Post-Write Operation During Refresh Cycle for Memory Banks
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Semiconductor devices face data loss due to changes in the electric charge stored in cell capacitors during refresh operations, leading to inefficiencies in data storage and retrieval.
Innovation Solution
An electronic system with a controller that detects a bank in a standby state for a write operation during a refresh period, performs a post-write operation, and executes a core write operation after the refresh period to store latched data efficiently, utilizing a bank arbiter and input/output control circuit to manage data transfer and storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a refresh operation is performed to prevent data loss in cell capacitors, then data integrity is maintained, but write operations cannot be performed during the refresh period, reducing productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the write operation into two distinct phases: a post-write operation executed during the refresh period and a core write operation executed after the refresh period. This segmentation allows the system to perform partial write operations during refresh intervals without compromising data integrity, thereby improving overall productivity while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary actions by executing the post-write operation during the refresh period before the core write operation is completed. This preliminary action prepares data in intermediate storage elements (such as write drivers or buffer circuits) so that the remaining write operation can be completed efficiently after the refresh period, maximizing resource utilization
2Reliability
If write operations are delayed until after the refresh period, then data integrity is ensured, but the time required for data storage increases, reducing productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains continuity of useful action by overlapping the post-write operation with the refresh operation. Instead of idle waiting during the refresh period, the system continuously performs useful write operations in the background, ensuring that data transfer and processing activities continue without interruption, thereby reducing total operation time while maintaining data integrity
3Productivity
If post-write operation is performed during refresh period, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional control circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality to existing control circuits by enabling them to perform dual roles: traditional refresh operations and the new post-write operations. Control circuits are designed to dynamically switch between or coordinate these functions without requiring entirely separate dedicated hardware, thereby improving productivity while minimizing the increase in device complexity
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic system includes a controller configured to detect a bank in a standby state for a write operation between a first bank and a second bank during a refresh operation period and output data for performing a post-write operation to the bank in the standby state for the write operation. The electronic system also includes an electronic device including the first and second banks. The electronic device is configured to latch the data in an input/output control circuit connected to the bank in the standby state for the write operation.