Periodic Signal Circuit for Temperature-Based Memory Refresh Timing
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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 increased 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 by dividing a basic period and combining clocks, allowing for flexible period adjustment without the need for dividers, thereby reducing circuit size and power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing periodic signal generation circuits are used to adjust refresh operation period, then temperature-based period adjustment is possible, but precision is insufficient and circuit area is large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the period adjustment function into multiple independent components: a base period generation unit that produces a reference periodic signal, and multiple period selection units that each handle specific period values. Each period selection unit contains dedicated circuitry for selecting and outputting signals with specific periods based on temperature conditions. This segmentation allows precise period control through simple selection logic rather than complex continuous adjustment circuits, thereby achieving high precision with reduced circuit area.
2Use of energy by moving object
If refresh operation period is extended to reduce power consumption, then current consumption decreases, but data loss risk increases due to leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic period adjustment where the refresh operation period is not fixed but varies according to temperature conditions. The period selection units receive temperature information and dynamically select appropriate period values from multiple available options. This allows the system to adapt the refresh frequency to actual operating conditions: using shorter periods at higher temperatures where leakage is greater, and longer periods at lower temperatures where leakage is reduced, thereby optimizing the balance between power consumption and data retention reliability.
3Reliability
If refresh operation period is shortened to prevent data loss, then data retention reliability improves, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the period parameter of the refresh operation based on temperature conditions rather than maintaining a fixed period. Multiple period selection units are configured with different period values, and the appropriate period is selected according to the current temperature. This parameter adaptation allows the system to use longer periods (lower power consumption) when temperature is low and leakage is minimal, while switching to shorter periods (higher power consumption) when temperature is high and leakage increases, thus optimizing the trade-off between reliability and power consumption.
4Adaptability or versatility
If temperature-based period adjustment is implemented, then refresh operation can be optimized for different temperatures, but circuit complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the temperature-based period adjustment function into separate modular units: a base period generation unit and multiple period selection units. Each period selection unit is responsible for a specific period value and contains simplified selection logic. This modular segmentation allows the system to achieve temperature adaptability through parallel simple units rather than a single complex continuous adjustment circuit, thereby reducing overall circuit complexity while maintaining high adaptability.
5Measurement precision
If multiple period selection units are used for precise period control, then period adjustment precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the period control function into multiple independent period selection units, where each unit handles a specific period value. This segmentation transforms a potentially complex continuous control problem into multiple simple discrete selection problems. Each selection unit contains minimal circuitry for its specific function, and the overall precision is achieved through the combination of multiple simple units rather than a single complex unit, thereby reducing total device complexity while maintaining high precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses multiple copies of period selection units, each configured for a specific period value. Instead of using a single complex unit that can generate any period, the system uses multiple simplified copies of a basic selection unit, each hardwired or configured for a particular period. This copying approach achieves precise period control through redundancy of simple units rather than complexity within a single unit, thereby reducing overall device 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.