Semiconductor Memory Refresh Circuit Dynamic Bank Group Scheduling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional semiconductor memory devices face inefficiencies in refresh operations, particularly when transitioning between bank group refresh and all-refresh commands, leading to increased refresh times and potential data loss due to sequential processing of bank groups.
Innovation Solution
A refresh circuit and method that dynamically determine the starting point for an all-refresh operation based on the current refresh status of bank groups, allowing the all-refresh to begin with a different bank group if one is already refreshing, thereby optimizing refresh time and reducing bus inefficiencies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an all-refresh command is applied to a bank group that is currently undergoing a bank group refresh operation, then the all-refresh operation cannot begin until the current refresh is complete, leading to increased refresh time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of the refresh starting point based on real-time bank group status. When an all-refresh command is received, the system dynamically determines whether to start the refresh from the originally targeted bank group or skip to a different bank group that is not currently undergoing refresh, thereby optimizing refresh time while maintaining data integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The refresh counter controller continuously monitors the refresh status of each bank group through feedback signals. When a bank group refresh operation is in progress, the controller detects this status and uses the feedback to adjust the starting point of the all-refresh operation, preventing conflicts and reducing overall refresh time.
2Reliability
If the all-refresh operation waits for the bank group refresh to complete before starting, then data loss is prevented, but the overall refresh time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the all-refresh operation into multiple independent bank group refresh operations. Instead of sequentially waiting for each bank group to complete before starting the next, the system can initiate multiple bank group refreshes in parallel by dynamically adjusting starting points, thereby improving productivity while maintaining data integrity through proper segmentation of refresh tasks.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the refresh counter is not adjusted when skipping a bank group, then the refresh sequence is maintained, but the refresh operation cannot optimize the starting point
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of the refresh counter by adjusting its initial value or increment based on the dynamically determined starting bank group. When skipping a bank group that is currently refreshing, the refresh counter is adjusted to reflect the new starting point, maintaining the stability of the refresh sequence while enabling time optimization through flexible parameter adjustment.
Data Source
AI summary
A refresh method for a semiconductor memory device having more than one bank group is provided. The refresh method may include applying an all-refresh command to one the bank groups, determining if one of the bank groups includes a bank undergoing a refresh operation when the all-refresh command is received, and performing an all-refresh operation based on the determination.