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WO2014126182A1 - Reset circuit for memory-cell array that stores access history - Google Patents

Reset circuit for memory-cell array that stores access history Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2014126182A1
WO2014126182A1 PCT/JP2014/053406 JP2014053406W WO2014126182A1 WO 2014126182 A1 WO2014126182 A1 WO 2014126182A1 JP 2014053406 W JP2014053406 W JP 2014053406W WO 2014126182 A1 WO2014126182 A1 WO 2014126182A1
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WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
circuit
signal
word lines
cell array
refresh
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Ceased
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PCT/JP2014/053406
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French (fr)
Japanese (ja)
Inventor
宏 赤松
昭二 金子
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PS4 Luxco SARL
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PS4 Luxco SARL
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    • GPHYSICS
    • G11INFORMATION STORAGE
    • G11CSTATIC STORES
    • G11C7/00Arrangements for writing information into, or reading information out from, a digital store
    • G11C7/22Read-write [R-W] timing or clocking circuits; Read-write [R-W] control signal generators or management 
    • G11C7/222Clock generating, synchronizing or distributing circuits within memory device
    • GPHYSICS
    • G11INFORMATION STORAGE
    • G11CSTATIC STORES
    • G11C11/00Digital stores characterised by the use of particular electric or magnetic storage elements; Storage elements therefor
    • G11C11/21Digital stores characterised by the use of particular electric or magnetic storage elements; Storage elements therefor using electric elements
    • G11C11/34Digital stores characterised by the use of particular electric or magnetic storage elements; Storage elements therefor using electric elements using semiconductor devices
    • G11C11/40Digital stores characterised by the use of particular electric or magnetic storage elements; Storage elements therefor using electric elements using semiconductor devices using transistors
    • G11C11/401Digital 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
    • G11C11/406Management or control of the refreshing or charge-regeneration cycles
    • G11C11/40611External triggering or timing of internal or partially internal refresh operations, e.g. auto-refresh or CAS-before-RAS triggered refresh
    • GPHYSICS
    • G11INFORMATION STORAGE
    • G11CSTATIC STORES
    • G11C11/00Digital stores characterised by the use of particular electric or magnetic storage elements; Storage elements therefor
    • G11C11/21Digital stores characterised by the use of particular electric or magnetic storage elements; Storage elements therefor using electric elements
    • G11C11/34Digital stores characterised by the use of particular electric or magnetic storage elements; Storage elements therefor using electric elements using semiconductor devices
    • G11C11/40Digital stores characterised by the use of particular electric or magnetic storage elements; Storage elements therefor using electric elements using semiconductor devices using transistors
    • G11C11/401Digital 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
    • G11C11/4063Auxiliary circuits, e.g. for addressing, decoding, driving, writing, sensing or timing
    • G11C11/407Auxiliary circuits, e.g. for addressing, decoding, driving, writing, sensing or timing for memory cells of the field-effect type
    • G11C11/4072Circuits for initialization, powering up or down, clearing memory or presetting
    • GPHYSICS
    • G11INFORMATION STORAGE
    • G11CSTATIC STORES
    • G11C11/00Digital stores characterised by the use of particular electric or magnetic storage elements; Storage elements therefor
    • G11C11/21Digital stores characterised by the use of particular electric or magnetic storage elements; Storage elements therefor using electric elements
    • G11C11/34Digital stores characterised by the use of particular electric or magnetic storage elements; Storage elements therefor using electric elements using semiconductor devices
    • G11C11/40Digital stores characterised by the use of particular electric or magnetic storage elements; Storage elements therefor using electric elements using semiconductor devices using transistors
    • G11C11/401Digital 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
    • G11C11/4063Auxiliary circuits, e.g. for addressing, decoding, driving, writing, sensing or timing
    • G11C11/407Auxiliary circuits, e.g. for addressing, decoding, driving, writing, sensing or timing for memory cells of the field-effect type
    • G11C11/4076Timing circuits
    • GPHYSICS
    • G11INFORMATION STORAGE
    • G11CSTATIC STORES
    • G11C29/00Checking stores for correct operation ; Subsequent repair; Testing stores during standby or offline operation
    • G11C29/02Detection or location of defective auxiliary circuits, e.g. defective refresh counters
    • G11C29/025Detection or location of defective auxiliary circuits, e.g. defective refresh counters in signal lines
    • GPHYSICS
    • G11INFORMATION STORAGE
    • G11CSTATIC STORES
    • G11C29/00Checking stores for correct operation ; Subsequent repair; Testing stores during standby or offline operation
    • G11C29/02Detection or location of defective auxiliary circuits, e.g. defective refresh counters
    • G11C29/028Detection or location of defective auxiliary circuits, e.g. defective refresh counters with adaption or trimming of parameters
    • GPHYSICS
    • G11INFORMATION STORAGE
    • G11CSTATIC STORES
    • G11C2207/00Indexing scheme relating to arrangements for writing information into, or reading information out from, a digital store
    • G11C2207/22Control and timing of internal memory operations
    • G11C2207/2254Calibration
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H10SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES; ELECTRIC SOLID-STATE DEVICES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H10BELECTRONIC MEMORY DEVICES
    • H10B12/00Dynamic random access memory [DRAM] devices
    • H10B12/50Peripheral circuit region structures

