Staggered Refresh Across Memory Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing semiconductor memory devices, particularly DRAM, face inefficiencies in refresh operations that consume power and time, which could be optimized without compromising data integrity.
Innovation Solution
Implementing staggered refresh operations across memory devices within a module, where some devices perform refreshes at a lower rate than others, determined by a sequence order, using skip logic circuits to manage when to skip refresh operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If all memory devices perform refresh operations at the same rate, then data integrity is maintained, but power consumption and operational time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the refresh operations by dividing memory devices into different groups (first set and second set) that operate at different refresh rates. Each group performs refresh operations at staggered intervals, with some devices refreshing at a first rate while others refresh at a second rate, thereby reducing overall power consumption while maintaining data integrity through differentiated refresh schedules.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic refresh operations with varying periods for different memory device groups. The first set of memory devices performs refresh operations at a first periodic rate while the second set performs refresh operations at a second periodic rate. This staggered periodic action ensures that all devices are refreshed over time while reducing instantaneous power consumption and operational time requirements.
2Reliability
If refresh operations are performed frequently, then data integrity is maintained, but operational time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments refresh operations across different time intervals by creating distinct groups of memory devices with different refresh schedules. The first set of devices is refreshed during first time intervals while the second set is refreshed during second time intervals, thereby distributing the total operational time required for refresh operations and reducing the duration any single device must remain unavailable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic refresh actions with staggered timing for different memory device groups. By alternating between refreshing the first set and the second set at different periodic intervals, the system maintains data integrity through regular refreshing while reducing the cumulative operational time required compared to uniform frequent refreshing of all devices.
3Use of energy by moving object
If refresh operations are reduced, then power consumption decreases, but data integrity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments memory devices into multiple groups that can be refreshed at different rates, allowing the system to reduce the overall number of refresh operations performed simultaneously. By refreshing subsets of devices at different times rather than all devices at once, power consumption is reduced while data integrity is maintained through ensured periodic refreshing of each segment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic refresh operations with varying frequencies for different memory device groups. The first set undergoes refresh at a first periodic rate while the second set undergoes refresh at a second periodic rate, ensuring that over time all devices are refreshed adequately to maintain data integrity while reducing instantaneous power consumption through staggered scheduling.
4Use of energy by moving object
If staggered refresh rates are implemented, then power consumption and operational time are reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service mechanisms where memory devices autonomously determine their refresh scheduling based on predefined group assignments. Each memory device can identify whether it belongs to the first set or second set and automatically performs refresh operations at the appropriate rate without requiring complex external coordination, thereby reducing control complexity while maintaining staggered refresh operation benefits.
Data Source
AI summary
A memory module includes a number of memory devices which receive refresh commands. Each memory device determines if it is that device's turn in a sequence, for example by counting the refresh commands. When it is not a device's turn, it performs refresh operations at a first rate responsive to the refresh commands. When it is the device's turn, it performs refresh operations at a second, lower, rate responsive to the refresh commands, for example by skipping refresh operations.