Power management control and controlling memory refresh operations
AssigneeRound Rock Research, LLC
InventorDean A. Klein
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A memory device providing signals indicating when refresh operations are complete. The signals from a number of memory devices can be combined, such as by logically ORing, to provide a refresh complete signal to a power management controller. Dynamic factors can affect the refresh operation and the memory may be refreshed without restoring the entire system to a high power state. The time required to perform a refresh operation can be determined dynamically, allowing the system to be returned to a low power state as soon as refresh is complete. Ambient temperatures can be monitored to dynamically determine when to perform a refresh operation.
Claims13
(canceled)
A system, comprising:
- a plurality of memory devices, each comprising:
- a memory array;
- and
- a refresh circuit comprising control logic for monitoring predetermined conditions of the memory array and for providing a refresh complete signal when a refresh operation on the memory array is complete, based on the monitoring of the memory device;
- the system further comprising:
- a power management circuit coupled to the plurality of memory devices for controlling power provided to the memory devices based on a combined refresh complete signal from the plurality of memory devices;
- and
- a programmable controller adapted to receive criteria to control the operation of the power management circuit.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.