Abstract:
A random access memory (RAM) includes at least two memory banks. Each memory bank includes an array of dynamic random access memory (DRAM) cells, and self-refresh circuits for continuously submitting the DRAM cells to a refresh operation independent of the other memory banks. A first circuit selectively accesses one of the memory banks in response to an external access request. A second circuit suspends the refresh operation in the accessed memory bank while processing the external access request, and while the refresh operations in non-selected memory banks are not suspended.