US4207618A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
On-chip refresh for dynamic memory
Assignee: Texas Instruments Inc
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Filing: 1978-06-26
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Granted: 1980-06-10
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Expires: 1998-06-26
Abstract
Abstract A semiconductor device comprises an array of rows and columns of dynamic-type memory cells with on-chip refresh circuitry including an address counter and a multiplexer to insert the refresh address when a system command is received indicating a refresh cycle. The refresh address counter is incremented after each refresh cycle. If a refresh command is not present, the device is accessed in the usual manner.
Inventors
- 👤 Lionel S. White, Jr.
- 👤 G. R. Mohan Rao
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 14:59
CPC Classifications
G; G11; G11C; G11C11/00; G11C11/21; G11C11/34; G11C11/40; G11C11/401; G11C11/406
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
64 words
A semiconductor memory device comprising an array of memory cells in a single integrated circuit formed in a semiconductor body, the memory device having a refresh address counter included within said body along with means for incrementing the counter and addressing means for alternatively receiving an address from inputs to the device or from the counter and for accessing the array using said address.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
64 words
A semiconductor memory device comprising an array of memory cells in a single integrated circuit formed in a semiconductor body, the memory device having a refresh address counter included within said body along with means for incrementing the counter and addressing means for alternatively receiving an address from inputs to the device or from the counter and for accessing the array using said address.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
24 words
A device according to claim 1 wherein the counter comprises a plurality of stages with each stage including a static adder and a latch.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
25 words
A device according to claim 2 wherein the memory cells are of the dynamic type and refresh is provided according to a regular timing sequence.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
40 words
A device according to claim 1 wherein a timing clock is applied to the memory device for each access cycle and wherein means are provided for delaying the clock when the addressing means is receiving an address from the counter.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
25 words
A device according to claim 1 wherein the memory cells are of the dynamic type and refresh is provided according to a regular timing sequence.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
27 words
A device according to claim 5 wherein the cells are in an array of rows and columns, and only the rows are addressed from said address counter.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
33 words
A device according to claim 6 wherein the counter has a number of bits determined by the number of rows in the array and each bit includes an adder and a bistable circuit.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
50 words
A device according to claim 7 wherein the memory array has a sense amplifier for each column and timing signals are applied to the sense amplifiers to control sensing operations during access cycles, and wherein means are provided for delaying the timing signals when addresses are received from the counter.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
25 words
A device according to claim 8 wherein the timing signals are based on an enable signal received from a generator external to the semiconductor body.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
60 words
A device according to claim 1 along with a processing system including means external to the integrated circuit for generating a refresh command signal and coupling it to the integrated circuit wherein said signal is applied to the addressing means to cause the address to be received from the counter and is applied to the means for incrementing the counter.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1983-06-10 | 1983-12-10 | 1984-06-10 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1987-06-10 | 1987-12-10 | 1988-06-10 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1991-06-10 | 1991-12-10 | 1992-06-10 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |