CA2342516A1 - Dual storage mode dram architecture - Google Patents
Dual storage mode dram architecture Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2342516A1 CA2342516A1 CA002342516A CA2342516A CA2342516A1 CA 2342516 A1 CA2342516 A1 CA 2342516A1 CA 002342516 A CA002342516 A CA 002342516A CA 2342516 A CA2342516 A CA 2342516A CA 2342516 A1 CA2342516 A1 CA 2342516A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- dual
- cell
- mode
- memory
- dram
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G11—INFORMATION STORAGE
- G11C—STATIC STORES
- G11C11/00—Digital stores characterised by the use of particular electric or magnetic storage elements; Storage elements therefor
- G11C11/21—Digital stores characterised by the use of particular electric or magnetic storage elements; Storage elements therefor using electric elements
- G11C11/34—Digital stores characterised by the use of particular electric or magnetic storage elements; Storage elements therefor using electric elements using semiconductor devices
- G11C11/40—Digital stores characterised by the use of particular electric or magnetic storage elements; Storage elements therefor using electric elements using semiconductor devices using transistors
- G11C11/401—Digital stores characterised by the use of particular electric or magnetic storage elements; Storage elements therefor using electric elements using semiconductor devices using transistors forming cells needing refreshing or charge regeneration, i.e. dynamic cells
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G11—INFORMATION STORAGE
- G11C—STATIC STORES
- G11C8/00—Arrangements for selecting an address in a digital store
- G11C8/10—Decoders
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G11—INFORMATION STORAGE
- G11C—STATIC STORES
- G11C8/00—Arrangements for selecting an address in a digital store
- G11C8/12—Group selection circuits, e.g. for memory block selection, chip selection, array selection
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Microelectronics & Electronic Packaging (AREA)
- Computer Hardware Design (AREA)
- Dram (AREA)
Abstract
A dual mode memory architecture is disclosed in which an additional address or mode pin is used to rearrange the architecture to increase refresh time and achieve an improved Soft Error Rate. The DRAM is selectively operable in a single DRAM
cell per bit mode or a dual DRAM cell per bit mode. In the dual DRAM cell per bit mode, the reference dummy cells are disabled and two wordlines are simultaneously activated to access one single transistor and storage capacitor memory cell connected to each bitline of a pair of complementary bitlines. Therefore, both memory cells form a single dual DRAM
cell. By accessing both memory cells of a pair of complementary bitlines, complementary data can be written to the dual DRAM cell. Due to the complementary data storage of the dual cell, the refresh period can be increased to reduce refresh power consumption, and the cell is less susceptible to alpha particle disturbances.
cell per bit mode or a dual DRAM cell per bit mode. In the dual DRAM cell per bit mode, the reference dummy cells are disabled and two wordlines are simultaneously activated to access one single transistor and storage capacitor memory cell connected to each bitline of a pair of complementary bitlines. Therefore, both memory cells form a single dual DRAM
cell. By accessing both memory cells of a pair of complementary bitlines, complementary data can be written to the dual DRAM cell. Due to the complementary data storage of the dual cell, the refresh period can be increased to reduce refresh power consumption, and the cell is less susceptible to alpha particle disturbances.
Description
DUAL STORAGE MODE DRAM ARCHITECTURE
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to semiconductor memories. More particularly the invention relates to DRAM storage modes in which the user can select between single cell per bit or dual cell per bit storage on the fly.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Conventional DRAM memories consist of a singlf; transistor and storage capacitor.
Data is read out through single ended sensing, in which the voltage of one bitline, changed due to the addition or removal of charge by an accessed memory cell connected to the bitline, is compared to a reference voltage on its complementary bitline.
DRAM memories require constant refreshing of its data in order to maintain its stored data due to inherent charge leakage of its storage capacitor. Therefore, the power consumed due to refresh operations is relatively high.
Conventional DRAM memories are unreliable when subjected to alpha particle bombardment because they cause sensing of the data to be disturbed, resulting in erroneous read-out of data.
