Per-Die Temperature-Sensed Refresh Skipping for Memory Power Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing memory systems waste power by uniformly increasing refresh frequencies for all memory devices based on generic temperature measurements, which may not accurately reflect individual device temperatures, leading to unnecessary power consumption in devices operating below the threshold temperature.
Innovation Solution
Memory devices are equipped with internal temperature sensors to monitor their own temperatures and skip refresh operations when operating below a threshold temperature, adjusting refresh frequency based on individual device conditions to conserve power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If refresh frequency is uniformly increased for all memory devices based on generic temperature measurements, then data retention reliability is improved, but power consumption increases unnecessarily for devices operating below threshold temperature
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by enabling each memory device to monitor its own temperature through an integrated temperature sensor and autonomously determine its refresh requirements. This allows individual devices to operate at different refresh frequencies based on their specific thermal conditions, rather than uniformly increasing refresh for all devices. Consequently, devices operating below the temperature threshold can skip refresh operations, reducing unnecessary power consumption while maintaining adequate data retention for devices that do require it.
2Reliability
If refresh frequency is increased to account for worst-case temperature scenarios, then data retention is ensured, but power consumption increases for devices in cooler operating conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling each memory device to self-monitor its temperature through an integrated sensor and self-determine its refresh requirements. The device autonomously compares its temperature against a threshold and decides whether to execute refresh operations, eliminating the need for external control. This self-service approach ensures that devices in cooler conditions reduce power consumption by skipping unnecessary refresh operations, while devices experiencing higher temperatures maintain adequate data retention through appropriate refresh frequency.
Data Source
AI summary
Memory devices, systems, and associated methods with per die temperature-compensated refresh control, and associated methods, are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a memory device includes a plurality of memory cells and a sensor configured to measure a temperature of the memory device. The memory device determines a frequency at which it is receiving refresh commands. The memory device is further configured to skip refresh operations of the memory cells based, at least in part, on the determination and on the temperature of the memory device.