Memory Refresh Command Merging for Bus-Efficient Mode Register Reads
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The frequent polling of operating parameters in memory devices, such as device temperature, to adjust refresh rates consumes significant bandwidth on the command/address bus, leading to congestion and inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
A memory device configured to perform both a refresh operation and a mode register read in response to a single refresh command, reducing the need for dedicated mode register read commands and minimizing command/address bus bandwidth consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If frequent polling of operating parameters is performed to adjust refresh rates, then reliability of memory operation is improved, but command/address bus bandwidth consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a mode register read operation with a refresh command, allowing both operations to be performed in response to a single command signal. This merging eliminates the need for separate polling commands, reducing command/address bus bandwidth consumption while maintaining the ability to monitor operating parameters for reliable memory operation
Solution Approach 2:
The refresh command is designed to serve multiple functions: it performs the mandatory refresh operation on memory cells and simultaneously enables mode register read operations for polling operating parameters. This multi-functionality reduces the number of dedicated polling commands needed, thereby conserving bus bandwidth
2Measurement precision
If dedicated mode register read commands are issued for polling, then measurement precision of operating parameters is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The refresh command structure is enhanced to universally support both refresh operations and mode register read operations. By embedding mode register read capability within the existing refresh command framework, the patent avoids adding complex dedicated polling command structures while maintaining precise operating parameter measurement
3Ease of operation
If multiple separate commands are used for refresh and mode register read, then ease of operation is improved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the mode register read operation into the refresh command response, the patent enables polling of operating parameters without requiring additional command cycles. This combination maintains operational simplicity while improving productivity by eliminating command overhead and reducing bus congestion
Data Source
AI summary
Memory devices, memory systems, and methods of operating memory devices and systems are disclosed in which a single command can trigger a memory device to perform multiple operations, such as a single refresh command that triggers the memory device to both perform a refresh command and to perform a mode register read. One such memory device comprises a memory, a mode register, and circuitry configured, in response to receiving a command to perform a refresh operation at the memory, to perform the refresh operation at the memory, and to perform a read of the mode register. The memory can be a first memory portion, the memory device can comprise a second memory portion, and the circuitry can be further configured, in response to the command, to provide on-die termination at the second memory portion of the memory system during at least a portion of the read of the mode register.