Therefore, there is a need for a DRAM memory cell that retains data for longer periods of time to reduce refresh power consumption and is less susceptible to alpha particle disturbance.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The object of the present invention is to mitigate or obviate at least one disadvantage with previous memory addressing systems. The present: invention provides a memory addressing system. The memory addressing system comprisf;s of a memory block, with sense amplifiers coupled to the bitlines of the memory block. Y-decoders are coupled to the sense amplifiers and row decoders selectively activate between one wordline or two wordlines simultaneously in the memory block, in response to a dual ce l mode control signal.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of examples only, with reference to the attached Figures, wherein Figure 1 is a block diagram showing circuit blocks for one memory block according to the present invention;
Figure 2 is a schematic of the master decoder addressing circuit shown in Figure l;
Figure 3 is a circuit schematic of a portion of the memory block of Figure 1;
and, Figure 4 is a graph showing 0.18um test chip measurements for 1 T 1 C and differential operating modes.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
A dual mode memory architecture is disclosed in which an additional address or mode pin is used to rearrange the architecture to increase refresh tine and achieve an improved Soft Error Rate. The DRAM is selectively operable in a single DRAM cell per bit mode or a dual DRAM cell per bit mode. In the dual DRAM cell per bit mode, the reference dummy cells are disabled and two wordlines are simultaneously activated to access one single transistor and storage capacitor memory cell connected to each bitLine of a pair of complementary bitlines. Therefore, both memory cells form a single dual :DRAM cell. By accessing both memory cells of a pair of complementary bitlines, complementary data can be written to the dual DRAM cell. Due to complementary data storage of the: dual cell, the refresh period can be increased to reduce refresh power consumption, and the cell is less susceptible to alpha particle disturbances. The SER (soft error rate) is also improved.
Figure 1 shows a block diagram of the addressing system of the present invention employed with a memory block having a folded bitline configuration. The memory block includes conventional single transistor and storage capacitor cells (not shown). Each memory block is divided into two sub-blocks, each having its own s;et of bitlines, associated bitline sense amplifiers and y-decoders. In the dual DRAM cell mode, two wordlines for each dual cell connected to a complementary pair of bitlines are activated for read and write operations.
The conventional bitline sense amplifiers perform differential sensing to read data from its associated complementary pair of bitlines. Differential sensing due to the complementary data storage of the dual DRAM cell provides improved sensing margins. In addition, by using two cells per bit, the retention time is improved. As a result smaller capacitors can be used compared with a 1T1C cell. In planar CMOS process, the overall 2T2C cell size can be made comparable with 1 T 1 C cell size with still improved retention and SER
characteristics.
Figure 2 shows a more detailed circuit schematic of the Master decoder block shown in Figure 1. Row address signals AX[0] and AX[6] axe received by respective D-type flip flop circuits, with a common enable input connected to an address enable signal ADR_EN.
A pair of flip flops receives a differential mode control signal DIF MODE
(DIFMODE port from Figure 1), a reset signal RESET, a mode enable signal MODE EN, a page mode enable signal SHORT PG (SHORT port from Figure 1) and a clock signal CLK.
Signal DIFMb enables differential mode and SPGb enables short page mode. The D-flip flop and flip flop circuits function as registers for the input signals. The remainder of the circuit includes standard logic gates such as NAND gates and inverters. The Master decoder block controls the upper and lower row decoders such that they each activate two wordlines simultaneously in the dual DRAM cell mode, or only on~~ wordline in the normal single DRAM cell mode, in response to the DIF MODE control si;~nal.
Figure 3 illustrates a conventional folded bitline DRAM configuration for a single transistor and storage capacitor memory cell. In the dual DRAM cell mode, both wordlines WLi and Wli+1 are simultaneously activated to enable access to two single transistor and storage capacitor memory cells for storing or reading complementary data. For example, CELL1 and CELL2 can store logic levels of"1" and "0", or "0" and "1"
respectively.
By using two cells per bit, smaller capacitors can be used to obtain the same bitline split as one cell per bit in an ideal situation using 2xC/2, should result in the same split.
