Temperature Sensor Clock Switching for Low-Power DRAM Monitoring
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing temperature sensor circuits in DRAM modules consume excessive power due to constant detection periods, which increases current consumption at high temperatures, necessitating a reduction in power consumption while maintaining effective refresh rate adjustments.
Innovation Solution
A temperature sensor circuit with a temperature comparator and multiple enable clocks with varying cycles, where the clock cycle lengthens beyond a predetermined temperature setting to reduce power consumption by adjusting detection frequency based on temperature ranges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the temperature sensor operates with a constant clock cycle to detect temperature periodically, then the temperature detection is continuous and reliable, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the temperature sensor's operating state changeable between active and standby modes. The sensor operates actively only when temperature changes are detected, and enters standby mode when temperature is stable, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining detection reliability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action by using a temperature detection enable clock that periodically activates the temperature sensor. Instead of continuous operation, the sensor is enabled at specific intervals determined by the enable clock, reducing overall power consumption while maintaining periodic temperature monitoring capability.
2Loss of time
If the temperature sensor operates frequently to detect temperature changes near threshold, then the refresh rate can be updated timely, but the power consumption of the temperature sensor increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating the detection frequency based on temperature conditions. Near threshold temperatures where refresh rate changes are needed, the sensor operates more frequently with shorter detection intervals. At other temperatures, detection frequency is reduced, optimizing the balance between response time and power consumption for different operating conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter (detection interval) dynamically based on temperature conditions. When temperature approaches thresholds requiring refresh rate updates, the detection interval is shortened. When temperature is stable and away from thresholds, the interval is lengthened, thereby reducing power consumption without sacrificing critical response capability.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the temperature sensor operates less frequently to reduce power consumption, then power usage is optimized, but the response time for detecting temperature changes increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by monitoring temperature changes and using this information to control the operation of the temperature sensor. When temperature changes are detected, the system activates the sensor more frequently to track the change and determine when threshold crossings occur, ensuring timely response while minimizing power consumption during stable conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
This invention provides a temperature sensor circuit and its operation method. The temperature sensor circuit includes a temperature sensor, a temperature comparator, a plurality of temperature sensor enable clocks with different clock cycles and a clock selection circuit. The temperature sensor detects a temperature of an Integrated circuit and sending a signal indicative of the temperature. The temperature comparator executes a comparison between the temperature of the Integrated circuit and a predetermined temperature setting upon receiving the signal indicative of the temperature and sending an output according to the comparison. Upon receiving the output, the clock selection circuit provides one of the temperature sensor enable clocks according to the output to enable the temperature sensor. The temperature detection cycle of the temperature sensor is thus adjustable to save the temperature sensor power.