Refresh Control Circuit for Semiconductor Memory Power Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Semiconductor memory devices experience high power consumption due to frequent refresh operations when switching between normal and self-refresh operation modes, leading to unnecessary data retention failures and power inefficiencies, especially in mobile devices.
Innovation Solution
A refresh control circuit that synchronizes refresh operations in both modes by using a signal generation circuit to adjust the intervals of the internal refresh signal based on the data retention ability and temperature, ensuring that refresh operations are performed only when necessary, thereby reducing the frequency of transitions between modes and conserving power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If refresh operations are performed frequently in self-refresh mode to ensure data retention, then data reliability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic refresh interval adjustment by detecting temperature changes and automatically modifying the refresh period. The refresh control circuit monitors temperature via a temperature detection circuit and adjusts refresh intervals accordingly - extending intervals at lower temperatures where data retention is better, and shortening them at higher temperatures where data decays faster. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by optimizing the balance between data retention and power consumption based on actual operating conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the refresh interval parameter based on temperature conditions. The refresh control circuit receives temperature information and modifies the refresh period parameter dynamically. At lower temperatures, longer refresh intervals are used to reduce power consumption, while at higher temperatures, shorter intervals ensure data retention. This parameter adjustment strategy directly addresses the contradiction by making refresh frequency adaptive rather than fixed.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the refresh interval is extended to reduce power consumption, then power efficiency is improved, but data retention ability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the refresh control circuit continuously monitors temperature through a temperature detection circuit and uses this feedback to adjust refresh intervals. The temperature information feeds back to the refresh control, which automatically modifies refresh timing. This closed-loop feedback system ensures that extended refresh intervals are only used when temperature conditions permit, maintaining data retention while improving power efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The refresh interval is made dynamic rather than static, automatically adjusting based on real-time temperature detection. The system transitions from fixed refresh intervals to adaptive intervals that respond to thermal conditions, allowing extended intervals when safe and shorter intervals when needed for data retention.
3Use of energy by moving object
If refresh operations are synchronized between normal and self-refresh modes, then power consumption is reduced, but control circuit complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the refresh control mechanisms of normal operation mode and self-refresh mode into a unified refresh control circuit. This single control circuit handles both modes, receiving temperature information and generating appropriate refresh signals for either mode. By combining the control functions, the patent reduces overall system complexity while achieving synchronized refresh operations and power savings.
Solution Approach 2:
The refresh control circuit is designed with multi-functionality to handle both normal operation mode and self-refresh mode refresh operations. The same circuit generates refresh signals for different modes based on temperature conditions, eliminating the need for separate control circuits for each mode. This universal approach reduces complexity while maintaining power efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatuses and methods of for refresh control of a semiconductor device are described. An example apparatus includes a command control circuit that provides a plurality of pulses on a first control signal in series responsive to a plurality of refresh commands issued in series; a signal generation circuit that produces a plurality of pulses on a second control signal in sequence; and a refresh control circuit that receives two or more of the plurality of pulses on the first control signal during a period of time between one pulse and a succeeding pulse of the plurality of pulses on the second control signal, disables refresh operations responsive to at least one of the two or more of the plurality of first control signal and executes a refresh operation responsive to remaining one or more pulses of the two or more of the plurality of pulses on the first control signal.