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a semiconductor device, and more particularly to a semiconductor device that needs to hold information by a refresh operation.
  • DRAM Dynamic Random Access Memory
  • a refresh command for instructing a refresh operation is periodically issued from the control device that controls the DRAM (see Patent Document 1).
  • the refresh command is issued from the control device at a frequency at which all word lines are always refreshed once during one refresh cycle (for example, 64 msec).
  • the information retention characteristic of the predetermined memory cell may be deteriorated.
  • the information holding time of a predetermined memory cell is reduced to less than one refresh cycle, even if a refresh command is issued with a frequency that all word lines are refreshed once during one refresh cycle, a part of the information is stored. There was a risk of being lost.
  • a method of analyzing the access history a method of using a counter circuit assigned to each word line and updating the count value of the counter circuit every time an access is performed can be considered.
  • a dedicated memory cell array for holding the access history is prepared separately, the corresponding count value is read from the dedicated memory cell array every time access is performed, and the count value is counted up and then written back.
  • a method is also conceivable. Although the operation of the latter method is slightly more complicated than the former method, it is considered that the latter method is highly practical because the access history can be analyzed with a smaller circuit scale. However, when the latter method is adopted, it is necessary to write initial values to all the memory cells included in the dedicated memory cell array at the time of resetting after power-on, and there is a problem that the time required for this becomes long. .
  • the semiconductor device includes a plurality of first word lines, a plurality of first bit lines intersecting with the plurality of first word lines, the plurality of first word lines, and the plurality of firsts.
  • a first memory cell array including a plurality of first memory cells arranged at intersections of the plurality of bit lines, a second memory cell array for storing access histories for the plurality of first word lines, and a reset signal And a reset circuit for erasing the access history stored in the second memory cell array, wherein the second memory cell array corresponds to one or more of the plurality of first word lines, respectively.
  • the access history can be reset in a short time.
  • FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration of a semiconductor device 10 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
  • 3 is an enlarged circuit diagram showing a part of a memory cell array 11.
  • FIG. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of two memory cells MC sharing a bit line, and a word line WL includes a trench gate type cell transistor Tr embedded in a semiconductor substrate 4.
  • 2 is a schematic plan view for explaining the structure of the memory cell array 11 in more detail.
  • FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram of a refresh control circuit 40.
  • FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an access count unit 100.
  • FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram of a memory cell array 110.
  • FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram of an SRAM cell SC included in a memory cell array 110.
  • FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a row decoder 120.
  • FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram of a command control circuit 160.
  • FIG. It is a timing diagram for explaining the operation of the command control circuit 160 when an active command ACT is issued from the outside.
  • It is a timing diagram for explaining the operation of the command control circuit 160 when a refresh command REF is issued from the outside.
  • 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a power supply control circuit 170, where (a) is a first circuit example and (b) is a second circuit example.
  • FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an address generation unit 200.
  • FIG. 7 is a timing chart for explaining operations of an additional refresh counter 280 and a selection signal generation circuit 270.
  • FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram of a selection signal generation circuit 270.
  • FIG. 4 is a timing chart for explaining the operation of the semiconductor device 10.
  • FIG. FIG. 10 is a circuit diagram of an SRAM cell SC according to a first modification. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the power supply control circuits 170 and 290 by a modification, (a) is a 3rd circuit example, (b) is a 4th circuit example.
  • FIG. 12 is a circuit diagram of an SRAM cell SC according to a second modification.
  • FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration of a semiconductor device 10 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
  • the semiconductor device 10 is a DDR3 (Double Data Rate 3) type DRAM integrated on a single semiconductor chip, and is mounted on the external substrate 2.
  • the external substrate 2 is a memory module substrate or a mother board, and is provided with an external resistor Re.
  • the external resistor Re is connected to the calibration terminal ZQ of the semiconductor device 10, and its impedance is used as the reference impedance of the calibration circuit 38.
  • the ground potential VSS is supplied to the external resistor Re.
  • the semiconductor device 10 has a memory cell array 11.
  • the memory cell array 11 includes p + 1 word lines WL (WL0 to WLp) and a plurality of bit lines BL, and has a configuration in which memory cells MC are arranged at intersections thereof. Selection of the word line WL is performed by the row decoder 12, and selection of the bit line BL is performed by the column decoder 13.
  • the semiconductor device 10 is provided with a command address terminal 21, a reset terminal 22, a clock terminal 23, a data terminal 24, power supply terminals 25 and 26, and a calibration terminal ZQ as external terminals.
  • the command address terminal 21 is a terminal to which an address signal ADD and a command signal COM are input from the outside.
  • the address signal ADD input to the command address terminal 21 is supplied to the address latch circuit 32 via the command address input circuit 31 and latched.
  • the address signal IADD latched by the address latch circuit 32 is supplied to the row decoder 12, the column decoder 13, or the mode register 14.
  • the mode register 14 is a circuit in which a parameter indicating the operation mode of the semiconductor device 10 is set.
  • the command signal COM input to the command address terminal 21 is supplied to the command decode circuit 33 via the command address input circuit 31.
  • the command decode circuit 33 is a circuit that generates various internal commands by decoding the command signal COM.
  • the internal commands include an active signal IACT, a column signal ICOL, a refresh signal IREF, a mode register set signal MRS, a calibration signal ZQC, and the like.
  • the active signal IACT is a signal that is activated when the command signal COM indicates row access (active command).
  • the address signal IADD latched in the address latch circuit 32 is supplied to the row decoder 12.
  • the word line WL designated by the address signal IADD is selected.
  • the column signal ICOL is a signal that is activated when the command signal COM indicates column access (read command or write command).
  • the address signal IADD latched in the address latch circuit 32 is supplied to the column decoder 13. As a result, the bit line BL designated by the address signal IADD is selected.
  • read data is read from the memory cell MC specified by the row address and the column address.
  • the read data DQ is output to the outside from the data terminal 24 via the read / write amplifier 15 and the input / output circuit 16.
  • the refresh signal IREF is a signal that is activated when the command signal COM indicates a refresh command.
  • the refresh signal IREF is supplied to the refresh control circuit 40.
  • the refresh control circuit 40 is a circuit that activates a predetermined word line WL included in the memory cell array 11 by controlling the row decoder 12, thereby executing a refresh operation.
  • the refresh control circuit 40 is supplied with an active signal IACT, an address signal IADD, and a reset signal RESET input via the reset terminal 22. Details of the refresh control circuit 40 will be described later.
  • the mode register set signal MRS is a signal that is activated when the command signal COM indicates a mode register set command. Therefore, if a mode register set command is input and a mode signal is input from the command address terminal 21 in synchronization therewith, the set value of the mode register 14 can be rewritten.
  • the external clock signals CK and / CK are input to the clock terminal 23.
  • the external clock signal CK and the external clock signal / CK are complementary signals, and both are supplied to the clock input circuit 34.
  • the external clock signals CK and / CK input to the clock input circuit 34 are supplied to the internal clock generation circuit 35, thereby generating the internal clock signal ICLK.
  • the internal clock signal ICLK is supplied to the timing generator 36, whereby various internal clock signals are generated.
  • Various internal clock signals generated by the timing generator 36 are supplied to circuit blocks such as the address latch circuit 32 and the command decode circuit 33, and define the operation timing of these circuit blocks.
  • the power supply terminal 25 is a terminal to which power supply potentials VDD and VSS are supplied.
  • the power supply potentials VDD and VSS supplied to the power supply terminal 25 are supplied to the internal power supply generation circuit 37.
  • the internal power supply generation circuit 37 generates various internal potentials VPP, VOD, VARY, VPERI and a reference potential ZQVREF based on the power supply potentials VDD and VSS.
  • the internal potential VPP is a potential mainly used in the row decoder 12, the internal potentials VOD and VARY are potentials used in the sense amplifier in the memory cell array 11, and the internal potential VPERI is used in many other circuit blocks. Potential.
  • the reference potential ZQVREF is a reference potential used in the calibration circuit 38.
  • the power supply terminal 26 is a terminal to which power supply potentials VDDQ and VSSQ are supplied.
  • the power supply potentials VDDQ and VSSQ supplied to the power supply terminal 26 are supplied to the input / output circuit 16.
  • the power supply potentials VDDQ and VSSQ are the same as the power supply potentials VDD and VSS supplied to the power supply terminal 25, respectively, but the input / output circuit 16 does not propagate power supply noise generated by the input / output circuit 16 to other circuit blocks. Uses dedicated power supply potentials VDDQ and VSSQ.
  • the calibration terminal ZQ is connected to the calibration circuit 38.
  • the calibration circuit 38 When the calibration circuit 38 is activated by the calibration signal ZQC, the calibration circuit 38 performs a calibration operation with reference to the impedance of the external resistor Re and the reference potential ZQVREF.
  • the impedance code ZQCODE obtained by the calibration operation is supplied to the input / output circuit 16, whereby the impedance of an output buffer (not shown) included in the input / output circuit 16 is designated.
  • FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram showing a part of the memory cell array 11 in an enlarged manner.
  • a plurality of word lines WL extending in the Y direction and a plurality of bit lines BL extending in the X direction are provided inside the memory cell array 11, and memory cells are arranged at the intersections.
  • MC is arranged.
  • the memory cell MC is a so-called DRAM cell, and has a configuration in which a cell transistor Tr composed of an N-channel MOS transistor and a cell capacitor C are connected in series.
  • the gate electrode of the cell transistor Tr is connected to the corresponding word line WL, one of the source / drain is connected to the corresponding bit line BL, and the other of the source / drain is connected to the cell capacitor C.
  • the refresh operation is basically the same as the row access in response to the active signal IACT. That is, the word line WL to be refreshed is driven to an active level, thereby turning on the cell transistor Tr connected to the word line WL.
  • the activation level of the word line WL is, for example, the internal potential VPP, which is higher than the internal potential VPERI used in most peripheral circuits. Accordingly, since the cell capacitor C is connected to the corresponding bit line BL, the potential of the bit line BL varies according to the charge accumulated in the cell capacitor C. Then, by activating the sense amplifier SA to amplify the potential difference generated between the paired bit lines BL and then returning the word line WL to the inactive level, the charge level of the cell capacitor C is regenerated. .
  • the inactive level of the word line WL is, for example, a negative potential VKK lower than the ground potential VSS.
  • the cycle for performing the refresh operation is called a refresh cycle, and is defined as 64 msec by the standard, for example. Therefore, if the information holding time of each memory cell MC is designed to be longer than the refresh cycle, the information can be continuously held by a periodic refresh operation. Actually, the information holding time of each memory cell MC has a sufficient margin with respect to the refresh cycle. Therefore, when the refresh operation is performed in a slightly longer cycle than the refresh cycle defined by the standard. Even so, it is possible to correctly hold the information of the memory cell MC.
  • the disturb phenomenon is a phenomenon in which when a certain word line WL is repeatedly accessed, the information retention characteristics of the memory cells MC connected to the other word lines WL adjacent thereto are deteriorated. For example, when the word line WLm shown in FIG. 2 is repeatedly accessed, the information retention characteristics of the memory cells MC connected to the word lines WLm ⁇ 1 and WLm + 1 adjacent thereto are deteriorated.
  • a parasitic capacitance Cp generated between adjacent word lines for example, a parasitic capacitance Cp generated between adjacent word lines.
  • FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of two memory cells MC sharing a bit line, and includes a trench gate type cell transistor Tr in which a word line WL is embedded in a semiconductor substrate 4.
  • the word lines WLm and WLm + 1 shown in FIG. 3 are embedded in the same active region partitioned by the element isolation region 6, and when this is activated, a channel is formed between the corresponding source / drain SD.
  • One of the source / drain SD is connected to the bit line node, and the other is connected to the capacitor node.
  • the word line WLm is accessed and then the cell transistor Tr is turned off (that is, the channel is cut)
  • floating electrons as carriers are generated near the channel.
  • the information holding time of the memory cell MC is reduced by such a mechanism, there is a risk that the information holding time falls below the refresh cycle defined by the standard. If the information holding time falls below the refresh cycle, some data will be lost even if the refresh operation is executed correctly.
  • the semiconductor device 10 according to the present embodiment is characterized in that an additional refresh operation is performed based on the access history in consideration of the disturb phenomenon described above.
  • FIG. 4 is a schematic plan view for explaining the structure of the memory cell array 11 in more detail.
  • word lines WL for example, word lines WLn (0) and WLn (1)
  • the bit line contact BLC is a contact conductor for connecting one of the source / drain of the cell transistor Tr and the bit line BL.
  • the other of the source / drain is connected to a cell capacitor C (not shown) via a cell contact CC.
  • the interval between adjacent word lines WL (for example, word lines WLn (1) and WLn + 1 (0)) corresponding to the cell transistors Tr not sharing the bit line contact BLC is an interval W2 wider than the interval W1.
  • the reason for this layout is that, as shown in FIG. 4, active regions ARa whose longitudinal direction is the A direction and active regions ARb whose longitudinal direction is the B direction are alternately formed in the X direction. It is.
  • adjacent word lines WLn (0) and WLn (1) at the interval W1 differ only in the least significant bit (A0) of the assigned row address, and the values of the other bits (A1 to A13) match. ing.
  • the circuit configuration of the refresh control circuit 40 is simplified. Hereinafter, the configuration and operation of the refresh control circuit 40 provided in the semiconductor device 10 will be described in detail.
  • FIG. 5 is a circuit diagram of the refresh control circuit 40.
  • the refresh control circuit 40 includes a refresh counter 41, an access count unit 100, an address generation unit 200, and a selection circuit 42.
  • the refresh counter 41 is a circuit that generates a row address (refresh address) RADDa to be refreshed in response to a refresh signal IREF.
  • the refresh address RADDa that is the count value is updated (incremented or decremented) in response to the refresh signal IREF. For this reason, if a refresh command is input from the outside a plurality of times (for example, 8k times) so that the count value of the refresh counter 41 makes one round during one refresh cycle, all word lines WL are refreshed during one refresh cycle. be able to.
  • the selection signal SEL is activated, the count value is not updated even if the refresh signal IREF is input.
  • the reset signal RESET is input, the count value of the refresh counter 41 is reset to the initial value.
  • the access count unit 100 is a circuit that analyzes a history of row access to the memory cell array 11.
  • the address signal IADD supplied to the access count unit 100 is only 13 bits including bits A1 to A13 among the bits A0 to A13. That is, the least significant bit A0 is degenerated.
  • FIG. 6 is a block diagram of the access count unit 100.
  • the access count unit 100 includes a memory cell array 110 and a row decoder 120.
  • the memory cell array 110 has a configuration in which a plurality of SRAM (Static Random Access Memory) cells SC are arranged in a matrix as shown in FIG. Specifically, it has (p + 1) / 2 word lines RWL0 to RWL (p-1) / 2 and T + 1 bit lines RBL0 to RBLT, and SRAM cells are respectively arranged at the intersections thereof. have.
  • the value of p + 1 is the number of word lines WL0 to WLp included in the memory cell array 11 shown in FIG. That is, the number of word lines RWL included in the memory cell array 110 is half of the number of word lines WL included in the memory cell array 11. This is because the least significant bit A0 is degenerated in the analysis of the access history.
  • FIG. 8 is a circuit diagram of the SRAM cell SC included in the memory cell array 110.
  • the SRAM cell SC has a configuration in which two inverters INV1 and INV2 are connected in a circulating manner.
  • the input node of the inverter INV2 (the output node of the inverter INV1) is connected to the other bit line RBL (B) via the transistor TrB.
  • the gate electrodes of the transistors TrT and TrB are connected to the corresponding word line RWL.
  • the inverters INV1 and INV2 have a high-order power supply node and a low-order power supply node, and operate by a voltage applied between them.
  • the internal potential VPERI is supplied to the higher power supply node of the inverter INV1, while the internal potential VPERIZ is supplied to the higher power supply node of the inverter INV2.
  • the ground potential VSS is supplied to the lower power supply nodes of the inverters INV1 and INV2. The internal potential VPERIZ will be described later.
  • the bit lines RBL0 to RBLT are connected to the read circuits 130 0 to 130 T constituting the read circuit 130, respectively.
  • the bit lines RBL0 to RBLT are complementary wirings each composed of two signal lines. In FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, each bit line RBL0 to RBLT is shown by one solid line.
  • the read circuit 130 is a circuit that writes data (count value) read via the bit lines RBL0 to RBLT to the register circuits 140 0 to 140 T included in the counter circuit 140.
  • the register circuits 140 0 to 140 T are connected in cascade, thereby constituting a binary counter. Further, the highest-order register circuit 140 T + 1 is added to the counter circuit 140, and the value is output as the detection signal MAX.
  • the detection signal MAX which is the stored value of the register circuit 140 T + 1 , is inverted from 0 to 1.
  • the register circuit 140 T + 1 functions as a detection circuit that detects that the count value has reached a predetermined value.
  • Data (count values) output from the register circuits 140 0 to 140 T are respectively supplied to the corresponding bit lines RBL 0 to RBLT by the corresponding write circuits 150 0 to 150 T, and are written back to the memory cells.
  • the operations of the row decoder 120, the read circuit 130, the counter circuit 140, and the write circuit 150 are controlled by the command control circuit 160.
  • the command control circuit 160 receives the active signal IACT, the refresh signal IREF, and the reset signal RESET, and generates an active signal RACT, a count up signal RCNT, a reset signal RRST, a read signal RREAD, and a write signal RWRT based on them.
  • the active signal RACT is a signal that activates the row decoder 120
  • the count-up signal RCNT is a signal that counts up the count value of the counter circuit 140
  • the reset signal RRST resets the count value of the counter circuit 140.
  • the read signal RREAD is a signal that activates the read circuit 130
  • the write signal RWRT is a signal that activates the write circuit 150.
  • FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the row decoder 120.
  • the row decoder 120 decodes the row address IADD or the refresh address RADD in response to the active signal RACT, and the corresponding word line RWL0 based on the decoding result by the address decoder 121.
  • a plurality of word drivers 122 for driving each of RWL (p ⁇ 1) / 2 are provided. With this configuration, when the row address IADD or the refresh address RADD is input in synchronization with the active signal RACT, one of the corresponding word lines RWL0 to RWL (p ⁇ 1) / 2 is activated.
  • the reset signal RESET is also supplied to the word driver 122.
  • all the word lines RWL0 to RWL (p ⁇ 1) / 2 are activated regardless of the output signal from the address decoding unit 121.
  • the delay circuit 123 is inserted on the wiring through which the reset signal RESET is transmitted, so that the half word lines RWL0 to RWL ⁇ (p + 1) / 4 ⁇ -1 are simultaneously activated. And the timing at which the remaining half word lines RWL (p + 1) / 4 to RWL (p ⁇ 1) / 2 are simultaneously activated.
  • the word driver 122 is not essential to distribute the activation timing of the word driver 122 during the reset operation. Further, when the activation timing of the word driver 122 is distributed, the word driver 122 is not limited to two divisions as described above, and may be three or more divisions.
  • FIG. 10 is a circuit diagram of the command control circuit 160.
  • the command control circuit 160 includes a latch circuit SR1 set by an active signal IACT and a latch circuit SR2 set by a refresh signal IREF.
  • the output signal OUT1 of the latch circuit SR1 is output as a read signal RREAD via the delay element DLY2 and the pulse generation circuit PLS1.
  • the output signal OUT2 of the latch circuit SR2 is output as the reset signal RRST through the pulse generation circuit PLS2.
  • the output signals OUT1 and OUT2 are supplied to the NAND gate circuit G1, and the output signal is output as the active signal RACT via the delay element DLY1.
  • the active signal RACT is output as the count up signal RCNT through the delay element DLY3.
  • the command control circuit 160 includes a latch circuit SR3 that is set by the output signal of the NOR gate circuit G2 that receives the read signal RREAD and the reset signal RRST.
  • the latch circuit SR3 is reset by the output signal of the NAND gate circuit G1.
  • the output signal of the latch circuit SR3 is output as the write signal RWRT via the delay element DLY4 and the AND gate circuit G3.
  • the write signal RWRT is fed back to the latch circuits SR1 and SR2 via the delay element DLY5 and the OR gate circuit G4 to reset them.
  • the latch circuits SR1 to SR3 are also reset by a reset signal RESET.
  • FIG. 11 is a timing chart for explaining the operation of the command control circuit 160 when an active command ACT is issued from the outside.
  • the active signal IACT When an active command ACT is issued from the outside, the active signal IACT is activated and the latch circuit SR1 is set. As a result, the output signal OUT1 changes to the low level, and the active signal RACT and the read signal RREAD are activated in this order.
  • the timing from when the output signal OUT1 changes to the low level until the active signal RACT and the read signal RREAD are activated is defined by the delay amounts of the delay elements DLY1 and DLY2, respectively. Further, when the active signal RACT is activated, the count-up signal RCNT is activated through a delay by the delay element DLY3.
