Memory Refresh Sequencing After Self-Refresh Exit
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing memory devices lack flexibility in refresh operations, particularly after self-refresh exit, often requiring additional commands and targeted refreshes that may not be necessary.
Innovation Solution
Implement a self-refresh indicator circuit to trigger a modified refresh sequence upon self-refresh exit, which includes two normal refreshes and no targeted refreshes, allowing for more flexible operation without additional controller commands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional refresh operations are performed after self-refresh exit, then memory reliability is maintained, but operational flexibility is reduced and unnecessary power is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic refresh sequence that automatically adapts based on the self-refresh exit status. The system transitions from static, predetermined refresh sequences to dynamic sequences that are modified in real-time based on operational context, enabling flexibility while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The memory device autonomously determines and executes the appropriate refresh sequence after self-refresh exit without requiring external controller intervention. The self-refresh indicator circuit triggers the modified sequence automatically, allowing the system to serve itself and eliminate unnecessary operations.
2Reliability
If additional controller commands are issued for targeted refreshes, then memory reliability is ensured, but device complexity and control overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The memory device autonomously determines and executes the appropriate refresh sequence after self-refresh exit without requiring external controller intervention. The self-refresh indicator circuit triggers the modified sequence automatically, allowing the system to serve itself and eliminate unnecessary operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the self-refresh indicator circuit to automatically adjust the refresh sequence. This closed-loop approach ensures reliability by responding to actual operational states while eliminating the need for complex external control commands.
3Reliability
If targeted refreshes are performed after self-refresh exit, then memory reliability is maintained, but operational efficiency is reduced due to unnecessary operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes unnecessary targeted refresh operations from the refresh sequence following self-refresh exit. By identifying and eliminating redundant operations while retaining essential refreshes, the system improves efficiency without compromising memory reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of performing complete traditional refresh sequences with all targeted refreshes, the system applies partial action by executing only the necessary two normal refreshes. This avoids excessive operations while maintaining sufficient reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatuses, systems, and methods for performing a modified refresh following self-refresh exit are disclosed. A circuit of a memory device provides a self-refresh indicator signal at an active level after self-refresh exit and before performance of a next refresh operation. Responsive to the self-refresh indicator signal is at the active level, the next refresh operation can be a modified refresh sequence, which may comprise two normal refreshes and no targeted refreshes. The modified refresh sequence can be performed as part of a self-refresh operation or an auto-refresh operation. The disclosed technology may allow for modified operation of a memory controller, such that no additional refresh command is required following self-refresh exit.