Memory Oscillator Counter Reset for Consistent Refresh Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Semiconductor memory oscillators exhibit cycle variations due to process variations, requiring individual measurement and adjustment of oscillation cycles for each chip to synchronize refresh requests, which is time-consuming and inaccurate.
Innovation Solution
An oscillating device with a counter, comparator, and frequency divider that adjusts the oscillation cycle by resetting the counter based on a reference signal, allowing for precise measurement and setting of the frequency division number in a fuse circuit to generate a consistent refresh request signal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If oscillation cycle measurement is conducted for every semiconductor chip to adjust frequency division number, then the variation in refresh time is reduced, but the measurement time and process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-setting a reference oscillation cycle value in the comparator circuit before actual operation. This reference value is established in advance based on target refresh timing requirements, allowing the oscillation cycle measurement to directly compare against a predetermined standard rather than requiring iterative adjustment measurements for each chip. This reduces measurement time while maintaining refresh time consistency across chips.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex iterative measurement and adjustment procedures with a direct comparison mechanism. Instead of mechanically adjusting frequency division numbers through repeated measurements, the invention uses an electronic comparator circuit to automatically compare the actual oscillation cycle against a reference value and generate adjustment signals. This substitution of mechanical adjustment with electronic comparison reduces both measurement time and process complexity.
2Manufacturing precision
If oscillation cycle measurement is conducted for every semiconductor chip, then the refresh time variation is reduced, but the adjustment process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the oscillation circuit and comparator to automatically measure and adjust their own parameters without external intervention. The comparator continuously compares the oscillation cycle against the reference value and automatically generates control signals to adjust the oscillation frequency, making the adjustment process self-contained and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by creating a closed-loop system where the comparator monitors the oscillation cycle output and feeds adjustment signals back to the oscillation circuit. This feedback mechanism automatically corrects deviations from the target refresh timing, eliminating the need for complex manual adjustment procedures while maintaining high precision across different semiconductor chips.
3Reliability
If frequency division number is changed for every semiconductor chip, then the refresh request signal generation interval is optimized, but the manufacturing process time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and storing the optimal frequency division number corresponding to each oscillation cycle measurement result. Instead of performing complex calculations or iterative adjustments during the manufacturing process, the system uses pre-prepared lookup tables or stored correction values that can be quickly applied based on the measured oscillation cycle, thereby maintaining reliability while improving manufacturing throughput.
Data Source
AI summary
An oscillating device including: an oscillator generating an oscillation signal according to an enable signal; a counter counting an oscillation number of the oscillation signal and being able to reset at the oscillation number indicated by a first signal; and a comparator comparing the counted oscillation number and a reference number, is provided.