  • the latch circuit SR3 is set when the read signal RREAD is activated, the write signal RWRT is activated through the delay by the delay element DLY4. Thereafter, the end signal END is activated through a delay by the delay element DLY5, the latch circuits SR1 and SR3 are reset, and the initial state is restored.
  • the active command ACT is issued from the outside, the active signal RACT, the read signal RREAD, the count up signal RCNT, and the write signal RWRT are activated in this order.
  • the row decoder 120 shown in FIGS. 6 and 9 selects the word line RWL indicated by the row address IADD (A1 to A13). As a result, data (count value) corresponding to the selected word line RWL is read to the bit line RBL. As described above, in the row address IADD input to the access count unit 100, the least significant bit A0 is degenerated. Therefore, the word line RWL selected in response to the active signal RACT is to two adjacent word lines WL (for example, the word line WLn (0) and the word line WLn (1)) at the interval W1 shown in FIG. Assigned in common.
  • the read signal RREAD is activated, the data (count value) read to the bit line RBL is amplified by the read circuit 130 and loaded into the counter circuit 140.
  • the read count value is k, and this value is loaded into the counter circuit 140.
  • the count-up signal RCNT when the count-up signal RCNT is activated, the count value loaded in the counter circuit 140 is incremented. That is, the count value changes from k to k + 1.
  • the write signal RWRT is activated, the updated count value (k + 1) is written back to the memory cell array 110 via the write circuit 150.
  • the count value corresponding to the input row address IADD (A1 to A13) is incremented. Since this operation is executed every time an active command ACT is issued from the outside, the number of row accesses can be counted with two adjacent word lines WL as a unit at the interval W1. However, since the least significant bit A0 of the row address IADD is degenerated, it is not distinguished which of the two adjacent word lines WL is accessed at the interval W1.
  • the detection signal MAX is activated to a high level.
  • the detection signal MAX is supplied to the address generator 200 shown in FIG.
  • FIG. 12 is a timing chart for explaining the operation of the command control circuit 160 when a refresh command REF is issued from the outside.
  • the refresh signal IREF When a refresh command REF is issued from the outside, the refresh signal IREF is activated, and the latch circuit SR2 shown in FIG. 10 is set. As a result, the output signal OUT2 changes to a low level, and the reset signal RRST and the active signal RACT are activated in this order.
  • the timing from when the output signal OUT2 changes to the low level to when the active signal RACT is activated is defined by the delay amount of the delay element DLY1.
  • the latch circuit SR3 When the reset signal RRST is activated, the latch circuit SR3 is set, so that the write signal RWRT is activated after being delayed by the delay element DLY4. Thereafter, the end signal END is activated through a delay by the delay element DLY5, the latch circuits SR2 and SR3 are reset, and the initial state is restored.
  • the refresh command REF is issued from the outside
  • the reset signal RRST, the active signal RACT, and the write signal RWRT are activated in this order.
  • the count-up signal RCNT is also activated, but the operation due to this is ignored by the reset signal RRST.
  • a circuit configuration that prohibits activation of the count-up signal RCNT in response to the refresh command REF is also possible.
  • the register circuits 140 0 to 140 T + 1 constituting the counter circuit 140 are reset, and thereby the count value of the counter circuit 140 is reset to an initial value (for example, 0).
  • the count-up signal RCNT is then activated, but the count signal of the counter circuit 140 is maintained at the initial value because the active state of the reset signal RRST is maintained.
  • the active signal RACT is activated, and the word line RWL corresponding to the refresh address RADD (A1 to A13) is selected.
  • the initialized count value (for example, 0) is written into the memory cell array 110 via the write circuit 150.
  • the count value corresponding to the word line RWL is initialized to 0, for example.
  • the count value corresponding to the refresh address RADD (A1 to A13) is initialized. Again, since the least significant bit A0 of the refresh address RADD is degenerated, the corresponding count value is reset regardless of the refresh operation for any two adjacent word lines WL at the interval W1.
  • the above is the circuit configuration and operation of the command control circuit 160.
  • the corresponding count value is counted up regardless of which of the two adjacent word lines WL is accessed at the interval W1, and when this reaches a predetermined value, the detection signal MAX is activated. On the other hand, even if any of the two adjacent word lines WL is refreshed at the interval W1, the corresponding count value is reset.
  • a reset signal RESET when issued from the outside, all the SRAM cells included in the memory cell array 110 are reset, and thereby all count values are initialized to 0, for example. Such an operation is performed by selecting all the word lines RWL0 to RWL (p ⁇ 1) / 2 by the row decoder 120 and giving initial values to the bit lines RBL0 to RBLT in this state.
  • the reset signal RESET is also supplied to the power supply control circuit 170 shown in FIG.
  • the power supply control circuit 170 is a circuit that generates the internal potential VPERIZ (or the ground potential VSSZ) described above, and plays a role of assisting the initialization operation of the memory cell array 110.
  • a circuit portion that initializes data in the memory cell array 110 (210) based on the reset signal RESET may be collectively referred to as a “reset circuit”.
  • FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the power supply control circuit 170, where (a) is a first circuit example and (b) is a second circuit example.
  • the power supply control circuit 170 includes a selection circuit 171 that uses either the internal potential VPERI or the high impedance HiZ as the internal potential VPERIZ.
  • the selection operation by the selection circuit 171 is controlled by the output signal RP of the SR latch circuit 172. Specifically, if the output signal RP is high level, the high impedance HiZ is selected, and if the output signal RP is low level, the internal potential VPERI is selected.
  • the SR latch circuit 172 is set by the reset signal RESET, and is reset by the reset signal RESET delayed by the delay circuit 173. For this reason, when the reset signal RESET is activated, the internal potential VPERIZ becomes high impedance HiZ for a predetermined period determined by the delay amount of the delay circuit 173, and then becomes the same potential as the internal potential VPERI.
  • the power supply control circuit 170 according to the second circuit example is the same as that shown in FIG. 13B except that the ground potential VSS is used instead of the high impedance HiZ, as shown in FIG. This is the same as the circuit example shown in FIG. Therefore, when the reset signal RESET is activated, the internal potential VPERIZ becomes the same potential as the ground potential VSS for a predetermined period determined by the delay amount of the delay circuit 173, and then becomes the same potential as the internal potential VPERI.
  • the internal potential VPERIZ is supplied to the higher power supply node of the inverter INV2 constituting the SRAM cell SC. For this reason, when the reset signal RESET is activated, the inverter INV2 is substantially deactivated, and the ability to drive to the high level becomes almost zero. This is because the potential difference between the high power supply node and the low power supply node becomes indefinite when the first circuit example is used, and the high power supply node and the low power supply node use the second circuit example. This is because the potential difference becomes zero. Thus, if a low level signal is supplied to the bit line RBL (T) and a high level signal is supplied to the bit line RBL (B), the initial value is immediately overwritten on the SRAM cell SC. .
  • the output of the inverter INV1 is fixed at a high level by the inactivation of the inverter INV2, and the output of the inverter INV2 is fixed at an indefinite or low level.
  • the load on the write circuit 150 that drives the bit lines RBL (T) and RBL (B) is greatly reduced, so that the current consumption during the reset operation is reduced and the reset operation can be performed in a very short time. Can be done.
  • FIG. 14 is a block diagram of the address generation unit 200.
  • the address generator 200 includes a memory cell array 210, a row decoder 220, an address write circuit 230, and an address read circuit 240.
  • the memory cell array 210 has a configuration in which a plurality of SRAM (Static Random Access Memory) cells are arranged in a matrix like the memory cell array 110 described above. Specifically, it has a configuration in which r + 1 word lines RRWL0 to RRWLr and 13 bit lines RRBL1 to RRBL13 are arranged, and SRAM cells are respectively arranged at intersections thereof.
  • the configuration of the SRAM cell included in the memory cell array 210 is also the same as that of the SRAM cell SC shown in FIG.
  • the selection of the word lines RRWL0 to RRWLr is performed in response to the refresh signal IREF based on the row address RA output from the write counter 250 or the read counter 260.
  • the row address RA output from the write counter 250 is referred to when the row address IADD (A1 to A13) is written to the memory cell array 210 using the address write circuit 230.
  • the row address RA output from the read counter 260 is referred to when the refresh address RADDb (A1 to A13) is read from the memory cell array 210 using the address read circuit 240.
  • the row address IADD (A1 to A13) written in the memory cell array 210 indicates the word line WLn (0) or WLn (1) whose access count has reached a predetermined value.
  • the address write circuit 230 includes write circuits 230 1 to 230 13 corresponding to the respective bits of the row address IADD (A1 to A13).
  • the row address IADD (A1 to A13) is applied to the row address RA output from the write counter 250. Play the role of writing.
  • the address read circuit 240 includes read circuits 240 1 to 240 13 corresponding to the respective bits of the refresh address RADDb (A1 to A13), and the refresh address RADDb (A1 to A13) from the row address RA output from the read counter 260. ). Further, the address read circuit 240 includes a LSB output circuit 240 0, the least significant bit A0 of the refresh address RADDb, the output signal of the LSB output circuit 240 0 is used. Bit A0 is the output signal of the LSB output circuit 240 0, the clock signal CLKA output from the selection signal generating circuit 270, inverted on the basis of CLKB.
  • the selection signal generation circuit 270 is a circuit that generates the selection signal SEL and the clock signals CLKA and CLKB described above based on the selection signal PSEL and the refresh signal IREF.
  • the selection signal SEL is supplied to the selection circuit 42 shown in FIG. 5 and used to select the refresh address RADDa or RADDb, and is also supplied to the refresh counter 41 to perform an update operation of the refresh counter 41 in response to the refresh signal IREF. Used to allow or prohibit.
  • the selection signal PSEL is generated by the additional refresh counter 280.
  • the additional refresh counter 280 is a circuit that counts up by 2 counts in response to the detection signal MAX and counts down by 1 count in response to the refresh signal IREF. If the count value is 1 or more, the additional refresh counter 280 activates the selection signal PSEL. Make it.
  • FIG. 15 is a timing chart for explaining operations of the additional refresh counter 280 and the selection signal generation circuit 270.
  • the active signal IACT is activated at times t31 and t32
  • the refresh signal IREF is activated at times t41, t42, t43, t44, and t45.
  • the detection signal MAX is activated in response to the activation of the active signal IACT at times t31 and t32. This is because the number of accesses to a certain word line WL exceeds a predetermined value due to the row access in response to the active signal IACT at time t31, and another word line WL is also caused by the row access in response to the active signal IACT at time t32. This means that the number of accesses exceeds the predetermined value.
  • the count value of the additional refresh counter 280 is counted up from “0” to “2” in response to the first activation of the detection signal MAX, and is added in response to the second activation of the detection signal MAX.
  • the count value of the refresh counter 280 is counted up from “2” to “4”. Further, in response to the count value of the additional refresh counter 280 becoming “1” or more, the selection signal PSEL is activated to a high level.
  • the count value of the additional refresh counter 280 is counted down to “3”, “2”, “1”, “0”,
  • the selection signal PSEL returns to the low level.
  • the refresh signal IREF is activated, but at this time, the count value of the additional refresh counter 280 has already reached the minimum value (0), so that value does not change.
  • FIG. 16 is a circuit diagram of the selection signal generation circuit 270.
  • the selection signal generation circuit 270 includes a latch circuit 271 that latches the selection signal PSEL in response to the refresh signal IREF, and the output signal is used as the selection signal PSEL. Therefore, after the selection signal PSEL is activated to a high level, the selection signal SEL changes to a high level in response to the next refresh signal IREF (refresh signal IREF at time t41 shown in FIG. 15). In addition, after the selection signal PSEL is deactivated to the low level, it returns to the low level in response to the next refresh signal IREF (refresh signal IREF at time t45 shown in FIG. 15).
  • the selection signal SEL and the refresh signal IREF are supplied to the gate circuit G5 shown in FIG. 272 and 273 are selected alternately. Since the selected latch circuits 272 and 273 invert their output signals, the clock signals CLKA and CLKB are alternately activated in response to the refresh signal IREF. This means that if the selection signal SEL is activated to a high level, whenever the refresh signal IREF is activated, the bit A0 is an output signal of the LSB output circuit 240 0 is meant to reverse.
  • a reset signal RESET is supplied to a predetermined circuit block constituting the address generation unit 200, and when this is activated, the circuit block is reset to an initial state. For example, all the data held in the memory cell array 210 is reset in response to the reset signal RESET. Such an operation can be performed by outputting an initial value from the address write circuit 230 to the memory cell array 210 in a state where all the word lines RRWL0 to RRWLr are selected by the row decoder 220.
  • the reset signal RESET is also supplied to the power supply control circuit 290 shown in FIG.
  • the power supply control circuit 290 has the same circuit configuration as the power supply control circuit 170 shown in FIG. 13, and assists the initialization operation of the memory cell array 210 by generating the internal potential VPERIZ (or the ground potential VSSZ). Fulfill. That is, when the reset signal RESET is activated, the internal potential VPERIZ becomes the high impedance HiZ or the ground potential VSS for a predetermined period, and then becomes the same potential as the internal potential VPERI. As a result, the load on the write circuit 230 is greatly reduced, so that the current consumption during the reset operation is reduced and the reset operation can be performed in a very short time.
  • FIG. 17 is a timing chart for explaining the operation of the semiconductor device 10.
  • an active command ACT is issued from the outside at time t50, and a refresh command REF is issued from outside at times t61, t62, t63, and t64.
  • a number of row accesses are performed by issuing the active command ACT, and the count value corresponding to the row address Addn of the access count unit 100 is counted up to a predetermined value -1. Has been up.
  • the row address Addn is connected to the word line WLn (0) to which the row address Addn (0) is assigned. This is common to both of the word lines WLn (1) to which the row address Addn (1) is assigned.
  • the count value of the additional refresh counter 280 is zero.
  • the detection signal MAX that is the value of the register circuit 140T + 1 shown in FIG. 6 is activated.
  • the count value of the additional refresh counter 280 shown in FIG. 14 changes from 0 to 2, and the selection signal PSEL becomes high level.
  • the address write circuit 230 is activated in response to the activation of the detection signal MAX, the row address IADD (Addn) input together with the active command ACT is written into the memory cell array 210.
  • the write counter 250 designates the word line RRWL0 as a write destination of the row address IADD (Addn).
  • the selection signal SEL is still at the low level, and therefore the selection circuit 42 selects the refresh address RADDa that is the output of the refresh counter 41.
  • the value of the refresh address RADDa at this time is Addm (0), and therefore the value of the refresh address RADD output from the selection circuit 42 is also Addm (0).
  • Addm (0) means that the value of the upper bits A1 to A13 is m and the value of the least significant bit A0 is 0.
  • the command decode circuit 33 shown in FIG. 1 activates the refresh signal IREF.
  • the row decoder 12 accesses the word line WLm indicated by the row address Addm (0). As a result, the information in the memory cells MC connected to the word line WLm (0) is refreshed.
  • Addm (1) means that the value of the upper bits A1 to A13 is m and the value of the least significant bit A0 is 1.
  • the address read circuit 240 outputs the refresh address RADDb (Addn) stored in the row address corresponding to the word line RRWL0.
  • the value of the LSB output circuit 240 0 is 0, the value of the refresh address RADDb therefore is Addn (0).
  • Addn (0) means that the value of the upper bits A1 to A13 is n and the value of the least significant bit A0 is 0.
  • the selection circuit 42 selects the refresh address RADDb that is the output of the address register 61. Therefore, the value of the refresh address RADD output from the selection circuit 42 is Addn (0). Further, the count value of the additional refresh counter 280 is decremented from 2 to 1.
  • the count value corresponding to Addm which is the value of the refresh address RADD, is initialized by the operation described with reference to FIG.
  • the count value corresponding to Addm is a common count value for the word line WLm (0) and the word line WLm (1). Since these word lines differ only in the least significant bit A0 of the row address, the word line WLm ( It is considered that the time from the refresh of 0) to the refresh of the word line WLm (1) is very short. Considering this point, regardless of which of the word lines WLm (0) and WLm (1) is actually refreshed, if one of them is refreshed, the count value corresponding to both is reset.
  • the row decoder 12 accesses the word line WLn (0) indicated by Addn (0) that is the value of the refresh address RADD. That is, the refresh operation is executed in an interrupt manner on the row address Addn (0) output from the address read circuit 240, not on the row address Addm (1) indicated by the refresh counter 41. As a result, the information in the memory cells MC connected to the word line WLn (0) is refreshed. Furthermore, the count value corresponding to Addn which is the value of the refresh address RADD is initialized by the operation described with reference to FIG.
  • the selection signal SEL Since the selection signal SEL is at the high level at this time, even if the refresh signal IREF is activated, the count value of the refresh counter 41 is not updated and is maintained as Addm (1). Further, the count value of the additional refresh counter 280 is decremented from 1 to 0. As a result, the selection signal PSEL changes to a low level.
  • the selection signal generation circuit 270 activates the clock signal CLKB.
  • the value of the LSB output circuit 240 0 is 1
  • the value of the refresh address RADDb changes to Addn (1).
  • Addn (1) means that the value of the upper bits A1 to A13 is n and the value of the least significant bit A0 is 1.
  • the row decoder 12 accesses the word line WLn (1) indicated by the row address Addn (1). That is, the refresh operation is executed in an interrupt manner for the row address Addn (1) output from the address read circuit 240, and the information in the memory cell MC is refreshed.
  • the selection signal SEL Since the selection signal SEL is at the high level also at this time, the count value of the refresh counter 41 is not updated even when the refresh signal IREF is activated, and is maintained as Addm (1). Further, in response to the activation of the refresh signal IREF, the selection signal SEL changes to a low level. Thus, since the selection circuit 42 selects the refresh address RADDa output from the refresh counter 41, the value of the refresh address RADD output from the selection circuit 42 becomes Addm (1).
  • the row decoder 12 accesses the word line WLm (1) indicated by the row address Addm (1). That is, as usual, the refresh operation is performed on the row address indicated by the refresh counter 41.
  • the count value of the refresh counter 41 is updated to Addm + 1 (0). Furthermore, the count value corresponding to Addm + 1, which is the value of the refresh address RADD, is initialized by the operation described with reference to FIG.
  • the least significant bit A0 of the row address IADD is degenerated, it is adjacent at the interval W1 regardless of which of the word lines WLn (0) and WLn (1) is disturbed. An additional refresh operation is performed on both of these word lines WLn (0) and WLn (1). Therefore, the capacity of the memory cell array 110 included in the access count unit 100 can be reduced by half.
  • the memory cell arrays 110 and 210 are used to count the number of accesses and to hold a row address to be additionally refreshed, compared with the case where a flip-flop circuit or the like is used, It is also possible to reduce the occupied area.
  • one inverter INV2 constituting the SRAM cell SC is deactivated, so that the current consumption required for initializing the data in the memory cell arrays 110 and 210 is reduced.
  • the time required for initialization can be shortened.
  • FIG. 18 is a circuit diagram of the SRAM cell SC according to the first modification.
  • the ground potential VSSZ is supplied to the lower power supply node of the inverter INV1, while the ground potential VSS is supplied to the lower power supply node of the inverter INV2.
  • the internal potential VPERI is supplied to the higher power supply nodes of the inverters INV1 and INV2.
  • FIG. 19A shows a third circuit example
  • FIG. 19B shows a fourth circuit example.
  • the power supply control circuits 170 and 290 include a selection circuit 174 that uses either the ground potential VSS or the high impedance HiZ as the ground potential VSSZ.
  • the selection operation by the selection circuit 174 is controlled by the output signal RP of the SR latch circuit 175. Specifically, if the output signal RP is high level, the high impedance HiZ is selected, and if the output signal RP is low level, the ground potential VSS is selected.
  • the reset signal RESET is activated, the ground potential VSSZ becomes the high impedance HiZ for a predetermined period determined by the delay amount of the delay circuit 176, and then becomes the same potential as the ground potential VSS.
  • the power supply control circuits 170 and 290 according to the fourth circuit example are shown in FIG. 19A except that the internal potential VPERI is used instead of the high impedance HiZ as shown in FIG. 19B. This is the same as the third circuit example. Therefore, when the reset signal RESET is activated, the ground potential VSSZ becomes the same potential as the internal potential VPERI for a predetermined period determined by the delay amount of the delay circuit 176, and then becomes the same potential as the ground potential VSS.
  • the ground potential VSSZ is supplied to the lower power supply node of the inverter INV1 constituting the SRAM cell SC.
  • the reset signal RESET when activated, the inverter INV1 is substantially deactivated, and the ability to drive to the low level becomes almost zero.
  • a low level signal is supplied to the bit line RBL (T) and a high level signal is supplied to the bit line RBL (B), the initial value is immediately overwritten on the SRAM cell SC. .
  • the output of the inverter INV2 is fixed at a low level by the inactivation of the inverter INV1, and the output of the inverter INV1 is fixed at an indefinite or high level.
  • FIG. 20 is a circuit diagram of an SRAM cell SC according to the second modification.
  • the internal potential VPERIZ is supplied to the higher power supply node of the inverter INV2 while the internal potential VPERIZ is supplied to the higher power supply node of the inverter INV2.
  • the ground potential VSSZ is supplied to the lower power supply node of the inverter INV1, while the ground potential VSS is supplied to the lower power supply node of the inverter INV2.
  • the inverter INV1 when the reset signal RESET is activated, the inverter INV1 is substantially deactivated, the ability to drive to the low level becomes substantially zero, and the inverter INV2 is substantially deactivated, The ability to drive to a high level is almost zero.
  • the output of the inverter INV1 is fixed at a high level, and the output of the inverter INV2 is fixed at a low level, so that the same effect as that of the above-described embodiment can be obtained more reliably.