However, there is increased bitline capacitance when using the 2 cell; 2 transistor (2C2T) cell, and the 2xC/2 rule may not hold true in practical implementation.
A 0.18 micron test chip was measured in both the :L T 1 C and differential operating modes, and the results are plotted in Figure 4.
In an alternative embodiment, the dual DRAM cell can store mufti-bit data. For example, CELL1 and CELL2 can store logic levels of "1" and "1" and "0" and "0"
to store four possible logic states (two bits per cell) instead of just one.
In yet another alternative embodiment, the dual DRAM cell can store an analog voltage.
The Master decoder block also receives an additional address or mode bit for selecting between a long page and a short page mode access in each memory block within a memory array. The operation is done on the fly, allowing the user to dynamically choose between the addressing modes. In the short page mode access, only one of either the upper or lower row decoders is activated. In the long page mode access, both the upper and lower row decoders are activated. This feature of the Master decoder block is combined with the dual DRAM cell selection feature. More specifically, the dual DRAM or single DRAM
cell modes can be selected in either the short page mode acce~;s or the long page mode access.
Therefore, twice the number of bits can be accessed in the long page mode access over the short page mode access. The addressing circuit also generates the necessary enable signals to ensure that the bitline sense amplifiers and y-decoders of both sub-blocks are enabled during the long page access mode.
With reference to the block diagram of Figure 1 both long and short page access modes are realised by having the bitlines extending within half of the block, as shown in Figure 1. The column decoder is controlled by the decoded local RAS signal (not shown), which disables column access if there is no selected column. in the corresponding part of the block. As previously discussed, one wordline can be activated in the block, or both wordlines can be activated in the block simultaneously, depending o:n the state of the control signal SHORT. Therefore, the user can select wide page versus short page addressing modes on the fly.
As shown in Figure l, the Master decoder block. receives addresses AX[0) and AX[6], and control signals DIFMODE and SHORT. The Master decoder block receives other signals required for general operation of the circuit, which are not shown in Figure 1.
These additional signals are shown in Figure 2. Y-decoder enable signals YENl and YEN2, predecoded upper and lower row address signals PDXU(1:0) and PDXL[1:0]
respectively are generated by the Master decoder block. The block diagram of Figure 1 only depicts one block out of a plurality of blocks within the entire memory device or embedded memory macro, however, one skilled in the art would understand that the other blocks are similarly configured to the one shown in Figure 1. The Master decoder block, the upper row decoder and lower row decoder are part of the row decoder circuitry for the memory block.
Additional row decoder circuits can include timing control circuits which are not shown in Figure 1.
Address AX[0) is suppressed when the differential mode is enabled. Address AX[6) is enabled if the short page mode selected. Upper and lower sense amplifier enable signals are decoded in the short page access mode. In the short page access mode, the unaccessed sub-array of the block remains in stand-by, or low power made to reduce power consumption.
Although not shown, the data bus circuitry is also configurable depending on the selected access mode.
The Master decoder circuit of the present invention has been implemented in a 0.13 micron SoC-RAM PL test chip.
The addressing system of the present invention is not limited to use in DRAM
memories. The present invention can be used with any type of memory such as Flash, SRAM, FRAM and EEPROM circuits, for example.
Dual DRAM cell memory according to the present invention is useful for harsh conditions, mission critical data, or any circumstances in vvhich the user decides that high data reliability is required. Alternatively, the system can automatically select the dual cell mode when small amounts of data are to be stored, to reduce refresh power consumption.
The present invention does not require any change in the core memory architecture or column decoder circuits. Only row decoding circuits are adjusted to accommodate the two different cell storage modes.
This technique can be used in Flash, EEPROM, single-ended SRAM cells, or any memory that typically employs single-ended sensing using re:E'erence voltages.
The above-described embodiments of the invention are intended to be examples of the present invention. Alterations, modifications and variations may be effected the particular embodiments by those of skill in the art, without departing ~Crom the scope of the invention which is defined solely by the claims appended hereto.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to semiconductor memories. More particularly the invention relates to DRAM storage modes in which the user can select between single cell per bit or dual cell per bit storage on the fly.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Conventional DRAM memories consist of a singlf; transistor and storage capacitor.
