions, allowing the system to maintain data retention reliability across temperature variations while avoiding the need for manual configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using the temperature detector to continuously monitor thermal conditions and feeding this information back to the refresh number setting unit. This closed-loop mechanism enables the system to adjust the number of refresh operations in response to actual temperature changes, ensuring data retention without requiring complex manual intervention
3Reliability
If more refresh operations are performed to prevent data loss, then data retention is improved, but current consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by tailoring the refresh strategy to local temperature conditions. Different regions of the memory device experience different temperatures, and the system adjusts the number of refresh operations locally based on detected temperature variations, performing more refreshes only where and when thermally necessary to prevent data loss while minimizing overall energy consumption
Data Source
AI summary
Auto-refresh of a semiconductor device may be controlled by setting the number of auto-refresh to be performed in a period of time, based on temperature, when an auto-refresh command is detected.