Control Temperature Code Circuit for Stable Refresh Cycle Updates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current semiconductor devices using TCSR circuits face challenges in accurately generating control temperature codes for adjusting self-refresh cycles, leading to inconsistent current consumption and performance due to the reliance on digital thermometers and temperature codes.
Innovation Solution
A semiconductor device is designed with a control temperature code generation circuit that latches temperature codes multiple times and outputs a control temperature code when the latched codes are the same, enabling stable updating and adjustment of the refresh cycle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a digital thermometer is used to generate temperature codes for TCSR circuit control, then the self-refresh cycle can be adjusted based on temperature, but the temperature code accuracy is insufficient leading to inconsistent current consumption and performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by latching the temperature code multiple times before final determination. The latch code generation circuit captures the temperature code at different time points (first latch, second latch, third latch) and only updates the control temperature code when all latched values match. This preliminary multi-stage verification ensures accurate temperature measurement before using it to control the self-refresh cycle, thereby resolving the inconsistency in current consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback through the comparison mechanism that checks whether latched temperature codes match before updating the control temperature code. The period end signal generation circuit continuously monitors the latched values and provides feedback to the control temperature code generation circuit. This feedback loop ensures that only verified accurate temperature codes are used, improving both measurement precision and current consumption consistency.
2Productivity
If the control temperature code is updated frequently based on temperature code changes, then the refresh cycle can be dynamically adjusted, but the performance becomes unstable due to inaccurate temperature matching
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by requiring multiple successful latches of the temperature code before allowing an update to the control temperature code. The system performs first latch, second latch, and third latch operations sequentially, and only updates when all match. This preliminary verification mechanism ensures that rapid refresh cycle adjustments are based on stable and accurate temperature readings, preventing performance instability while maintaining dynamic adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements beforehand cushioning by introducing multiple latch stages as a buffer between temperature code generation and control temperature code update. This cushioning mechanism prevents premature or erroneous updates by requiring consistent temperature readings across multiple sampling points, thereby stabilizing performance while still allowing timely adjustments when temperature actually changes.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the self-refresh cycle is shortened to reduce current consumption at high temperatures, then power efficiency improves, but the temperature measurement accuracy is insufficient leading to suboptimal power management
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback through the multi-stage latch verification system that continuously monitors temperature code stability before allowing control temperature code updates. The period end signal generation circuit provides feedback to confirm that temperature readings are consistent across multiple sampling points. This feedback mechanism ensures accurate temperature measurement, enabling optimal self-refresh cycle adjustment that truly reflects device temperature conditions, thereby maximizing current consumption efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing multiple latch operations and comparisons before finalizing the control temperature code that determines self-refresh cycle length. This preliminary verification ensures that the temperature code used for power management decisions is accurate and stable, preventing premature or incorrect refresh cycle adjustments that would result from inaccurate temperature measurements, thus optimizing current consumption efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A semiconductor device includes a control temperature code generation circuit configured to generate latch codes by latching a temperature code until a number of the latch codes generated include a same combination, and configured to update a control temperature code when the number of the latch codes generated include the same.