Data is read out through single ended sensing, in which the voltage of one bitline, changed due to the addition or removal of charge by an accessed memory cell connected to the bitline, is compared to a reference voltage on its complementary bitline.
DRAM memories require constant refreshing of its data in order to maintain its stored data due to inherent charge leakage of its storage capacitor. Therefore, the power consumed due to refresh operations is relatively high.
Conventional DRAM memories are unreliable when subjected to alpha particle bombardment because they cause sensing of the data to be disturbed, resulting in erroneous read-out of data.
Therefore, there is a need for a DRAM memory cell that retains data for longer periods of time to reduce refresh power consumption and is less susceptible to alpha particle disturbance.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The object of the present invention is to mitigate or obviate at least one disadvantage with previous memory addressing systems. The present: invention provides a memory addressing system. The memory addressing system comprisf;s of a memory block, with sense amplifiers coupled to the bitlines of the memory block. Y-decoders are coupled to the sense amplifiers and row decoders selectively activate between one wordline or two wordlines simultaneously in the memory block, in response to a dual ce l mode control signal.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of examples only, with reference to the attached Figures, wherein Figure 1 is a block diagram showing circuit blocks for one memory block according to the present invention;
Figure 2 is a schematic of the master decoder addressing circuit shown in Figure l;
Figure 3 is a circuit schematic of a portion of the memory block of Figure 1;
and, Figure 4 is a graph showing 0.18um test chip measurements for 1 T 1 C and differential operating modes.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
A dual mode memory architecture is disclosed in which an additional address or mode pin is used to rearrange the architecture to increase refresh tine and achieve an improved Soft Error Rate. The DRAM is selectively operable in a single DRAM cell per bit mode or a dual DRAM cell per bit mode. In the dual DRAM cell per bit mode, the reference dummy cells are disabled and two wordlines are simultaneously activated to access one single transistor and storage capacitor memory cell connected to each bitLine of a pair of complementary bitlines. Therefore, both memory cells form a single dual :DRAM cell. By accessing both memory cells of a pair of complementary bitlines, complementary data can be written to the dual DRAM cell. Due to complementary data storage of the: dual cell, the refresh period can be increased to reduce refresh power consumption, and the cell is less susceptible to alpha particle disturbances. The SER (soft error rate) is also improved.
Figure 1 shows a block diagram of the addressing system of the present invention employed with a memory block having a folded bitline configuration. The memory block includes conventional single transistor and storage capacitor cells (not shown). Each memory block is divided into two sub-blocks, each having its own s;et of bitlines, associated bitline sense amplifiers and y-decoders. In the dual DRAM cell mode, two wordlines for each dual cell connected to a complementary pair of bitlines are activated for read and write operations.
The conventional bitline sense amplifiers perform differential sensing to read data from its associated complementary pair of bitlines. Differential sensing due to the complementary data storage of the dual DRAM cell provides improved sensing margins. In addition, by using two cells per bit, the retention time is improved. As a result smaller capacitors can be used compared with a 1T1C cell. In planar CMOS process, the overall 2T2C cell size can be made comparable with 1 T 1 C cell size with still improved retention and SER
characteristics.
Figure 2 shows a more detailed circuit schematic of the Master decoder block shown in Figure 1. Row address signals AX[0] and AX[6] axe received by respective D-type flip flop circuits, with a common enable input connected to an address enable signal ADR_EN.
A pair of flip flops receives a differential mode control signal DIF MODE
(DIFMODE port from Figure 1), a reset signal RESET, a mode enable signal MODE EN, a page mode enable signal SHORT PG (SHORT port from Figure 1) and a clock signal CLK.
Signal DIFMb enables differential mode and SPGb enables short page mode. The D-flip flop and flip flop circuits function as registers for the input signals. The remainder of the circuit includes standard logic gates such as NAND gates and inverters. The Master decoder block controls the upper and lower row decoders such that they each activate two wordlines simultaneously in the dual DRAM cell mode, or only on~~ wordline in the normal single DRAM cell mode, in response to the DIF MODE control si;~nal.
