Apple inc. (20240119991). Dynamic Refresh Rate Control simplified abstract

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Dynamic Refresh Rate Control

Organization Name

apple inc.

Inventor(s)

Liang Deng of Saratoga CA (US)

Norman J. Rohrer of San Jose CA (US)

Yizhang Yang of Sunnyvale CA (US)

Arpit Mittal of San Jose CA (US)

Dynamic Refresh Rate Control - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 20240119991 titled 'Dynamic Refresh Rate Control

Simplified Explanation

The abstract describes a memory controller in an integrated circuit that adjusts the refresh rate for DRAMs based on the rate of change of temperature sensed by temperature sensors.

  • Memory controller in an integrated circuit adjusts refresh rate for DRAMs based on temperature changes.
  • Temperature sensors in the integrated circuit monitor temperature changes.
  • If the rate of temperature change exceeds a threshold, the memory controller increases the refresh rate.
  • If the rate of temperature change is below the threshold, the memory controller reduces the refresh rate.

Potential Applications

This technology can be applied in various electronic devices that use DRAMs, such as computers, smartphones, and servers, to optimize memory performance based on temperature variations.

Problems Solved

1. Prevents memory errors and data loss due to temperature-induced stress on DRAMs. 2. Improves overall system reliability by adjusting refresh rates dynamically.

Benefits

1. Enhanced memory performance and reliability. 2. Efficient use of resources by adjusting refresh rates as needed. 3. Extended lifespan of DRAMs by reducing unnecessary refresh cycles.

Potential Commercial Applications

Optimized memory controllers with temperature-based refresh rate adjustments can be used in data centers, IoT devices, automotive electronics, and other applications where memory performance is critical.

Possible Prior Art

One possible prior art could be memory controllers with fixed refresh rates that do not dynamically adjust based on temperature changes.

Unanswered Questions

How does this technology impact power consumption in devices?

The abstract does not mention the impact of temperature-based refresh rate adjustments on power consumption. This could be a crucial factor in evaluating the overall efficiency of the technology.

Are there any limitations to the threshold-based approach for adjusting refresh rates?

The abstract does not discuss any potential limitations or drawbacks of using a threshold-based approach for determining when to adjust refresh rates. Understanding these limitations could provide a more comprehensive view of the technology's effectiveness.


Original Abstract Submitted

in an embodiment, a memory controller in an integrated circuit may generate refreshes for one or more drams coupled to the integrated circuit according to a refresh rate. the integrated circuit may include one or more temperature sensors. a rate of change of the temperature may be determined from the temperature sensors. if the rate is greater than a threshold, the memory controller may generate refreshes according to a refresh rate specified by the drams. if the rate is less than the threshold, the memory controller may generate refreshes at a reduced refresh rate.