Memory Oscillator Circuit for Temperature-Based Refresh Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing oscillators in memory devices fail to precisely adjust their periodic signals according to temperature changes, leading to inefficient data retention and increased power consumption due to suboptimal refresh operations.
Innovation Solution
An oscillator design that includes a comparison unit, inverting unit, pull-up driving unit, and discharge units, which generate a periodic signal by comparing internal and reference voltages, adjusting the signal period based on temperature through controlled discharge and isolation of parasitic capacitances, ensuring precise oscillation and optimized self-refresh periods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the oscillator uses a conventional design without capacitance blocking, then the circuit is simpler, but the periodic signal period cannot be precisely adjusted according to temperature due to parasitic capacitance interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and blocks parasitic capacitance generated by internal circuit components using a dedicated gate structure. The gate is coupled between the internal node and discharge unit, and is turned on/off in response to the output node voltage, effectively isolating the capacitive load from affecting the periodic signal generation. This allows precise temperature-based period adjustment by removing the interfering capacitance effect.
2Reliability
If the refresh period is not precisely adjusted to temperature, then the oscillator operation is simpler, but data loss occurs or power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the oscillator's periodic signal period is automatically adjusted based on temperature conditions. The comparison unit compares the internal node voltage with a reference voltage, and the gate responds to the output node voltage to control the discharge unit, creating a temperature-compensated feedback loop that optimizes refresh timing and prevents data loss while minimizing power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the oscillator by dynamically controlling the gate between on and off states in response to temperature variations. This allows the periodic signal period to be precisely adjusted according to temperature, ensuring optimal refresh timing for different thermal conditions and improving both data retention and power efficiency.
3Measurement precision
If parasitic capacitance is not blocked, then the device structure is simpler, but the periodic signal period drifts with temperature changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a gate as an intermediary element between the internal node and discharge unit. This gate acts as a mediator that blocks parasitic capacitance from affecting the periodic signal generation. The gate is controlled by the output node voltage, creating an intermediate control layer that prevents capacitance-induced period drift while maintaining the overall circuit functionality.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The oscillator effectively minimizes power consumption and optimizes self-refresh periods in memory devices by precisely adjusting signal periods according to temperature, enhancing data retention and reducing current consumption.
Implementation Method 1
a comparison means suitable for generating a comparison signal by comparing an internal voltage of an internal node with a reference voltage
Implementation Method 2
a gate coupled between the internal node and the discharge unit, and turned on/off in response to the voltage of the output node
Implementation Method 3
a discharge unit suitable for discharging the internal node
Implementation Method 4
a pull-up driving unit suitable for pull-up driving the internal node in response to the voltage of the output node
Data Source
AI summary
An oscillator includes a comparison means suitable for generating a comparison signal by comparing an internal voltage of an internal node with a reference voltage; an inverting unit suitable for inverting the comparison signal and transmitting the inverted comparison signal to an output node; a pull-up driving unit suitable for pull-up driving the internal node in response to the voltage of the output node; a discharge unit suitable for discharging the internal node; and a gate coupled between the internal node and the discharge unit, and turned on/off in response to the voltage of the output node, wherein at least part of a capacitive load included in the oscillator is electrically coupled to the internal node.