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Abstract

[Problem] To reset, in a short amount of time, a memory-cell array for analyzing an access history. [Solution] The following are provided: a memory-cell array (110) that stores an access history for a memory-cell array that stores user data; and a reset circuit (120, 150, 160, 170) that, in response to a reset signal (RESET), erases the access history stored in the aforementioned memory-cell array (110). Said memory-cell array (110) contains a plurality of word lines (RWL), a plurality of bit lines (RBL), and a plurality of memory cells at the intersections thereof. A row decoder (120) activates a plurality of word lines (RWL), and in the resulting state, a write circuit (150) supplies an initialization value to the bit lines (RBL). This makes it possible to reset an access history in a short amount of time.

Description

[規則37.2に基づきISAが決定した発明の名称] アクセス履歴を記憶するメモリセルアレイのリセット回路[Name of invention determined by ISA based on Rule 37.2] Memory cell array reset circuit for storing access history

 本発明は半導体装置に関し、特に、リフレッシュ動作による情報の保持が必要な半導体装置に関する。 The present invention relates to a semiconductor device, and more particularly to a semiconductor device that needs to hold information by a refresh operation.

 代表的な半導体メモリデバイスであるDRAM(Dynamic Random Access Memory)は、セルキャパシタに蓄積された電荷によって情報を記憶するため、定期的にリフレッシュ動作を行わなければ情報が消失してしまう。このため、DRAMを制御するコントロールデバイスからは、リフレッシュ動作を指示するリフレッシュコマンドが定期的に発行される(特許文献1参照)。リフレッシュコマンドは、1リフレッシュサイクル(例えば64msec)の期間に全てのワード線が必ず1回リフレッシュされる頻度でコントロールデバイスから発行される。 DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory), which is a typical semiconductor memory device, stores information by the electric charge accumulated in the cell capacitor. Therefore, information is lost unless it is periodically refreshed. For this reason, a refresh command for instructing a refresh operation is periodically issued from the control device that controls the DRAM (see Patent Document 1). The refresh command is issued from the control device at a frequency at which all word lines are always refreshed once during one refresh cycle (for example, 64 msec).

特開2011-258259号公報JP 2011-258259 A

 しかしながら、メモリセルへのアクセス履歴によっては、所定のメモリセルの情報保持特性が低下することがあった。そして、所定のメモリセルの情報保持時間が1リフレッシュサイクル未満に低下すると、1リフレッシュサイクルの期間に全てのワード線が1回リフレッシュされる頻度でリフレッシュコマンドを発行しても、一部の情報が失われるおそれがあった。 However, depending on the access history to the memory cell, the information retention characteristic of the predetermined memory cell may be deteriorated. When the information holding time of a predetermined memory cell is reduced to less than one refresh cycle, even if a refresh command is issued with a frequency that all word lines are refreshed once during one refresh cycle, a part of the information is stored. There was a risk of being lost.

 アクセス履歴を解析する方法としては、ワード線ごとに割り当てられたカウンタ回路を用い、アクセスが行われる度に当該カウンタ回路のカウント値を更新する方法が考えられる。別の方法としては、アクセス履歴を保持するための専用のメモリセルアレイを別途用意し、アクセスが行われる度に専用のメモリセルアレイから対応するカウント値を読み出し、これをカウントアップした後、ライトバックする方法も考えられる。後者の方法は、前者の方法と比べて動作がやや複雑となるものの、より小さな回路規模でアクセス履歴を解析できることから、実用性が高いと考えられる。しかしながら、後者の方法を採用した場合、電源投入後のリセット時などにおいて専用のメモリセルアレイに含まれる全てのメモリセルに初期値を書き込む必要があり、これに要する時間が長くなるという問題があった。 As a method of analyzing the access history, a method of using a counter circuit assigned to each word line and updating the count value of the counter circuit every time an access is performed can be considered. As another method, a dedicated memory cell array for holding the access history is prepared separately, the corresponding count value is read from the dedicated memory cell array every time access is performed, and the count value is counted up and then written back. A method is also conceivable. Although the operation of the latter method is slightly more complicated than the former method, it is considered that the latter method is highly practical because the access history can be analyzed with a smaller circuit scale. However, when the latter method is adopted, it is necessary to write initial values to all the memory cells included in the dedicated memory cell array at the time of resetting after power-on, and there is a problem that the time required for this becomes long. .

 本発明による半導体装置は、複数の第1のワード線と、前記複数の第1のワード線と交差する複数の第1のビット線と、前記複数の第1のワード線と前記複数の第1のビット線との交点に配置された複数の第1のメモリセルとを含む第1のメモリセルアレイと、前記複数の第1のワード線に対するアクセス履歴を記憶する第2のメモリセルアレイと、リセット信号に応答して前記第2のメモリセルアレイに記憶された前記アクセス履歴を消去するリセット回路と、備え、前記第2のメモリセルアレイは、前記複数の第1のワード線の1又は2以上にそれぞれ対応して設けられた複数の第2のワード線と、前記複数の第2のワード線と交差する複数の第2のビット線と、前記複数の第2のワード線と前記複数の第2のビット線との交点に配置された複数の第2のメモリセルとを含み、前記リセット回路は、前記複数の第2のワード線を活性化させた状態で前記複数の第2のビット線に初期値を供給することにより、前記アクセス履歴をリセットすることを特徴とする。 The semiconductor device according to the present invention includes a plurality of first word lines, a plurality of first bit lines intersecting with the plurality of first word lines, the plurality of first word lines, and the plurality of firsts. A first memory cell array including a plurality of first memory cells arranged at intersections of the plurality of bit lines, a second memory cell array for storing access histories for the plurality of first word lines, and a reset signal And a reset circuit for erasing the access history stored in the second memory cell array, wherein the second memory cell array corresponds to one or more of the plurality of first word lines, respectively. A plurality of second word lines, a plurality of second bit lines intersecting with the plurality of second word lines, the plurality of second word lines, and the plurality of second bits. Place at intersection with line A plurality of second memory cells, and the reset circuit supplies an initial value to the plurality of second bit lines in a state where the plurality of second word lines are activated, The access history is reset.

 本発明によれば、アクセス履歴をリセットするためのリセット回路を備えていることから、短時間でアクセス履歴をリセットすることが可能となる。 According to the present invention, since the reset circuit for resetting the access history is provided, the access history can be reset in a short time.

本発明の好ましい実施形態による半導体装置10の全体構成を示すブロック図である。1 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration of a semiconductor device 10 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. メモリセルアレイ11の一部を拡大して示す回路図である。3 is an enlarged circuit diagram showing a part of a memory cell array 11. FIG. ビット線を共有する2つのメモリセルMCの断面図であり、ワード線WLが半導体基板4に埋め込まれたトレンチゲート型のセルトランジスタTrを有している。FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of two memory cells MC sharing a bit line, and a word line WL includes a trench gate type cell transistor Tr embedded in a semiconductor substrate 4. メモリセルアレイ11の構造をより詳細に説明するための略平面図である。2 is a schematic plan view for explaining the structure of the memory cell array 11 in more detail. FIG. リフレッシュ制御回路40の回路図である。3 is a circuit diagram of a refresh control circuit 40. FIG. アクセスカウント部100のブロック図である。3 is a block diagram of an access count unit 100. FIG. メモリセルアレイ110の回路図である。2 is a circuit diagram of a memory cell array 110. FIG. メモリセルアレイ110に含まれるSRAMセルSCの回路図である。2 is a circuit diagram of an SRAM cell SC included in a memory cell array 110. FIG. ロウデコーダ120の構成を示すブロック図である。3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a row decoder 120. FIG. コマンド制御回路160の回路図である。3 is a circuit diagram of a command control circuit 160. FIG. 外部からアクティブコマンドACTが発行された場合におけるコマンド制御回路160の動作を説明するためのタイミング図である。It is a timing diagram for explaining the operation of the command control circuit 160 when an active command ACT is issued from the outside. 外部からリフレッシュコマンドREFが発行された場合におけるコマンド制御回路160の動作を説明するためのタイミング図である。It is a timing diagram for explaining the operation of the command control circuit 160 when a refresh command REF is issued from the outside. 電源制御回路170の構成を示すブロック図であり、(a)は第1の回路例、(b)は第2の回路例である。2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a power supply control circuit 170, where (a) is a first circuit example and (b) is a second circuit example. FIG. アドレス発生部200のブロック図である。3 is a block diagram of an address generation unit 200. FIG. 追加リフレッシュカウンタ280及び選択信号発生回路270の動作を説明するためのタイミング図である。7 is a timing chart for explaining operations of an additional refresh counter 280 and a selection signal generation circuit 270. FIG. 選択信号発生回路270の回路図である。3 is a circuit diagram of a selection signal generation circuit 270. FIG. 半導体装置10の動作を説明するためのタイミング図である。4 is a timing chart for explaining the operation of the semiconductor device 10. FIG. 第1の変形例によるSRAMセルSCの回路図である。FIG. 10 is a circuit diagram of an SRAM cell SC according to a first modification. 変形例による電源制御回路170,290の構成を示すブロック図であり、(a)は第3の回路例、(b)は第4の回路例である。It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the power supply control circuits 170 and 290 by a modification, (a) is a 3rd circuit example, (b) is a 4th circuit example. 第2の変形例によるSRAMセルSCの回路図である。FIG. 12 is a circuit diagram of an SRAM cell SC according to a second modification.

 以下、添付図面を参照しながら、本発明の好ましい実施形態について詳細に説明する。 Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

 図1は、本発明の好ましい実施形態による半導体装置10の全体構成を示すブロック図である。 FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration of a semiconductor device 10 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

 本実施形態による半導体装置10は単一の半導体チップに集積されたDDR3(Double Data Rate 3)型のDRAMであり、外部基板2に実装されている。外部基板2は、メモリモジュール基板あるいはマザーボードであり、外部抵抗Reが設けられている。外部抵抗Reは、半導体装置10のキャリブレーション端子ZQに接続されており、そのインピーダンスはキャリブレーション回路38の基準インピーダンスとして用いられる。本実施形態においては外部抵抗Reに接地電位VSSが供給されている。 The semiconductor device 10 according to the present embodiment is a DDR3 (Double Data Rate 3) type DRAM integrated on a single semiconductor chip, and is mounted on the external substrate 2. The external substrate 2 is a memory module substrate or a mother board, and is provided with an external resistor Re. The external resistor Re is connected to the calibration terminal ZQ of the semiconductor device 10, and its impedance is used as the reference impedance of the calibration circuit 38. In the present embodiment, the ground potential VSS is supplied to the external resistor Re.

