Memory Die Refresh Control Using Independent Temperature Rates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing memory devices use a common refresh rate for all memory IC dies, which can lead to inefficient performance as the refresh rate is increased for all dies when the temperature of one die increases, even if other dies do not require the same refresh rate adjustment.
Innovation Solution
A memory controller determines independent refresh rates for each memory IC die based on individual temperature information, allowing for varying refresh rates among dies to optimize performance and availability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a common refresh rate is used for all memory IC dies, then all dies are guaranteed minimum reliability, but system performance decreases when some dies have lower temperatures and could operate at lower refresh rates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the memory system into individual controllable units (memory dies), allowing each die to have its own independent refresh rate determined by its specific temperature conditions rather than forcing a uniform refresh rate across all dies
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by allowing each memory die to operate with refresh rate characteristics tailored to its local temperature conditions, where hotter dies receive higher refresh rates and cooler dies receive lower refresh rates, optimizing overall system performance
2Reliability
If the refresh rate is increased for all memory dies when one die temperature increases, then reliability of the hot die is maintained, but performance of cooler dies deteriorates due to unnecessary high refresh rates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables independent control of refresh rates for each memory die, so that when one die requires a higher refresh rate due to temperature, only that specific die receives the increased refresh rate while other cooler dies maintain their optimal lower refresh rates
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically changes the refresh rate parameter for individual memory dies based on their specific temperature conditions, allowing the system to adapt refresh rates in real-time rather than using a fixed common refresh rate for all dies
Data Source
AI summary
A memory system includes a first memory die, a second memory die, and a memory controller. The memory controller circuitry is coupled to the first memory die and the second memory die. The memory controller circuitry receives first temperature information corresponding to a temperature of the first memory die, and second temperature information corresponding to a temperature of the second memory die. The memory controller further determines a first refresh rate for the first memory die based on the first temperature information, and a second refresh rate for the second memory die based on the second temperature information. The second refresh rate differs from the first refresh rate.