Memory Device Self-Refresh Control for Faster Standby Wake-Up

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing memory devices take a significant amount of time to transition from a standby state to an active state, which affects user satisfaction and system performance.

Innovation Solution

A memory system with a controller controlling the memory device through an in-band interface and a baseboard management controller controlling it through a side-band interface, allowing the memory device to enter and terminate self-refresh modes using different signal interfaces, enabling independent control of internal circuits.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If the memory device uses a single in-band interface for both entering and terminating self-refresh mode, then the device structure remains simple, but the transition time from standby to active state is significant and affects system performance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransition time from standby to active stateVSAvoidinterface structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the control interface into two separate channels: an in-band interface for entering self-refresh mode and a side-band interface for terminating self-refresh mode. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each interface's function, enabling faster wake-up transitions by dedicating the side-band interface specifically to exit operations without interference from other control signals.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The side-band interface acts as an intermediary channel that provides a dedicated pathway for wake-up commands. This intermediary interface bypasses the limitations of the in-band interface, allowing the memory device to receive termination commands directly and transition from standby to active state more rapidly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Use of energy by moving object

If the memory device enters self-refresh mode to reduce power consumption, then energy efficiency improves, but the device cannot respond quickly to external control signals

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumption during standbyVSAvoidresponse speed to control signals

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the control interfaces into in-band and side-band channels, the patent enables the memory device to maintain deep self-refresh states for power savings while providing a dedicated side-band pathway for rapid wake-up commands. This separation allows the device to respond quickly to termination signals without compromising the power efficiency of the self-refresh mode.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The side-band interface is prepared in advance as a dedicated wake-up channel that remains operational even when the memory device is in self-refresh mode. This preliminary preparation ensures that when a wake-up command is needed, the device can immediately process it through the pre-configured side-band interface without needing to exit self-refresh through the slower in-band path.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If the memory device uses traditional in-band signaling for all control operations, then the interface design remains straightforward, but the system cannot achieve independent control of internal circuits during standby states

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindependent control capability during standbyVSAvoidinterface structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the control interface into in-band and side-band channels, where the side-band interface provides dedicated control capability during standby states. This segmentation enables independent control of internal circuits while in self-refresh mode, as the side-band interface can issue commands without requiring the memory device to be fully active.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The side-band interface is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a wake-up channel and as a control interface for managing internal circuits during standby states. This universal interface handles multiple control tasks that would otherwise require separate dedicated interfaces, achieving versatile control capability while managing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20250251865A1Memory device, memory system, and operating method of the memory device

Publication Date: 2025.08.07 SK HYNIX INC

AI summary

A memory system may include a memory device, a controller configured to control the memory device through an in-band interface, and a baseboard management controller configured to control the memory device through a side-band interface. The memory device is configured to enter a self-refresh mode based on in-band signals that are received through the in-band interface and to terminate a self-refresh mode based on side-band signals that are received through the side-band interface.