Figure 3 illustrates a conventional folded bitline DRAM configuration for a single transistor and storage capacitor memory cell. In the dual DRAM cell mode, both wordlines WLi and Wli+1 are simultaneously activated to enable access to two single transistor and storage capacitor memory cells for storing or reading complementary data. For example, CELL1 and CELL2 can store logic levels of"1" and "0", or "0" and "1"
respectively.
By using two cells per bit, smaller capacitors can be used to obtain the same bitline split as one cell per bit in an ideal situation using 2xC/2, should result in the same split.
However, there is increased bitline capacitance when using the 2 cell; 2 transistor (2C2T) cell, and the 2xC/2 rule may not hold true in practical implementation.
A 0.18 micron test chip was measured in both the :L T 1 C and differential operating modes, and the results are plotted in Figure 4.
In an alternative embodiment, the dual DRAM cell can store mufti-bit data. For example, CELL1 and CELL2 can store logic levels of "1" and "1" and "0" and "0"
to store four possible logic states (two bits per cell) instead of just one.
In yet another alternative embodiment, the dual DRAM cell can store an analog voltage.
The Master decoder block also receives an additional address or mode bit for selecting between a long page and a short page mode access in each memory block within a memory array. The operation is done on the fly, allowing the user to dynamically choose between the addressing modes. In the short page mode access, only one of either the upper or lower row decoders is activated. In the long page mode access, both the upper and lower row decoders are activated. This feature of the Master decoder block is combined with the dual DRAM cell selection feature. More specifically, the dual DRAM or single DRAM
cell modes can be selected in either the short page mode acce~;s or the long page mode access.
Therefore, twice the number of bits can be accessed in the long page mode access over the short page mode access. The addressing circuit also generates the necessary enable signals to ensure that the bitline sense amplifiers and y-decoders of both sub-blocks are enabled during the long page access mode.
With reference to the block diagram of Figure 1 both long and short page access modes are realised by having the bitlines extending within half of the block, as shown in Figure 1. The column decoder is controlled by the decoded local RAS signal (not shown), which disables column access if there is no selected column. in the corresponding part of the block. As previously discussed, one wordline can be activated in the block, or both wordlines can be activated in the block simultaneously, depending o:n the state of the control signal SHORT. Therefore, the user can select wide page versus short page addressing modes on the fly.
As shown in Figure l, the Master decoder block. receives addresses AX[0) and AX[6], and control signals DIFMODE and SHORT. The Master decoder block receives other signals required for general operation of the circuit, which are not shown in Figure 1.
These additional signals are shown in Figure 2. Y-decoder enable signals YENl and YEN2, predecoded upper and lower row address signals PDXU(1:0) and PDXL[1:0]
respectively are generated by the Master decoder block. The block diagram of Figure 1 only depicts one block out of a plurality of blocks within the entire memory device or embedded memory macro, however, one skilled in the art would understand that the other blocks are similarly configured to the one shown in Figure 1. The Master decoder block, the upper row decoder and lower row decoder are part of the row decoder circuitry for the memory block.
Additional row decoder circuits can include timing control circuits which are not shown in Figure 1.
Address AX[0) is suppressed when the differential mode is enabled. Address AX[6) is enabled if the short page mode selected. Upper and lower sense amplifier enable signals are decoded in the short page access mode. In the short page access mode, the unaccessed sub-array of the block remains in stand-by, or low power made to reduce power consumption.
Although not shown, the data bus circuitry is also configurable depending on the selected access mode.
The Master decoder circuit of the present invention has been implemented in a 0.13 micron SoC-RAM PL test chip.
The addressing system of the present invention is not limited to use in DRAM
memories. The present invention can be used with any type of memory such as Flash, SRAM, FRAM and EEPROM circuits, for example.
