摘要:
A high speed Random Access Memory (RAM) array device includes several logical banks, each of which can be uniquely addressed. Each of these logical banks contains a unique memory array segment and associated page register, the latter serving as a temporary storage location during high-speed page hit operations. To reduce latency during an initial page hit, further array optimization is realized by segmenting each logical bank into two segments with one, smaller segment, comprising a faster random access memory (FRAM) for storing initial data in a data stream. A high speed page register connects the FRAM directly to a multiplexer/demultiplexer connected to the device I/O ports bypassing an internal bus protocol such that the initial data can be transferred between the FRAM and the I/O ports faster thereby improving page-hit latency. Hence, segmenting the logical banks to include only a small high speed segment results in a performance gain approaching what could be achieved by implementing the entire memory device with a high speed FRAM, but at much lower cost.
摘要:
A Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM) configurable by eight (.times.8) or by nine (.times.9). The DRAM has nine Data Input/Outputs (I/Os). The memory array is divided into two or more sub-arrays, with sub-array cells arranged in addressable rows and columns. When the DRAM is configured .times.8, one I/O is held in its high impedance state; one ninth of the DRAM's data path (between the array and the ninth I/O) is ignored; and, the entire array address space is available for data storage through eight I/Os. When the DRAM is configured .times.9, all nine I/Os are active; the DRAM I/O path is reconfigured with part of the array providing the ninth bit through the ninth I/O; and the array address space reduced by one-eighth. All nine bits may be from a common sub-array. Alternatively, sub-arrays may be paired so that when the DRAM is configured .times.9, eight bits are accessed in seven-eighths of one sub-array, with the ninth bit being accessed in one eighth of the other sub-array of the pair.
摘要:
A memory device is provided which stacks commands and internally executes each command at the appropriate time, thereby ensuring contiguous data I/O. The memory device is capable of initiating memory accesses either immediately or "stacking" the command along with a "clock count". The clock count defines the number of clock cycles that must occur prior to execution of the command by the memory device. The memory device initiates memory accesses either immediately, or delayed by the number of clocks defined by the clock count for that command. The memory device operates as a slave to the memory controller and therefore has no ability to execute instructions at a time other than that defined by the memory controller.
摘要:
A high bandwidth DRAM is provided with two separate bus networks connecting the DRAM to a processor. One bus network is a high speed (e.g., 500 MHZ) 8:1 or 16:1 multiplexed I/O bus and the second is a slower (e.g., 64-bit) bus. The high-speed bus is used for example for graphic intensive applications which require fast access to large numbers of bits in the DRAM memory array. This of course results in higher power requirements. Since, not all applications require such large amounts of data to be transferred between the DRAM and the processor, the slower bus is provided for these less demanding applications such as word processors, spreadsheets, and the like. The slower bus requires less power to operate and therefore results in a power saving mode which, among other things, facilitates longer battery life.
摘要:
A Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM) with a burst length programmable as eight (8) or nine (9) bytes. The DRAM array is divided into two or more sub-arrays, with sub-array cells arranged in addressable rows and columns. When the DRAM is programmed in Normal mode, the burst length is 8 and the entire array address space is available for data storage. When the DRAM is programmed for error checking (ECC mode), the burst length is nine and the array is reconfigured with part of the array providing the ninth byte. The DRAM's address space is reduced by one-eighth in ECC mode. Preferably, all nine locations are in the same page, with each page being divided into eight equal portions. In Normal mode all eight equal portions are data storage; and, in ECC mode, seven-eighths of the page is data storage, the remaining one eighth being assigned to check bit storage.
摘要:
A method and system for managing the utilization of power is provided. In a system having one or more devices, such as a memory subsystem having one or more banks of memory, the amount of power necessary for the operation of one or more of the devices is monitored and if possible, the power being supplied to one or more of the devices is reduced. A scoreboard located within a memory controller is used to retain the available power modes for each of the devices. When it is determined that it is desirable to reduce the power being supplied to a particular device, then the scoreboard is accessed in order to determine the lowest power level available for the device. Using this information, an amount of power commensurate with the lowest power level is applied to the device, thereby reducing the amount of power being applied to the device. In one aspect of the invention, a device is automatically placed in its lowest power level when it has not been accessed for a preselected amount of time.
摘要:
A semiconductor memory chip architecture is described implementing of a multi-bit data control function which enables independent control of at least a plurality of data bits via a single control signal. A logically organized memory chip is organized as a 2.sup.n x 4 chip in which one control (CAS0) signal enables a single data bit and another control (CAS1) signal enables the remaining three data bits. By organizing data control on chips in this manner, it becomes possible to optimize design modules such that a minimum number of control signals are used.
摘要:
A memory system having a plurality of DRAMs which are selectively provided non-inverted or inverted signals. The DRAMs have the ability to accept non-inverted or inverted address/command signals from a register that drives a plurality of signals simultaneously. The system includes DRAM receivers with programmable input polarity and a register with programmable output polarity.
摘要:
A method for performing a common cancel (CC) function on a dynamic random access memory (DRAM) semiconductor device to improve reliability and speed of a memory system. The CC function rakes advantage of the intrinsic delays associated wit memory read operations at high clock frequencies, and the increased write latency commensurate with increased read latencies where non-zero larencies for read and write operations are the norm by permitting address and command ECC structures to operate in parallel with the address and command re-drive circuitt The CC function is extendable to future DDR2 and DDR3 operating requirements in which latency of higher frequency modes will increase due to the shift from 2 bit pre-fetch to 4 and 8 bit pre-fetch architecture.
摘要:
A synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM) semiconductor device which uses a command cancel function to improve reliability and speed of a memory system. The CC function takes advantage of the intrinsic delays associated with memory read operations at high clock frequencies, and the increased write latency commensurate with increased read latencies where non-zero latencies for read and write operations are the norm by permitting address and command ECC structures to operate in parallel with the address and command re-drive circuits. The CC function is extendable to future DDR2 and DDR3 operating requirements in which latency of higher frequency modes will increase due to a shift from 2 bit pre-fetch to 4 and 8 bit pre-fetch architecture.