Semiconductor Self-Refresh Controller During Reset
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Solution Overview
Problem
As semiconductor technology miniaturizes, capacitors in memory cells rapidly discharge, leading to reduced data reliability and potential data loss when refresh operations are not performed, especially when a reset signal is applied.
Innovation Solution
A semiconductor device with a self-refresh controller that generates a self-refresh enable signal based on a clock enable signal and a power-up signal, enabling self-refresh operations even when a reset signal is enabled, thereby preventing data loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the capacitor size is reduced to miniaturize memory cells, then device integration is improved, but data retention capability deteriorates causing rapid discharge
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing refresh operations before the capacitor completely discharges. The refresh controller detects when a reset signal is active and proactively executes refresh operations during this period, preventing data loss before it occurs. This anticipatory refresh mechanism ensures that even miniaturized capacitors maintain their data retention capability despite their inherently shorter charge duration.
2Reliability
If refresh operations are performed frequently to maintain data reliability, then data retention is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic refresh control by adjusting refresh operation frequency based on the reset signal state. When the reset signal is active, the refresh controller increases refresh frequency to maintain data reliability. When the reset signal is inactive, the refresh frequency is reduced or suspended, thereby lowering energy consumption. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize between reliability and energy usage based on real-time operational conditions.
3Ease of operation
If a reset signal is applied to initialize internal signals, then system initialization is improved, but data in memory cells is lost due to discharge
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by executing refresh operations specifically during the period when the reset signal is active. The refresh controller detects the reset signal state and counteracts its harmful effect on memory data by performing refresh operations that recharge the capacitors before they can discharge. This prevents data loss while allowing the reset signal to perform its initialization function, effectively neutralizing the conflict between system initialization and data preservation.
4Reliability
If capacitor size is increased to store more charge, then data retention is improved, but device area increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the memory system to automatically perform refresh operations without external intervention. The refresh controller continuously monitors the reset signal state and autonomously executes refresh operations when needed, allowing miniaturized capacitors to maintain adequate charge levels through self-managed refresh cycles. This eliminates the need for larger capacitors while preserving data retention capability through automated charge replenishment.
Data Source
AI summary
A semiconductor device may be provided. The semiconductor device may include an input signal generator configured to enable an input signal although a reset signal is disabled after a clock enable signal is enabled. The semiconductor device may include a self-refresh enable signal generator configured to generate a self-refresh enable signal based on the input signal.