Dual DRAM cell memory according to the present invention is useful for harsh conditions, mission critical data, or any circumstances in vvhich the user decides that high data reliability is required. Alternatively, the system can automatically select the dual cell mode when small amounts of data are to be stored, to reduce refresh power consumption.
The present invention does not require any change in the core memory architecture or column decoder circuits. Only row decoding circuits are adjusted to accommodate the two different cell storage modes.
This technique can be used in Flash, EEPROM, single-ended SRAM cells, or any memory that typically employs single-ended sensing using re:E'erence voltages.
The above-described embodiments of the invention are intended to be examples of the present invention. Alterations, modifications and variations may be effected the particular embodiments by those of skill in the art, without departing ~Crom the scope of the invention which is defined solely by the claims appended hereto.
Claims
1. A memory system comprising:
a memory block;
sense amplifiers coupled to the bitlines of the memory block;
Y-decoders coupled to the sense amplifiers; and row decoders for selectively activating between one wordline or two wordlines simultaneously in the memory block in response to a dual cell mode control signal.
a memory block;
sense amplifiers coupled to the bitlines of the memory block;
Y-decoders coupled to the sense amplifiers; and row decoders for selectively activating between one wordline or two wordlines simultaneously in the memory block in response to a dual cell mode control signal.
Priority Applications (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
CA002342516A CA2342516A1 (en) | 2001-03-30 | 2001-03-30 | Dual storage mode dram architecture |
CA002379593A CA2379593A1 (en) | 2001-03-30 | 2002-03-28 | Ram having dynamically switchable access modes |
US10/109,878 US6549483B2 (en) | 2001-03-30 | 2002-04-01 | RAM having dynamically switchable access modes |
US10/308,157 US6894941B2 (en) | 2001-03-30 | 2002-12-03 | RAM having dynamically switchable access modes |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
CA002342516A CA2342516A1 (en) | 2001-03-30 | 2001-03-30 | Dual storage mode dram architecture |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
CA2342516A1 true CA2342516A1 (en) | 2002-09-30 |
Family
ID=4168740
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
CA002342516A Abandoned CA2342516A1 (en) | 2001-03-30 | 2001-03-30 | Dual storage mode dram architecture |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
CA (1) | CA2342516A1 (en) |
-
2001
- 2001-03-30 CA CA002342516A patent/CA2342516A1/en not_active Abandoned
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US9767881B2 (en) | Dynamic random access memory with fully independent partial array refresh function | |
US5490114A (en) | High performance extended data out | |
US6845059B1 (en) | High performance gain cell architecture | |
US7180808B2 (en) | Semiconductor memory device for performing refresh operation | |
EP0737981B1 (en) | Memory device circuit and method for concurrently addressing columns of multiple banks of a multi-bank memory array | |
US6549483B2 (en) | RAM having dynamically switchable access modes | |
US7231488B2 (en) | Self-refresh system and method for dynamic random access memory | |
WO2006053756A1 (en) | Twin-cell bit line sensing configuration | |
KR100805528B1 (en) | Method and apparatus for partial refreshing of dram | |
US6023428A (en) | Integrated circuit device having a memory array with segmented bit lines and method of operation | |
US6775177B2 (en) | Semiconductor memory device switchable to twin memory cell configuration | |
US7136312B2 (en) | Semiconductor device having read and write operations corresponding to read and write row control signals | |
US7002874B1 (en) | Dual word line mode for DRAMs | |
KR20030011629A (en) | Semiconductor memory | |
US6252812B1 (en) | Semiconductor memory device utilizing multiple edges of a signal | |
US6954370B2 (en) | Nonvolatile ferroelectric memory device | |
US6256249B1 (en) | Method for hidden DRAM refresh | |
CA2342516A1 (en) | Dual storage mode dram architecture | |
JP3179791B2 (en) | Semiconductor storage device | |
KR100477921B1 (en) | Semiconductor memory device | |
CA2342472A1 (en) | Ram having dynamically switchable addressing modes | |
JPS63155495A (en) | Pseudo static memory device | |
KR20000045409A (en) | Semiconductor memory device and method for decreasing sensing current thereof |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
FZDE | Discontinued |