Semiconductor Word Line Copy Circuit for Data Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
As semiconductor devices increase in integration, the decreasing interval between word lines leads to interference effects, causing data loss and increased probability of losing stored data, necessitating more frequent refresh operations which consume additional power.
Innovation Solution
A semiconductor device and system that includes an operation control signal generation circuit and a copy operation circuit to perform a first copy operation of storing data from first cells coupled to an adjacent word line into second cells coupled to a clone word line, reducing the need for additional refresh operations and minimizing power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the interval between word lines is decreased to increase integration, then the degree of integration is improved, but interference effects occur between adjacent word lines causing data loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a clone word line that copies data from adjacent word lines to prevent data loss. The copy operation circuit transfers data from first cells coupled to adjacent word lines to second cells coupled to the clone word line, providing a backup mechanism that maintains data reliability despite reduced spacing between word lines
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs copy operations in advance before refresh operations are needed. By proactively copying data from adjacent word lines to the clone word line when access patterns indicate potential interference, the system prevents data loss before it occurs, reducing the need for corrective refresh operations
2Reliability
If refresh operations are performed for all cells or additional refresh operations are performed for adjacent word lines, then data loss is prevented, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies refresh and copy operations selectively to specific word lines based on access patterns rather than uniformly to all cells. The operation control signal generation circuit identifies which adjacent word lines are accessed concentratedly and performs copy operations only for those specific lines, localizing the energy-consuming operations to where they are most needed
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of performing additional refresh operations on adjacent word lines, the patent uses a copy operation to transfer data to a clone word line. This copying mechanism provides data protection with lower power consumption compared to repeated refresh operations, as the copy operation establishes a stable backup that reduces subsequent refresh requirements
3Reliability
If clone word lines are introduced to prevent data loss, then data retention is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the memory structure into functional segments: target word lines, adjacent word lines, and clone word lines. This segmentation allows the clone word line to serve as a dedicated backup structure without requiring fundamental changes to the entire memory architecture, managing complexity through modular organization
Solution Approach 2:
The clone word line serves multiple functions: it acts as a backup for adjacent word lines, reduces refresh operation requirements, and can be controlled selectively based on access patterns. The copy operation circuit and operation control signal generation circuit provide multi-functional control that manages the clone word line efficiently, reducing the relative complexity burden
Data Source
AI summary
A semiconductor device including an operation control signal generation circuit configured for generating an operation control signal for a target word line. The semiconductor device including a copy operation circuit configured for performing a first copy operation of storing data of first cells coupled to an adjacent word line adjacent to the target word line, in second cells coupled to a first clone word line, based on the operation control signal.