On-Die Thermal Sensor Refresh Decoupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional on-die thermal sensors (ODTS) face challenges in efficiently updating temperature information in semiconductor devices, particularly due to the need for frequent impedance matching commands, which can interfere with refresh operations and lead to suboptimal power management and data integrity in DRAM systems.
Innovation Solution
An on-die thermal sensor system that updates temperature information based on a refresh period, independent of impedance matching commands, using a temperature information output unit that generates a temperature code and flag signals, allowing for optimized refresh and self-refresh operations, thereby minimizing noise and power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If temperature information is updated using conventional ODTS triggered by impedance matching commands, then temperature sensing capability is provided, but refresh operations are interfered with and power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the temperature sensing function from the impedance matching command trigger mechanism and couples it instead with the refresh command trigger. This separates the temperature sensing operation from the impedance matching operation, eliminating the interference between these two functions while maintaining independent operation of both.
Solution Approach 2:
The refresh command is given dual functionality: it simultaneously performs the memory refresh operation and triggers the temperature information update. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of separate commands needed and eliminates conflicts between separate triggering mechanisms.
2Reliability
If refresh frequency is increased to maintain data integrity, then data holding time is extended, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements temperature-based feedback control where the measured internal temperature is used to dynamically adjust the refresh frequency. When temperature is low (indicating slower leakage), the refresh frequency is reduced. When temperature is high (indicating faster leakage), the refresh frequency is increased. This feedback mechanism optimizes the balance between data integrity and power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The refresh period parameter is dynamically changed based on temperature conditions. The system transitions from a fixed refresh period to a variable refresh period that adapts to thermal conditions, allowing extension of data holding time at lower temperatures while maintaining data integrity at higher temperatures.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple commands are used for impedance matching and temperature sensing, then both functions are performed, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The refresh command is designed to serve multiple purposes: refreshing memory cells and updating temperature information. This consolidation reduces the number of separate commands needed in the system, simplifying the command structure while maintaining full functional capability for both memory operation and thermal sensing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the temperature sensing trigger function with the refresh command trigger. Instead of having separate triggering mechanisms for impedance matching and temperature sensing, both functions are triggered by the same refresh command, reducing command structure complexity while preserving adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
An on die thermal sensor (ODTS) for use in a semiconductor device includes a temperature information output unit for measuring an internal temperature of the semiconductor device to generate a temperature information code having temperature information, and updating the temperature information code according to a refresh period.