Abstract:
A hybrid cache architecture uses magnetoresistive random-access memory (MRAM) caches but has two different types of bit cell sensing. One type of bit cell sensing is single-ended and the other type of bit cell sensing is differential. The result is a uniform bit cell array but a non-uniform sense amplifier configuration.
Abstract:
A method of reading from and writing to a resistive memory cache includes receiving a write command and dividing the write command into multiple write sub-commands. The method also includes receiving a read command and executing the read command before executing a next write sub-command.
Abstract:
A memory having a redundancy area is operated in a normal mode and an error is detected. A selecting selects between in-line repair process and off-line repair. In-line repair applies a short term error correction, which remaps a fail address to a remapped memory area of the memory. An in-system repair is applied, for a one-time programmed remapping of the fail address to a redundancy area of the memory. In-system repair utilizes idle time of the memory to maintain valid memory content.
Abstract:
A memory controller coupled to a memory chip having a number of sub-arrays of memory cells is configured to determine a configuration of the memory chip. The memory controller is configured to read the sub-array configuration of the memory chip and to detect sub-array level conflicts between external commands and refresh operations. The memory controller keeps one or more non-conflicting pages open during the refresh operations.
Abstract:
Methods and apparatus for using a defective dynamic read-only memory region are provided. In an example, a defective Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM) page is used, instead of being disabled. A compress-and-store technique uses a non-defective region of a defective DRAM page to store page-swapping data. This allows the defective DRAM page to be used as a fast swapping resource, which results in increasing system performance, saving materials, saving time, and saving energy. In an example, a method for using a defective DRAM page in a DRAM includes using an error history table to determine that the defective DRAM page has a defective block, and updating a defect table with an address of the defective block. The defect table is used to determine an address of a good block in the defective DRAM page. Page swap data is compressed and stored in the good block in the defective DRAM page.
Abstract:
In a memory having a first memory cell array, a second memory cell array, an address is received on an address port. Based on the address, an internal address is transmitted, and it is latched and held for a first interval as a first array address. The first memory cell array is accessed over the first interval, based on the first array address. Another address is received at the address port, during the first interval, and another internal address is transmitted, and latched and held for a second interval that overlaps the first interval, as a second array address. The second memory cell array is accessed during the second interval, based on the second array address.
Abstract:
Methods and systems for an in-system repair process that repairs or attempts to repair random bit failures in a memory device are provided. In some examples, an in-system repair process may select alternative steps depending on whether the failure is correctable or uncorrectable. In these examples, the process uses communications between a system on chip and the memory to fix the failures during normal operation.
Abstract:
A memory refresh control technique allows flexible internal refresh rates based on an external 1× refresh rate and allows skipping a refresh cycle for strong memory rows based on the external 1× refresh rate. A memory controller performs a memory refresh by reading a refresh address from a refresh address counter, reading a weak address from a weak address table and generating a next weak address value based at least in part on a next bit sequence combined with the weak address. The memory controller compares the refresh address to the weak address and to the next weak address value. Based on the comparison, the memory controller selects between skipping a refresh cycle, refreshing the refresh address, refreshing the weak address, and refreshing both the refresh address and the weak address.
Abstract:
A method of reading from and writing to a resistive memory cache includes receiving a write command and dividing the write command into multiple write sub-commands. The method also includes receiving a read command and executing the read command before executing a next write sub-command.
Abstract:
A memory refresh method includes determining positions at which to insert refresh operations of weak rows of a memory block among regularly scheduled refresh operations of normal rows of the memory block. The refresh operations occur at a substantially constant refresh rate. The positions at which to insert are based on an actual weak page address. The method also includes performing inserted refresh operations at the determined positions to coordinate distribution of the inserted refresh operations among the regularly scheduled refresh operations.