 図1に示すように、半導体装置10はメモリセルアレイ11を有している。メモリセルアレイ11は、p+1本のワード線WL(WL0~WLp)と複数のビット線BLを備え、これらの交点にメモリセルMCが配置された構成を有している。ワード線WLの選択はロウデコーダ12によって行われ、ビット線BLの選択はカラムデコーダ13によって行われる。 As shown in FIG. 1, the semiconductor device 10 has a memory cell array 11. The memory cell array 11 includes p + 1 word lines WL (WL0 to WLp) and a plurality of bit lines BL, and has a configuration in which memory cells MC are arranged at intersections thereof. Selection of the word line WL is performed by the row decoder 12, and selection of the bit line BL is performed by the column decoder 13.

 また、半導体装置10には外部端子としてコマンドアドレス端子21、リセット端子22、クロック端子23、データ端子24、電源端子25,26、キャリブレーション端子ZQが設けられている。 Also, the semiconductor device 10 is provided with a command address terminal 21, a reset terminal 22, a clock terminal 23, a data terminal 24, power supply terminals 25 and 26, and a calibration terminal ZQ as external terminals.

 コマンドアドレス端子21は、外部からアドレス信号ADD及びコマンド信号COMが入力される端子である。コマンドアドレス端子21に入力されたアドレス信号ADDは、コマンドアドレス入力回路31を介してアドレスラッチ回路32に供給され、ラッチされる。アドレスラッチ回路32にラッチされたアドレス信号IADDは、ロウデコーダ12、カラムデコーダ13又はモードレジスタ14に供給される。モードレジスタ14は、半導体装置10の動作モードを示すパラメータが設定される回路である。 The command address terminal 21 is a terminal to which an address signal ADD and a command signal COM are input from the outside. The address signal ADD input to the command address terminal 21 is supplied to the address latch circuit 32 via the command address input circuit 31 and latched. The address signal IADD latched by the address latch circuit 32 is supplied to the row decoder 12, the column decoder 13, or the mode register 14. The mode register 14 is a circuit in which a parameter indicating the operation mode of the semiconductor device 10 is set.

 コマンドアドレス端子21に入力されたコマンド信号COMは、コマンドアドレス入力回路31を介してコマンドデコード回路33に供給される。コマンドデコード回路33は、コマンド信号COMをデコードすることによって各種内部コマンドを生成する回路である。内部コマンドとしては、アクティブ信号IACT、カラム信号ICOL、リフレッシュ信号IREF、モードレジスタセット信号MRS、キャリブレーション信号ZQCなどがある。 The command signal COM input to the command address terminal 21 is supplied to the command decode circuit 33 via the command address input circuit 31. The command decode circuit 33 is a circuit that generates various internal commands by decoding the command signal COM. The internal commands include an active signal IACT, a column signal ICOL, a refresh signal IREF, a mode register set signal MRS, a calibration signal ZQC, and the like.

 アクティブ信号IACTは、コマンド信号COMがロウアクセス(アクティブコマンド)を示している場合に活性化される信号である。アクティブ信号IACTが活性化すると、アドレスラッチ回路32にラッチされたアドレス信号IADDがロウデコーダ12に供給される。これにより、当該アドレス信号IADDにより指定されるワード線WLが選択される。特に限定されるものではないが、本実施形態においてはロウアクセス時に用いるアドレス信号IADDがA0~A13からなる14ビット構成である。このことは、メモリセルアレイ11に16k本(=214)のワード線WLが含まれていることを意味する。 The active signal IACT is a signal that is activated when the command signal COM indicates row access (active command). When the active signal IACT is activated, the address signal IADD latched in the address latch circuit 32 is supplied to the row decoder 12. As a result, the word line WL designated by the address signal IADD is selected. Although not particularly limited, in the present embodiment, the address signal IADD used for row access has a 14-bit configuration including A0 to A13. This means that the memory cell array 11 includes 16k (= 2 14 ) word lines WL.

 カラム信号ICOLは、コマンド信号COMがカラムアクセス(リードコマンド又はライトコマンド)を示している場合に活性化される信号である。内部カラム信号ICOLが活性化すると、アドレスラッチ回路32にラッチされたアドレス信号IADDがカラムデコーダ13に供給される。これにより、当該アドレス信号IADDにより指定されるビット線BLが選択される。 The column signal ICOL is a signal that is activated when the command signal COM indicates column access (read command or write command). When the internal column signal ICOL is activated, the address signal IADD latched in the address latch circuit 32 is supplied to the column decoder 13. As a result, the bit line BL designated by the address signal IADD is selected.

 したがって、アクティブコマンド及びリードコマンドを入力するとともに、これらに同期してロウアドレス及びカラムアドレスを入力すれば、これらロウアドレス及びカラムアドレスによって指定されるメモリセルMCからリードデータが読み出される。リードデータDQは、リードライトアンプ15及び入出力回路16を介して、データ端子24から外部に出力される。 Therefore, when an active command and a read command are input and a row address and a column address are input in synchronization therewith, read data is read from the memory cell MC specified by the row address and the column address. The read data DQ is output to the outside from the data terminal 24 via the read / write amplifier 15 and the input / output circuit 16.

 一方、アクティブコマンド及びライトコマンドを入力するとともに、これらに同期してロウアドレス及びカラムアドレスを入力し、その後、データ端子24にライトデータDQを入力すれば、ライトデータDQは入出力回路16及びリードライトアンプ15を介してメモリセルアレイ11に供給され、ロウアドレス及びカラムアドレスによって指定されるメモリセルMCに書き込まれる。 On the other hand, when an active command and a write command are input, and a row address and a column address are input in synchronization therewith, and then write data DQ is input to the data terminal 24, the write data DQ is input to the input / output circuit 16 and the read The data is supplied to the memory cell array 11 via the write amplifier 15 and written to the memory cell MC specified by the row address and the column address.

 リフレッシュ信号IREFは、コマンド信号COMがリフレッシュコマンドを示している場合に活性化される信号である。リフレッシュ信号IREFは、リフレッシュ制御回路40に供給される。リフレッシュ制御回路40は、ロウデコーダ12を制御することによって、メモリセルアレイ11に含まれる所定のワード線WLを活性化させ、これによりリフレッシュ動作を実行する回路である。リフレッシュ制御回路40には、リフレッシュ信号IREFの他、アクティブ信号IACT、アドレス信号IADD及びリセット端子22を介して入力されるリセット信号RESETが供給される。リフレッシュ制御回路40の詳細については後述する。 The refresh signal IREF is a signal that is activated when the command signal COM indicates a refresh command. The refresh signal IREF is supplied to the refresh control circuit 40. The refresh control circuit 40 is a circuit that activates a predetermined word line WL included in the memory cell array 11 by controlling the row decoder 12, thereby executing a refresh operation. In addition to the refresh signal IREF, the refresh control circuit 40 is supplied with an active signal IACT, an address signal IADD, and a reset signal RESET input via the reset terminal 22. Details of the refresh control circuit 40 will be described later.

 モードレジスタセット信号MRSは、コマンド信号COMがモードレジスタセットコマンドを示している場合に活性化される信号である。したがって、モードレジスタセットコマンドを入力するとともに、これに同期してコマンドアドレス端子21からモード信号を入力すれば、モードレジスタ14の設定値を書き換えることができる。 The mode register set signal MRS is a signal that is activated when the command signal COM indicates a mode register set command. Therefore, if a mode register set command is input and a mode signal is input from the command address terminal 21 in synchronization therewith, the set value of the mode register 14 can be rewritten.

 ここで、半導体装置10に設けられた外部端子の説明に戻ると、クロック端子23には外部クロック信号CK,/CKが入力される。外部クロック信号CKと外部クロック信号/CKは互いに相補の信号であり、いずれもクロック入力回路34に供給される。クロック入力回路34に入力された外部クロック信号CK,/CKは、内部クロック発生回路35に供給され、これによって内部クロック信号ICLKが生成される。内部クロック信号ICLKは、タイミングジェネレータ36に供給され、これによって各種内部クロック信号が生成される。タイミングジェネレータ36によって生成される各種内部クロック信号は、アドレスラッチ回路32やコマンドデコード回路33などの回路ブロックに供給され、これら回路ブロックの動作タイミングを規定する。 Here, returning to the description of the external terminals provided in the semiconductor device 10, the external clock signals CK and / CK are input to the clock terminal 23. The external clock signal CK and the external clock signal / CK are complementary signals, and both are supplied to the clock input circuit 34. The external clock signals CK and / CK input to the clock input circuit 34 are supplied to the internal clock generation circuit 35, thereby generating the internal clock signal ICLK. The internal clock signal ICLK is supplied to the timing generator 36, whereby various internal clock signals are generated. Various internal clock signals generated by the timing generator 36 are supplied to circuit blocks such as the address latch circuit 32 and the command decode circuit 33, and define the operation timing of these circuit blocks.

 電源端子25は、電源電位VDD,VSSが供給される端子である。電源端子25に供給される電源電位VDD,VSSは内部電源発生回路37に供給される。内部電源発生回路37は、電源電位VDD,VSSに基づいて各種の内部電位VPP,VOD,VARY,VPERIや、基準電位ZQVREFを発生させる。内部電位VPPは主にロウデコーダ12において使用される電位であり、内部電位VOD,VARYはメモリセルアレイ11内のセンスアンプにおいて使用される電位であり、内部電位VPERIは他の多くの回路ブロックにおいて使用される電位である。一方、基準電位ZQVREFは、キャリブレーション回路38にて使用される基準電位である。 The power supply terminal 25 is a terminal to which power supply potentials VDD and VSS are supplied. The power supply potentials VDD and VSS supplied to the power supply terminal 25 are supplied to the internal power supply generation circuit 37. The internal power supply generation circuit 37 generates various internal potentials VPP, VOD, VARY, VPERI and a reference potential ZQVREF based on the power supply potentials VDD and VSS. The internal potential VPP is a potential mainly used in the row decoder 12, the internal potentials VOD and VARY are potentials used in the sense amplifier in the memory cell array 11, and the internal potential VPERI is used in many other circuit blocks. Potential. On the other hand, the reference potential ZQVREF is a reference potential used in the calibration circuit 38.

 電源端子26は、電源電位VDDQ,VSSQが供給される端子である。電源端子26に供給される電源電位VDDQ,VSSQは入出力回路16に供給される。電源電位VDDQ,VSSQは、電源端子25に供給される電源電位VDD,VSSとそれぞれ同電位であるが、入出力回路16によって生じる電源ノイズが他の回路ブロックに伝搬しないよう、入出力回路16については専用の電源電位VDDQ,VSSQを用いている。 The power supply terminal 26 is a terminal to which power supply potentials VDDQ and VSSQ are supplied. The power supply potentials VDDQ and VSSQ supplied to the power supply terminal 26 are supplied to the input / output circuit 16. The power supply potentials VDDQ and VSSQ are the same as the power supply potentials VDD and VSS supplied to the power supply terminal 25, respectively, but the input / output circuit 16 does not propagate power supply noise generated by the input / output circuit 16 to other circuit blocks. Uses dedicated power supply potentials VDDQ and VSSQ.

 キャリブレーション端子ZQは、キャリブレーション回路38に接続されている。キャリブレーション回路38は、キャリブレーション信号ZQCによって活性化されると、外部抵抗Reのインピーダンス及び基準電位ZQVREFを参照してキャリブレーション動作を行う。キャリブレーション動作によって得られたインピーダンスコードZQCODEは入出力回路16に供給され、これによって、入出力回路16に含まれる出力バッファ(図示せず)のインピーダンスが指定される。 The calibration terminal ZQ is connected to the calibration circuit 38. When the calibration circuit 38 is activated by the calibration signal ZQC, the calibration circuit 38 performs a calibration operation with reference to the impedance of the external resistor Re and the reference potential ZQVREF. The impedance code ZQCODE obtained by the calibration operation is supplied to the input / output circuit 16, whereby the impedance of an output buffer (not shown) included in the input / output circuit 16 is designated.

 図2は、メモリセルアレイ11の一部を拡大して示す回路図である。 FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram showing a part of the memory cell array 11 in an enlarged manner.

 図2に示すように、メモリセルアレイ11の内部には、Y方向に延在する複数のワード線WLと、X方向に延在する複数のビット線BLが設けられており、その交点にメモリセルMCが配置されている。メモリセルMCはいわゆるDRAMセルであり、Nチャンネル型MOSトランジスタからなるセルトランジスタTrとセルキャパシタCが直列に接続された構成を有している。セルトランジスタTrのゲート電極は対応するワード線WLに接続され、ソース/ドレインの一方は対応するビット線BLに接続され、ソース/ドレインの他方はセルキャパシタCに接続されている。 As shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of word lines WL extending in the Y direction and a plurality of bit lines BL extending in the X direction are provided inside the memory cell array 11, and memory cells are arranged at the intersections. MC is arranged. The memory cell MC is a so-called DRAM cell, and has a configuration in which a cell transistor Tr composed of an N-channel MOS transistor and a cell capacitor C are connected in series. The gate electrode of the cell transistor Tr is connected to the corresponding word line WL, one of the source / drain is connected to the corresponding bit line BL, and the other of the source / drain is connected to the cell capacitor C.

 メモリセルMCは、セルキャパシタCに蓄積された電荷によって情報を記憶する。具体的には、セルキャパシタCが内部電位VARYにチャージされている場合、つまりハイレベルにチャージされている場合には一方の論理レベル(例えば、論理値=1)を記憶し、セルキャパシタCが接地電位VSSにチャージされている場合、つまりローレベルにチャージされている場合には他方の論理レベル(例えば、論理値=0)を記憶する。セルキャパシタCに蓄積された電荷はリーク電流によって徐々に消失するため、一定の時間が経過する度にリフレッシュ動作を行う必要がある。 The memory cell MC stores information by the electric charge accumulated in the cell capacitor C. Specifically, when the cell capacitor C is charged to the internal potential VARY, that is, when charged to a high level, one logic level (for example, logic value = 1) is stored, and the cell capacitor C When charged to the ground potential VSS, that is, when charged to a low level, the other logic level (for example, logic value = 0) is stored. Since the electric charge accumulated in the cell capacitor C is gradually lost due to the leakage current, it is necessary to perform a refresh operation every time a certain time elapses.

