Semiconductor Memory Device Concurrent Refresh and Additional Function Execution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional semiconductor memory devices face inefficiencies as they cannot execute additional functions concurrently with refresh operations, leading to separate designated times for refresh and impedance adjustment, resulting in lost operating time.
Innovation Solution
A semiconductor memory device with a mode register, additional function executer, and controller that activates and controls additional functions during refresh operations using a mode register set code and control signals, allowing for flexible execution of functions like temperature sensing and impedance control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional functions are executed separately from refresh operations, then each function can be performed with dedicated time, but operating time is lost due to sequential execution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the execution of additional functions with refresh operations by detecting specific patterns during refresh (such as all-zero or all-one patterns) and executing additional functions concurrently. This combining approach allows the memory device to perform both refresh and additional functions within the same time window, eliminating the need for separate designated times and thereby reducing operating time loss.
2Productivity
If the memory device executes additional functions during refresh operations, then operating time is saved, but the complexity of controlling concurrent execution increases
Solution Approach 1:
The memory device uses its own refresh operation data patterns to trigger additional functions autonomously. The control logic monitors refresh operations and automatically detects when specific patterns (all-zero or all-one) occur, then executes additional functions without requiring external controller intervention. This self-service mechanism reduces control complexity while maintaining the ability to execute additional functions during refresh.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the memory device by utilizing specific data patterns (all-zero or all-one patterns) during refresh operations as triggers for additional functions. By monitoring these parameter changes in the refresh data, the device can dynamically adjust its behavior to execute additional functions concurrently, thereby improving productivity without requiring complex external control mechanisms.
3Reliability
If separate designated times are allocated for refresh and additional functions, then each operation has dedicated resources, but overall device efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous useful action by executing additional functions during the refresh operation time window rather than allocating separate time periods. The memory device maintains continuous operation by overlapping the execution of refresh and additional functions, ensuring that no time is wasted with the device in an idle or non-productive state. This continuity approach maximizes device efficiency while maintaining operational stability.
Data Source
AI summary
A semiconductor memory device includes a mode register, an additional function executer, and an additional function controller. The mode register activates an additional function control signal when a mode register set code indicates that an additional function is to be executed concurrently with a refresh operation. The additional function controller controls the additional function executer to carry out the additional function concurrently with the refresh operation when the additional function control signal is activated.