Periodic Signal Circuit for Temperature-Adaptive Memory Refresh
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing memory devices face challenges in precisely adjusting the refresh operation period based on temperature, leading to potential data loss due to current leakage and high power consumption, as existing periodic signal generation circuits are not sufficiently precise and occupy large areas.
Innovation Solution
A periodic signal generation circuit that includes a clock generation unit, pulse generation unit, and periodic signal generation unit, which generate signals with varying periods based on temperature, reducing circuit size by eliminating dividers and using programmable period information storage units to set signal periods flexibly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing periodic signal generation circuits are used to generate refresh signals, then the memory device can perform self-refresh operations, but the circuit occupies large area and lacks precision in adjusting refresh periods based on temperature
Solution Approach 1:
The period adjustment is segmented into multiple discrete levels (first period, second period, third period) corresponding to different temperature ranges. The circuit divides the temperature compensation function into separate controllable stages, allowing precise period selection without requiring a large continuous adjustment mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit changes the period parameter of the periodic signal based on temperature conditions. By receiving temperature information and selectively outputting different period values (first, second, or third period), the circuit achieves precise temperature-adaptive refresh period adjustment without complex continuous variation mechanisms.
2Use of energy by stationary object
If the refresh operation period is lengthened to reduce current consumption, then power consumption decreases, but data loss increases due to leakage current
Solution Approach 1:
The refresh period is made dynamic rather than fixed. The circuit automatically adjusts the refresh period based on real-time temperature information, shortening the period when temperature is high (to prevent data loss) and lengthening it when temperature is low (to reduce power consumption). This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between power savings and data retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit incorporates temperature feedback to continuously monitor operating conditions and adjust the refresh period accordingly. By receiving temperature information and using it to select appropriate period values, the system maintains optimal balance between power consumption and data retention under varying thermal conditions.
3Reliability
If the refresh operation period is shortened to minimize data loss, then data retention improves, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The refresh period dynamically adapts to temperature conditions rather than remaining fixed at a conservative short interval. When temperature is low and leakage is minimal, the circuit extends the refresh period, reducing unnecessary refresh operations and lowering power consumption while maintaining data integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit changes the refresh period parameter based on temperature measurements. By selecting from multiple discrete period values (first, second, third periods) according to temperature conditions, the system achieves optimal balance between data retention and power consumption without continuously varying the period.
4Reliability
If temperature-based period adjustment is implemented to optimize refresh operations, then data loss and power consumption are reduced, but circuit complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature-based adjustment is segmented into discrete temperature ranges, each corresponding to a specific refresh period. This segmentation allows the use of simple comparators and multiplexers rather than complex continuous control circuits, achieving temperature adaptation with minimal added complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit uses universal components (comparators, multiplexers, logic gates) that can handle multiple functions. The same basic structure processes temperature information and controls period selection, making the circuit scalable and adaptable without proportionally increasing complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a periodic signal generation circuit including: a clock generation unit suitable for generating first to Nth clocks which have a basic period and have a phase increasing sequentially by a time interval obtained by dividing the basic period by “N”; a pulse generation unit suitable for generating first to Nth periodic pulses having an equal pulse width and having a phase increasing sequentially by a time interval obtained by dividing the basic period by “N” by combining two or more clocks among the first to Nth clocks; and a periodic signal generation unit suitable for generating a periodic signal by combining one or more periodic pulses among the first to Nth periodic pulses depending on combination information.