 リフレッシュ動作は、アクティブ信号IACTに応答したロウアクセスと基本的に同じである。つまり、リフレッシュすべきワード線WLを活性レベルに駆動し、これにより当該ワード線WLに接続されたセルトランジスタTrをオンさせる。ワード線WLの活性レベルは例えば内部電位VPPであり、大部分の周辺回路にて使用する内部電位VPERIよりも高電位である。これにより、セルキャパシタCが対応するビット線BLに接続されるため、セルキャパシタCに蓄積されていた電荷に応じてビット線BLの電位が変動する。そして、センスアンプSAを活性化させることにより、対を成すビット線BL間に生じている電位差を増幅した後、ワード線WLを非活性レベルに戻せば、セルキャパシタCのチャージレベルが再生される。ワード線WLの非活性レベルは、例えば接地電位VSS未満の負電位VKKである。 The refresh operation is basically the same as the row access in response to the active signal IACT. That is, the word line WL to be refreshed is driven to an active level, thereby turning on the cell transistor Tr connected to the word line WL. The activation level of the word line WL is, for example, the internal potential VPP, which is higher than the internal potential VPERI used in most peripheral circuits. Accordingly, since the cell capacitor C is connected to the corresponding bit line BL, the potential of the bit line BL varies according to the charge accumulated in the cell capacitor C. Then, by activating the sense amplifier SA to amplify the potential difference generated between the paired bit lines BL and then returning the word line WL to the inactive level, the charge level of the cell capacitor C is regenerated. . The inactive level of the word line WL is, for example, a negative potential VKK lower than the ground potential VSS.

 リフレッシュ動作を行うべき周期はリフレッシュサイクルと呼ばれ、規格によって例えば64msecと定められている。したがって、各メモリセルMCの情報保持時間をリフレッシュサイクルよりも長くなるよう設計すれば、定期的なリフレッシュ動作によって情報を保持し続けることができる。尚、実際には各メモリセルMCの情報保持時間はリフレッシュサイクルに対して十分なマージンを有しており、このため、規格によって定められたリフレッシュサイクルよりもやや長いサイクルでリフレッシュ動作を行った場合であっても、メモリセルMCの情報を正しく保持することが可能である。 The cycle for performing the refresh operation is called a refresh cycle, and is defined as 64 msec by the standard, for example. Therefore, if the information holding time of each memory cell MC is designed to be longer than the refresh cycle, the information can be continuously held by a periodic refresh operation. Actually, the information holding time of each memory cell MC has a sufficient margin with respect to the refresh cycle. Therefore, when the refresh operation is performed in a slightly longer cycle than the refresh cycle defined by the standard. Even so, it is possible to correctly hold the information of the memory cell MC.

 しかしながら、近年、アクセス履歴によってメモリセルMCの情報保持時間が低下するディスターブ現象が問題となっている。ディスターブ現象とは、あるワード線WLを繰り返しアクセスすると、これに隣接する他のワード線WLに接続されたメモリセルMCの情報保持特性が低下する現象である。例えば、図2に示すワード線WLmを繰り返しアクセスすると、これに隣接するワード線WLm-1,WLm+1に接続されたメモリセルMCの情報保持特性が低下する。原因については諸説あるが、例えば、隣接するワード線間に生じている寄生容量Cpによるものであると考えられている。 However, in recent years, a disturb phenomenon in which the information holding time of the memory cell MC is reduced due to the access history has been a problem. The disturb phenomenon is a phenomenon in which when a certain word line WL is repeatedly accessed, the information retention characteristics of the memory cells MC connected to the other word lines WL adjacent thereto are deteriorated. For example, when the word line WLm shown in FIG. 2 is repeatedly accessed, the information retention characteristics of the memory cells MC connected to the word lines WLm−1 and WLm + 1 adjacent thereto are deteriorated. There are various theories about the cause, but it is considered to be caused by, for example, a parasitic capacitance Cp generated between adjacent word lines.

 つまり、所定のワード線WLmが繰り返しアクセスされると、その電位が負電位VKKから高電位VPPへ繰り返し変化するため、隣接するワード線WLm-1,WLm+1を負電位VKKに固定しているにもかかわらず、寄生容量Cpによるカップリングによってその電位がわずかに上昇する。これにより、ワード線WLm-1,WLm+1に接続されたセルトランジスタTrのオフリーク電流が増大し、セルキャパシタCのチャージレベルが通常よりも高速に失われてしまう。 That is, when a predetermined word line WLm is repeatedly accessed, the potential repeatedly changes from the negative potential VKK to the high potential VPP. Therefore, the adjacent word lines WLm−1 and WLm + 1 are fixed to the negative potential VKK. Regardless, the potential increases slightly due to the coupling by the parasitic capacitance Cp. As a result, the off-leak current of the cell transistor Tr connected to the word lines WLm−1 and WLm + 1 increases, and the charge level of the cell capacitor C is lost faster than usual.

 また、以下の様な他の考えもある。図3は、ビット線を共有する2つのメモリセルMCの断面図であり、ワード線WLが半導体基板4に埋め込まれたトレンチゲート型のセルトランジスタTrを有している。図3に示すワード線WLm,WLm+1は、素子分離領域6によって区画された同じ活性領域内に埋め込まれており、これが活性化されると対応するソース/ドレインSD間にチャネルが形成される。ソース/ドレインSDの一方はビット線ノードに接続され、他方はキャパシタノードに接続されている。このような断面において、ワード線WLmがアクセスされ、その後セルトランジスタTrをOFFする(つまりチャネルが切れる)と、キャリアである浮遊電子がチャネル付近に発生する。ワード線WLmへのアクセスが繰り返されると、その浮遊電子が累積し、その累積した浮遊電子がワード線WLm+1側のキャパシタノードへ移動し、PNジャンクションリークを誘発してセルキャパシタCのチャージレベルを失わせる。 Also, there are other ideas as follows. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of two memory cells MC sharing a bit line, and includes a trench gate type cell transistor Tr in which a word line WL is embedded in a semiconductor substrate 4. The word lines WLm and WLm + 1 shown in FIG. 3 are embedded in the same active region partitioned by the element isolation region 6, and when this is activated, a channel is formed between the corresponding source / drain SD. One of the source / drain SD is connected to the bit line node, and the other is connected to the capacitor node. In such a cross section, when the word line WLm is accessed and then the cell transistor Tr is turned off (that is, the channel is cut), floating electrons as carriers are generated near the channel. When access to the word line WLm is repeated, the stray electrons accumulate, the accumulated stray electrons move to the capacitor node on the word line WLm + 1 side, induce a PN junction leak, and the charge level of the cell capacitor C is lost. Make it.

 いずれにしても、このようなメカニズムによりメモリセルMCの情報保持時間が低下すると、情報保持時間が規格によって定められたリフレッシュサイクルを下回る危険性がある。情報保持時間がリフレッシュサイクルを下回わってしまうと、リフレッシュ動作を正しく実行しても一部のデータが消失してしまう。 In any case, if the information holding time of the memory cell MC is reduced by such a mechanism, there is a risk that the information holding time falls below the refresh cycle defined by the standard. If the information holding time falls below the refresh cycle, some data will be lost even if the refresh operation is executed correctly.

 本実施形態による半導体装置10は、上述したディスターブ現象を考慮し、アクセス履歴に基づいて追加的なリフレッシュ動作を行う点を特徴としている。 The semiconductor device 10 according to the present embodiment is characterized in that an additional refresh operation is performed based on the access history in consideration of the disturb phenomenon described above.

 図4は、メモリセルアレイ11の構造をより詳細に説明するための略平面図である。 FIG. 4 is a schematic plan view for explaining the structure of the memory cell array 11 in more detail.

 図4に示すように、本実施形態においては、ビット線コンタクトBLCを共有する2つのセルトランジスタTrに対応するワード線WL(例えば、ワード線WLn(0)とWLn(1))が互いに近接して配置されており、その間隔はW1である。ビット線コンタクトBLCとは、セルトランジスタTrのソース/ドレインの一方とビット線BLとを接続するためのコンタクト導体である。ソース/ドレインの他方は、セルコンタクトCCを介して図示しないセルキャパシタCに接続される。 As shown in FIG. 4, in the present embodiment, word lines WL (for example, word lines WLn (0) and WLn (1)) corresponding to two cell transistors Tr sharing the bit line contact BLC are close to each other. The interval is W1. The bit line contact BLC is a contact conductor for connecting one of the source / drain of the cell transistor Tr and the bit line BL. The other of the source / drain is connected to a cell capacitor C (not shown) via a cell contact CC.

 これに対し、ビット線コンタクトBLCを共有しないセルトランジスタTrに対応する隣接したワード線WL(例えば、ワード線WLn(1)とWLn+1(0))の間隔は、間隔W1よりも広い間隔W2である。このようなレイアウトとなるのは、図4に示すように、A方向を長手方向とする活性領域ARaと、B方向を長手方向とする活性領域ARbを、X方向に交互に形成しているためである。 On the other hand, the interval between adjacent word lines WL (for example, word lines WLn (1) and WLn + 1 (0)) corresponding to the cell transistors Tr not sharing the bit line contact BLC is an interval W2 wider than the interval W1. . The reason for this layout is that, as shown in FIG. 4, active regions ARa whose longitudinal direction is the A direction and active regions ARb whose longitudinal direction is the B direction are alternately formed in the X direction. It is.

 メモリセルアレイ11がこのようなレイアウトを有している場合、あるワード線WLn(0)が繰り返しアクセスされた場合であっても、間隔W1で隣接するワード線WLn(1)に対しては寄生容量Cp1が大きいためディスターブ現象が発生するが、間隔W2で隣接するワード線WLn-1(1)に対しては寄生容量Cp2が小さいためディスターブ現象がほとんど発生しない。したがって、このようなレイアウトを有している場合には、ディスターブ現象の発生するワード線WLn(1)に対しては、追加的なリフレッシュ動作を行う必要があるが、他方のワード線WLn-1(1)に対しては追加的なリフレッシュ動作を行う必要はない。 When the memory cell array 11 has such a layout, even if a certain word line WLn (0) is repeatedly accessed, a parasitic capacitance is applied to the adjacent word line WLn (1) at the interval W1. Since Cp1 is large, a disturb phenomenon occurs. However, since the parasitic capacitance Cp2 is small for the adjacent word line WLn-1 (1) at the interval W2, the disturb phenomenon hardly occurs. Therefore, in the case of such a layout, it is necessary to perform an additional refresh operation for the word line WLn (1) in which the disturb phenomenon occurs, but the other word line WLn−1. There is no need to perform an additional refresh operation for (1).

 また、間隔W1で隣接するワード線WLn(0)とWLn(1)は、割り当てられたロウアドレスの最下位ビット(A0)のみが相違し、他のビット(A1~A13)の値が一致している。このような特徴を考慮し、本実施形態においてはリフレッシュ制御回路40の回路構成の簡素化を図っている。以下、半導体装置10に備えられたリフレッシュ制御回路40の構成及び動作について詳細に説明する。 Also, adjacent word lines WLn (0) and WLn (1) at the interval W1 differ only in the least significant bit (A0) of the assigned row address, and the values of the other bits (A1 to A13) match. ing. In consideration of such characteristics, in the present embodiment, the circuit configuration of the refresh control circuit 40 is simplified. Hereinafter, the configuration and operation of the refresh control circuit 40 provided in the semiconductor device 10 will be described in detail.

 図5は、リフレッシュ制御回路40の回路図である。 FIG. 5 is a circuit diagram of the refresh control circuit 40.

 図5に示すように、リフレッシュ制御回路40は、リフレッシュカウンタ41、アクセスカウント部100、アドレス発生部200及び選択回路42を備えている。 As shown in FIG. 5, the refresh control circuit 40 includes a refresh counter 41, an access count unit 100, an address generation unit 200, and a selection circuit 42.

 リフレッシュカウンタ41は、リフレッシュ信号IREFに応答してリフレッシュすべきロウアドレス(リフレッシュアドレス)RADDaを生成する回路である。そのカウント値であるリフレッシュアドレスRADDaは、リフレッシュ信号IREFに応答して更新(インクリメント又はデクリメント)される。このため、1リフレッシュサイクルの期間にリフレッシュカウンタ41のカウント値が一周するよう、外部からリフレッシュコマンドを複数回(例えば8k回)投入すれば、1リフレッシュサイクルの期間に全てのワード線WLをリフレッシュすることができる。但し、選択信号SELが活性化している場合には、リフレッシュ信号IREFが入力されてもカウント値の更新は行われない。また、リセット信号RESETが入力されると、リフレッシュカウンタ41のカウント値は初期値にリセットされる。 The refresh counter 41 is a circuit that generates a row address (refresh address) RADDa to be refreshed in response to a refresh signal IREF. The refresh address RADDa that is the count value is updated (incremented or decremented) in response to the refresh signal IREF. For this reason, if a refresh command is input from the outside a plurality of times (for example, 8k times) so that the count value of the refresh counter 41 makes one round during one refresh cycle, all word lines WL are refreshed during one refresh cycle. be able to. However, when the selection signal SEL is activated, the count value is not updated even if the refresh signal IREF is input. When the reset signal RESET is input, the count value of the refresh counter 41 is reset to the initial value.

 アクセスカウント部100は、メモリセルアレイ11に対するロウアクセスの履歴を解析する回路である。アクセスカウント部100に供給されるアドレス信号IADDは、ビットA0~A13のうちビットA1~A13からなる13ビットのみである。つまり、最下位ビットA0は縮退される。 The access count unit 100 is a circuit that analyzes a history of row access to the memory cell array 11. The address signal IADD supplied to the access count unit 100 is only 13 bits including bits A1 to A13 among the bits A0 to A13. That is, the least significant bit A0 is degenerated.

 図6は、アクセスカウント部100のブロック図である。 FIG. 6 is a block diagram of the access count unit 100.

