Power management control and controlling memory refresh operations
AssigneeRound Rock Research, LLC
InventorDean A. Klein
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
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 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.
Claims22
A memory refresh circuit comprising:
- a control circuit for monitoring memory devices and for indicating when a refresh operation on the memory devices is complete, based on the monitoring of the memory device;
- and
- a power management circuit coupled to memory devices for controlling power provided to the memory devices.
The circuit of 1, wherein the control conducts the refresh operation on the memory devices.
A memory device comprising:
- a memory array;
- and
- a refresh circuit for monitoring the memory array for indicating when a refresh operation on the memory array is complete, based on the monitoring of the memory device;
- and
- a power management circuit coupled to a memory device comprising the memory array for controlling power provided to the memory device.
A memory system, comprising:
- a plurality of memory devices, each comprising:
- a memory array;
- and
- a refresh circuit for monitoring 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;
- and
- a power management circuit coupled to memory devices for controlling power provided to the memory devices.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.