 図6に示すように、アクセスカウント部100は、メモリセルアレイ110及びロウデコーダ120を有している。特に限定されるものではないが、メモリセルアレイ110は図7に示すように複数のSRAM(Static Random Access Memory)セルSCがマトリクス状に配置された構成を有している。具体的には、(p+1)/2本のワード線RWL0~RWL(p-1)/2と、T+1本のビット線RBL0~RBLTを有し、これらの交点にそれぞれSRAMセルが配置された構成を有している。ここで、p+1の値は、図1に示すメモリセルアレイ11に含まれるワード線WL0~WLpの本数である。つまり、メモリセルアレイ110に含まれるワード線RWLの本数は、メモリセルアレイ11に含まれるワード線WLの本数の半分である。これは、アクセス履歴の解析において最下位ビットA0を縮退しているためである。 As shown in FIG. 6, the access count unit 100 includes a memory cell array 110 and a row decoder 120. Although not particularly limited, the memory cell array 110 has a configuration in which a plurality of SRAM (Static Random Access Memory) cells SC are arranged in a matrix as shown in FIG. Specifically, it has (p + 1) / 2 word lines RWL0 to RWL (p-1) / 2 and T + 1 bit lines RBL0 to RBLT, and SRAM cells are respectively arranged at the intersections thereof. have. Here, the value of p + 1 is the number of word lines WL0 to WLp included in the memory cell array 11 shown in FIG. That is, the number of word lines RWL included in the memory cell array 110 is half of the number of word lines WL included in the memory cell array 11. This is because the least significant bit A0 is degenerated in the analysis of the access history.

 図8は、メモリセルアレイ110に含まれるSRAMセルSCの回路図である。 FIG. 8 is a circuit diagram of the SRAM cell SC included in the memory cell array 110.

 図8に示すように、SRAMセルSCは2つのインバータINV1,INV2が循環接続された構成を有しており、インバータINV1の入力ノード(インバータINV2の出力ノード)はトランジスタTrTを介して一方のビット線RBL(T)に接続され、インバータINV2の入力ノード(インバータINV1の出力ノード)はトランジスタTrBを介して他方のビット線RBL(B)に接続されている。トランジスタTrT,TrBのゲート電極は対応するワード線RWLに接続されている。かかる構成により、あるワード線RWLが活性化すると、対応するビット線RBL(T),RBL(B)に相補のデータが出力される。 As shown in FIG. 8, the SRAM cell SC has a configuration in which two inverters INV1 and INV2 are connected in a circulating manner. The input node of the inverter INV2 (the output node of the inverter INV1) is connected to the other bit line RBL (B) via the transistor TrB. The gate electrodes of the transistors TrT and TrB are connected to the corresponding word line RWL. With this configuration, when a certain word line RWL is activated, complementary data is output to the corresponding bit lines RBL (T) and RBL (B).

 また、インバータINV1,INV2は、高位側電源ノードと低位側電源ノードを有しており、これらの間に印加される電圧によって動作する。インバータINV1の高位側電源ノードには内部電位VPERIが供給される一方、インバータINV2の高位側電源ノードには内部電位VPERIZが供給される。インバータINV1,INV2の低位側電源ノードには、いずれも接地電位VSSが供給される。内部電位VPERIZについては後述する。 Further, the inverters INV1 and INV2 have a high-order power supply node and a low-order power supply node, and operate by a voltage applied between them. The internal potential VPERI is supplied to the higher power supply node of the inverter INV1, while the internal potential VPERIZ is supplied to the higher power supply node of the inverter INV2. The ground potential VSS is supplied to the lower power supply nodes of the inverters INV1 and INV2. The internal potential VPERIZ will be described later.

 また、ビット線RBL0~RBLTは、リード回路130を構成するリード回路130~130にそれぞれ接続されている。ビット線RBL0~RBLTは、それぞれ2本の信号線からなる相補配線であるが、図6及び図7においては各ビット線RBL0~RBLTを1本の実線で示している。リード回路130は、ビット線RBL0~RBLTを介して読み出されたデータ(カウント値)を、カウンタ回路140に含まれるレジスタ回路140~140に書き込む回路である。レジスタ回路140~140は縦続接続されており、これによりバイナリカウンタを構成する。また、カウンタ回路140には最上位のレジスタ回路140T+1が追加されており、その値は検出信号MAXとして出力される。したがって、レジスタ回路140~140の値が最大値(オール1)である場合にカウントアップされると、レジスタ回路140T+1の格納値である検出信号MAXが0から1に反転する。このように、レジスタ回路140T+1はカウント値が所定値に達したことを検出する検出回路として機能する。 The bit lines RBL0 to RBLT are connected to the read circuits 130 0 to 130 T constituting the read circuit 130, respectively. The bit lines RBL0 to RBLT are complementary wirings each composed of two signal lines. In FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, each bit line RBL0 to RBLT is shown by one solid line. The read circuit 130 is a circuit that writes data (count value) read via the bit lines RBL0 to RBLT to the register circuits 140 0 to 140 T included in the counter circuit 140. The register circuits 140 0 to 140 T are connected in cascade, thereby constituting a binary counter. Further, the highest-order register circuit 140 T + 1 is added to the counter circuit 140, and the value is output as the detection signal MAX. Therefore, when the value of the register circuits 140 0 to 140 T is the maximum value (all 1), the detection signal MAX, which is the stored value of the register circuit 140 T + 1 , is inverted from 0 to 1. Thus, the register circuit 140 T + 1 functions as a detection circuit that detects that the count value has reached a predetermined value.

 レジスタ回路140~140から出力されるデータ(カウント値)は、それぞれ対応するライト回路150~150によって対応するビット線RBL0~RBLTに供給され、当該メモリセルにライトバックされる。 Data (count values) output from the register circuits 140 0 to 140 T are respectively supplied to the corresponding bit lines RBL 0 to RBLT by the corresponding write circuits 150 0 to 150 T, and are written back to the memory cells.

 これらロウデコーダ120、リード回路130、カウンタ回路140及びライト回路150の動作は、コマンド制御回路160によって制御される。コマンド制御回路160は、アクティブ信号IACT、リフレッシュ信号IREF及びリセット信号RESETを受け、これらに基づいてアクティブ信号RACT、カウントアップ信号RCNT、リセット信号RRST、リード信号RREAD、ライト信号RWRTを生成する。ここで、アクティブ信号RACTは、ロウデコーダ120を活性化させる信号であり、カウントアップ信号RCNTはカウンタ回路140のカウント値をカウントアップする信号であり、リセット信号RRSTはカウンタ回路140のカウント値をリセットする信号である。また、リード信号RREADはリード回路130を活性化させる信号であり、ライト信号RWRTはライト回路150を活性化させる信号である。 The operations of the row decoder 120, the read circuit 130, the counter circuit 140, and the write circuit 150 are controlled by the command control circuit 160. The command control circuit 160 receives the active signal IACT, the refresh signal IREF, and the reset signal RESET, and generates an active signal RACT, a count up signal RCNT, a reset signal RRST, a read signal RREAD, and a write signal RWRT based on them. Here, the active signal RACT is a signal that activates the row decoder 120, the count-up signal RCNT is a signal that counts up the count value of the counter circuit 140, and the reset signal RRST resets the count value of the counter circuit 140. Signal. The read signal RREAD is a signal that activates the read circuit 130, and the write signal RWRT is a signal that activates the write circuit 150.

 図9は、ロウデコーダ120の構成を示すブロック図である。 FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the row decoder 120.

 図9に示すように、ロウデコーダ120は、アクティブ信号RACTに応答してロウアドレスIADD又はリフレッシュアドレスRADDをデコードするアドレスデコード部121と、アドレスデコード部121によるデコード結果に基づいて対応するワード線RWL0~RWL(p-1)/2をそれぞれ駆動する複数のワードドライバ122を備えている。かかる構成により、アクティブ信号RACTに同期してロウアドレスIADD又はリフレッシュアドレスRADDが入力されると、対応するワード線RWL0~RWL(p-1)/2のいずれかが活性化される。 As shown in FIG. 9, the row decoder 120 decodes the row address IADD or the refresh address RADD in response to the active signal RACT, and the corresponding word line RWL0 based on the decoding result by the address decoder 121. A plurality of word drivers 122 for driving each of RWL (p−1) / 2 are provided. With this configuration, when the row address IADD or the refresh address RADD is input in synchronization with the active signal RACT, one of the corresponding word lines RWL0 to RWL (p−1) / 2 is activated.

 また、ワードドライバ122にはリセット信号RESETも供給されており、これが活性化するとアドレスデコード部121からの出力信号にかかわらず、ワード線RWL0~RWL(p-1)/2が全て活性化する。図9に示す例では、リセット信号RESETが伝送される配線上に遅延回路123が挿入されており、これにより、半分のワード線RWL0~RWL{(p+1)/4}-1が同時に活性化されるタイミングと、残り半分のワード線RWL(p+1)/4~RWL(p-1)/2が同時に活性化されるタイミングに差が設けられている。これは、同時に活性化するワード線の本数を減らすことにより、ワードドライバ122による消費電流のピークを分散させるとともに、同時に選択されるSRAMセルの個数を減らすことにより、ライト回路150による消費電流のピークを分散させるためである。 Further, the reset signal RESET is also supplied to the word driver 122. When this is activated, all the word lines RWL0 to RWL (p−1) / 2 are activated regardless of the output signal from the address decoding unit 121. In the example shown in FIG. 9, the delay circuit 123 is inserted on the wiring through which the reset signal RESET is transmitted, so that the half word lines RWL0 to RWL {(p + 1) / 4} -1 are simultaneously activated. And the timing at which the remaining half word lines RWL (p + 1) / 4 to RWL (p−1) / 2 are simultaneously activated. This is because the peak of the current consumption by the word driver 122 is dispersed by reducing the number of word lines activated simultaneously, and the peak of the current consumption by the write circuit 150 is reduced by reducing the number of simultaneously selected SRAM cells. Is to disperse.

 但し、本発明においてリセット動作時にワードドライバ122の活性化タイミングを分散させることは必須でない。また、ワードドライバ122の活性化タイミングを分散させる場合には、上記のような2分割に限定されず、3分割以上であっても構わない。 However, in the present invention, it is not essential to distribute the activation timing of the word driver 122 during the reset operation. Further, when the activation timing of the word driver 122 is distributed, the word driver 122 is not limited to two divisions as described above, and may be three or more divisions.

 図10は、コマンド制御回路160の回路図である。 FIG. 10 is a circuit diagram of the command control circuit 160.

 図10に示すように、コマンド制御回路160は、アクティブ信号IACTによってセットされるラッチ回路SR1と、リフレッシュ信号IREFによってセットされるラッチ回路SR2を備えている。ラッチ回路SR1の出力信号OUT1は、ディレイ素子DLY2及びパルス生成回路PLS1を介し、リード信号RREADとして出力される。また、ラッチ回路SR2の出力信号OUT2は、パルス生成回路PLS2を介し、リセット信号RRSTとして出力される。 As shown in FIG. 10, the command control circuit 160 includes a latch circuit SR1 set by an active signal IACT and a latch circuit SR2 set by a refresh signal IREF. The output signal OUT1 of the latch circuit SR1 is output as a read signal RREAD via the delay element DLY2 and the pulse generation circuit PLS1. The output signal OUT2 of the latch circuit SR2 is output as the reset signal RRST through the pulse generation circuit PLS2.

 さらに、出力信号OUT1,OUT2はNANDゲート回路G1に供給され、その出力信号は、ディレイ素子DLY1を介してアクティブ信号RACTとして出力される。アクティブ信号RACTは、ディレイ素子DLY3を介してカウントアップ信号RCNTとして出力される。 Further, the output signals OUT1 and OUT2 are supplied to the NAND gate circuit G1, and the output signal is output as the active signal RACT via the delay element DLY1. The active signal RACT is output as the count up signal RCNT through the delay element DLY3.

 さらに、コマンド制御回路160は、リード信号RREAD及びリセット信号RRSTを受けるNORゲート回路G2の出力信号によってセットされるラッチ回路SR3を備えている。ラッチ回路SR3は、NANDゲート回路G1の出力信号によってリセットされる。ラッチ回路SR3の出力信号は、ディレイ素子DLY4及びANDゲート回路G3を介し、ライト信号RWRTとして出力される。ライト信号RWRTは、ディレイ素子DLY5及びORゲート回路G4を介してラッチ回路SR1,SR2にフィードバックされ、これらをリセットする。また、ラッチ回路SR1~SR3は、リセット信号RESETによってもリセットされる。 Further, the command control circuit 160 includes a latch circuit SR3 that is set by the output signal of the NOR gate circuit G2 that receives the read signal RREAD and the reset signal RRST. The latch circuit SR3 is reset by the output signal of the NAND gate circuit G1. The output signal of the latch circuit SR3 is output as the write signal RWRT via the delay element DLY4 and the AND gate circuit G3. The write signal RWRT is fed back to the latch circuits SR1 and SR2 via the delay element DLY5 and the OR gate circuit G4 to reset them. The latch circuits SR1 to SR3 are also reset by a reset signal RESET.

 図11は、外部からアクティブコマンドACTが発行された場合におけるコマンド制御回路160の動作を説明するためのタイミング図である。 FIG. 11 is a timing chart for explaining the operation of the command control circuit 160 when an active command ACT is issued from the outside.

 外部からアクティブコマンドACTが発行されると、アクティブ信号IACTが活性化し、ラッチ回路SR1がセットされる。これにより出力信号OUT1がローレベルに変化し、アクティブ信号RACT及びリード信号RREADがこの順に活性化する。出力信号OUT1がローレベルに変化してから、アクティブ信号RACT及びリード信号RREADが活性化するまでのタイミングは、それぞれディレイ素子DLY1,DLY2の遅延量によって定義される。また、アクティブ信号RACTが活性化すると、ディレイ素子DLY3による遅延を経て、カウントアップ信号RCNTが活性化する。 When an active command ACT is issued from the outside, the active signal IACT is activated and the latch circuit SR1 is set. As a result, the output signal OUT1 changes to the low level, and the active signal RACT and the read signal RREAD are activated in this order. The timing from when the output signal OUT1 changes to the low level until the active signal RACT and the read signal RREAD are activated is defined by the delay amounts of the delay elements DLY1 and DLY2, respectively. Further, when the active signal RACT is activated, the count-up signal RCNT is activated through a delay by the delay element DLY3.

 一方、リード信号RREADが活性化すると、ラッチ回路SR3がセットされるため、ディレイ素子DLY4による遅延を経て、ライト信号RWRTが活性化する。その後、ディレイ素子DLY5による遅延を経てエンド信号ENDが活性化し、ラッチ回路SR1,SR3がリセットされ、初期状態に戻る。このように、外部からアクティブコマンドACTが発行されると、アクティブ信号RACT、リード信号RREAD、カウントアップ信号RCNT、ライト信号RWRTがこの順に活性化することになる。 On the other hand, since the latch circuit SR3 is set when the read signal RREAD is activated, the write signal RWRT is activated through the delay by the delay element DLY4. Thereafter, the end signal END is activated through a delay by the delay element DLY5, the latch circuits SR1 and SR3 are reset, and the initial state is restored. Thus, when the active command ACT is issued from the outside, the active signal RACT, the read signal RREAD, the count up signal RCNT, and the write signal RWRT are activated in this order.

 まず、アクティブ信号RACTが活性化すると、図6及び図9に示すロウデコーダ120は、ロウアドレスIADD(A1~A13)が示すワード線RWLを選択する。これにより、選択されたワード線RWLに対応するデータ(カウント値)がビット線RBLに読み出される。上述の通り、アクセスカウント部100に入力されるロウアドレスIADDは、最下位ビットA0が縮退されている。したがって、アクティブ信号RACTに応答して選択されるワード線RWLは、図4に示す間隔W1で隣接する2つのワード線WL(例えば、ワード線WLn(0)とワード線WLn(1))に対して共通に割り当てられている。 First, when the active signal RACT is activated, the row decoder 120 shown in FIGS. 6 and 9 selects the word line RWL indicated by the row address IADD (A1 to A13). As a result, data (count value) corresponding to the selected word line RWL is read to the bit line RBL. As described above, in the row address IADD input to the access count unit 100, the least significant bit A0 is degenerated. Therefore, the word line RWL selected in response to the active signal RACT is to two adjacent word lines WL (for example, the word line WLn (0) and the word line WLn (1)) at the interval W1 shown in FIG. Assigned in common.

 次に、リード信号RREADが活性化すると、ビット線RBLに読み出されたデータ(カウント値)がリード回路130によって増幅され、カウンタ回路140にロードされる。図11に示す例では読み出されたカウント値がkであり、この値がカウンタ回路140にロードされる。 Next, when the read signal RREAD is activated, the data (count value) read to the bit line RBL is amplified by the read circuit 130 and loaded into the counter circuit 140. In the example shown in FIG. 11, the read count value is k, and this value is loaded into the counter circuit 140.

 続いて、カウントアップ信号RCNTが活性化すると、カウンタ回路140にロードされたカウント値がインクリメントされる。つまり、カウント値がkからk+1に変化する。そして、ライト信号RWRTが活性化すると、更新されたカウント値(k+1)がライト回路150を介してメモリセルアレイ110にライトバックされる。 Subsequently, when the count-up signal RCNT is activated, the count value loaded in the counter circuit 140 is incremented. That is, the count value changes from k to k + 1. When the write signal RWRT is activated, the updated count value (k + 1) is written back to the memory cell array 110 via the write circuit 150.

 以上の動作により、入力されたロウアドレスIADD(A1~A13)に対応するカウント値がインクリメントされる。かかる動作は、外部からアクティブコマンドACTが発行されるたびに実行されるため、間隔W1で隣接する2つのワード線WLを1単位として、ロウアクセスの回数をカウントすることができる。但し、ロウアドレスIADDの最下位ビットA0が縮退されているため、間隔W1で隣接する2つのワード線WLのいずれに対するアクセスであるかは区別されない。 By the above operation, the count value corresponding to the input row address IADD (A1 to A13) is incremented. Since this operation is executed every time an active command ACT is issued from the outside, the number of row accesses can be counted with two adjacent word lines WL as a unit at the interval W1. However, since the least significant bit A0 of the row address IADD is degenerated, it is not distinguished which of the two adjacent word lines WL is accessed at the interval W1.

 このような動作を繰り返した結果、カウンタ回路140に含まれる最上位のレジスタ回路140T+1の値が0から1に反転すると、つまりカウント値が所定値に達すると、検出信号MAXがハイレベルに活性化する。検出信号MAXは、図5に示したアドレス発生部200に供給される。 As a result of repeating such an operation, when the value of the highest register circuit 140 T + 1 included in the counter circuit 140 is inverted from 0 to 1, that is, when the count value reaches a predetermined value, the detection signal MAX is activated to a high level. Turn into. The detection signal MAX is supplied to the address generator 200 shown in FIG.

 図12は、外部からリフレッシュコマンドREFが発行された場合におけるコマンド制御回路160の動作を説明するためのタイミング図である。 FIG. 12 is a timing chart for explaining the operation of the command control circuit 160 when a refresh command REF is issued from the outside.

 外部からリフレッシュコマンドREFが発行されると、リフレッシュ信号IREFが活性化し、図10に示すラッチ回路SR2がセットされる。これにより、出力信号OUT2がローレベルに変化するため、リセット信号RRST及びアクティブ信号RACTがこの順に活性化する。出力信号OUT2がローレベルに変化してから、アクティブ信号RACTが活性化するまでのタイミングは、ディレイ素子DLY1の遅延量によって定義される。 When a refresh command REF is issued from the outside, the refresh signal IREF is activated, and the latch circuit SR2 shown in FIG. 10 is set. As a result, the output signal OUT2 changes to a low level, and the reset signal RRST and the active signal RACT are activated in this order. The timing from when the output signal OUT2 changes to the low level to when the active signal RACT is activated is defined by the delay amount of the delay element DLY1.

 リセット信号RRSTが活性化すると、ラッチ回路SR3がセットされるため、ディレイ素子DLY4による遅延を経て、ライト信号RWRTが活性化する。その後、ディレイ素子DLY5による遅延を経てエンド信号ENDが活性化し、ラッチ回路SR2,SR3がリセットされ、初期状態に戻る。このように、外部からリフレッシュコマンドREFが発行されると、リセット信号RRST、アクティブ信号RACT、ライト信号RWRTがこの順に活性化することになる。本例では、カウントアップ信号RCNTも活性化しているが、これによる動作はリセット信号RRSTによって無視される。なお、リフレッシュコマンドREFに応答したカウントアップ信号RCNTの活性化を禁止する回路構成とすることも可能である。 When the reset signal RRST is activated, the latch circuit SR3 is set, so that the write signal RWRT is activated after being delayed by the delay element DLY4. Thereafter, the end signal END is activated through a delay by the delay element DLY5, the latch circuits SR2 and SR3 are reset, and the initial state is restored. Thus, when the refresh command REF is issued from the outside, the reset signal RRST, the active signal RACT, and the write signal RWRT are activated in this order. In this example, the count-up signal RCNT is also activated, but the operation due to this is ignored by the reset signal RRST. A circuit configuration that prohibits activation of the count-up signal RCNT in response to the refresh command REF is also possible.

 また、リセット信号RRSTが活性化すると、カウンタ回路140を構成するレジスタ回路140~140T+1がリセットされ、これによりカウンタ回路140のカウント値が初期値(例えば0)にリセットされる。本例では、その後カウントアップ信号RCNTが活性化するが、リセット信号RRSTの活性状態が維持されているため、カウンタ回路140のカウント値は初期値に保たれる。次に、アクティブ信号RACTが活性化し、リフレッシュアドレスRADD(A1~A13)に対応するワード線RWLが選択される。 Further, when the reset signal RRST is activated, the register circuits 140 0 to 140 T + 1 constituting the counter circuit 140 are reset, and thereby the count value of the counter circuit 140 is reset to an initial value (for example, 0). In this example, the count-up signal RCNT is then activated, but the count signal of the counter circuit 140 is maintained at the initial value because the active state of the reset signal RRST is maintained. Next, the active signal RACT is activated, and the word line RWL corresponding to the refresh address RADD (A1 to A13) is selected.

 そして、ライト信号RWRTが活性化すると、初期化されたカウント値(例えば0)がライト回路150を介してメモリセルアレイ110に書き込まれる。これにより、当該ワード線RWLに対応するカウント値が例えば0に初期化される。 Then, when the write signal RWRT is activated, the initialized count value (for example, 0) is written into the memory cell array 110 via the write circuit 150. As a result, the count value corresponding to the word line RWL is initialized to 0, for example.

 以上の動作により、リフレッシュアドレスRADD(A1~A13)に対応するカウント値が初期化される。ここでも、リフレッシュアドレスRADDの最下位ビットA0が縮退されているため、間隔W1で隣接する2つのワード線WLのいずれに対するリフレッシュ動作であっても、対応するカウント値はリセットされることになる。 By the above operation, the count value corresponding to the refresh address RADD (A1 to A13) is initialized. Again, since the least significant bit A0 of the refresh address RADD is degenerated, the corresponding count value is reset regardless of the refresh operation for any two adjacent word lines WL at the interval W1.

 以上がコマンド制御回路160の回路構成及び動作である。このようなコマンド制御回路160による制御により、間隔W1で隣接する2つのワード線WLのいずれがアクセスされた場合であっても、対応するカウント値がカウントアップされ、これが所定値に達すると検出信号MAXが活性化する。一方、間隔W1で隣接する2つのワード線WLのいずれがリフレッシュされた場合であっても、対応するカウント値がリセットされる。 The above is the circuit configuration and operation of the command control circuit 160. By such control by the command control circuit 160, the corresponding count value is counted up regardless of which of the two adjacent word lines WL is accessed at the interval W1, and when this reaches a predetermined value, the detection signal MAX is activated. On the other hand, even if any of the two adjacent word lines WL is refreshed at the interval W1, the corresponding count value is reset.

 また、外部からリセット信号RESETが発行された場合には、メモリセルアレイ110に含まれる全てのSRAMセルがリセットされ、これにより全てのカウント値が例えば0に初期化される。かかる動作は、ロウデコーダ120によって全てのワード線RWL0~RWL(p-1)/2を選択し、この状態でビット線RBL0~RBLTに初期値を与えることによって行われる。リセット信号RESETは、図6に示す電源制御回路170にも供給される。電源制御回路170は、上述した内部電位VPERIZ(又は接地電位VSSZ)を生成する回路であり、メモリセルアレイ110の初期化動作をアシストする役割を果たす。本発明においては、リセット信号RESETに基づいてメモリセルアレイ110(210)のデータを初期化する回路部分を「リセット回路」と総称することがある。 Further, when a reset signal RESET is issued from the outside, all the SRAM cells included in the memory cell array 110 are reset, and thereby all count values are initialized to 0, for example. Such an operation is performed by selecting all the word lines RWL0 to RWL (p−1) / 2 by the row decoder 120 and giving initial values to the bit lines RBL0 to RBLT in this state. The reset signal RESET is also supplied to the power supply control circuit 170 shown in FIG. The power supply control circuit 170 is a circuit that generates the internal potential VPERIZ (or the ground potential VSSZ) described above, and plays a role of assisting the initialization operation of the memory cell array 110. In the present invention, a circuit portion that initializes data in the memory cell array 110 (210) based on the reset signal RESET may be collectively referred to as a “reset circuit”.

 図13は電源制御回路170の構成を示すブロック図であり、(a)は第1の回路例、(b)は第2の回路例である。 FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the power supply control circuit 170, where (a) is a first circuit example and (b) is a second circuit example.

 第1の回路例による電源制御回路170は、図13(a)に示すように、内部電位VPERI及びハイインピーダンスHiZのいずれか一方を内部電位VPERIZとする選択回路171を備えている。選択回路171による選択動作は、SRラッチ回路172の出力信号RPによって制御される。具体的には、出力信号RPがハイレベルであればハイインピーダンスHiZが選択され、出力信号RPがローレベルであれば内部電位VPERIが選択される。 As shown in FIG. 13A, the power supply control circuit 170 according to the first circuit example includes a selection circuit 171 that uses either the internal potential VPERI or the high impedance HiZ as the internal potential VPERIZ. The selection operation by the selection circuit 171 is controlled by the output signal RP of the SR latch circuit 172. Specifically, if the output signal RP is high level, the high impedance HiZ is selected, and if the output signal RP is low level, the internal potential VPERI is selected.

 SRラッチ回路172はリセット信号RESETによってセットされる一方、遅延回路173によって遅延されたリセット信号RESETによってリセットされる。このため、リセット信号RESETが活性化すると、内部電位VPERIZは遅延回路173の遅延量によって決まる所定期間だけハイインピーダンスHiZとなり、その後、内部電位VPERIと同電位になる。 The SR latch circuit 172 is set by the reset signal RESET, and is reset by the reset signal RESET delayed by the delay circuit 173. For this reason, when the reset signal RESET is activated, the internal potential VPERIZ becomes high impedance HiZ for a predetermined period determined by the delay amount of the delay circuit 173, and then becomes the same potential as the internal potential VPERI.

 第2の回路例による電源制御回路170は、図13(b)に示すように、ハイインピーダンスHiZの代わりに接地電位VSSが用いられている点に除き、図13(a)に示した第1の回路例と同じである。このため、リセット信号RESETが活性化すると、内部電位VPERIZは遅延回路173の遅延量によって決まる所定期間だけ接地電位VSSと同電位になり、その後、内部電位VPERIと同電位になる。 The power supply control circuit 170 according to the second circuit example is the same as that shown in FIG. 13B except that the ground potential VSS is used instead of the high impedance HiZ, as shown in FIG. This is the same as the circuit example shown in FIG. Therefore, when the reset signal RESET is activated, the internal potential VPERIZ becomes the same potential as the ground potential VSS for a predetermined period determined by the delay amount of the delay circuit 173, and then becomes the same potential as the internal potential VPERI.

 上述の通り、内部電位VPERIZはSRAMセルSCを構成するインバータINV2の高位側電源ノードに供給されている。このため、リセット信号RESETが活性化すると、インバータINV2が実質的に非活性化され、ハイレベルに駆動する能力がほぼゼロとなる。これは、第1の回路例を用いた場合には高位側電源ノードと低位側電源ノードの電位差が不定となり、第2の回路例を用いた場合には高位側電源ノードと低位側電源ノードの電位差がゼロになるからである。これにより、ビット線RBL(T)にローレベルの信号を供給し、ビット線RBL(B)にハイレベルの信号を供給すれば、当該SRAMセルSCには直ちに初期値が上書きされることになる。これは、インバータINV2の非活性化により、インバータINV1の出力がハイレベルに固定され、インバータINV2の出力が不定又はローレベルに固定されるからである。これにより、ビット線RBL(T),RBL(B)を駆動するライト回路150の負荷が大幅に低減されるため、リセット動作時の消費電流が低減されるとともに、非常に短時間でリセット動作を行うことが可能となる。 As described above, the internal potential VPERIZ is supplied to the higher power supply node of the inverter INV2 constituting the SRAM cell SC. For this reason, when the reset signal RESET is activated, the inverter INV2 is substantially deactivated, and the ability to drive to the high level becomes almost zero. This is because the potential difference between the high power supply node and the low power supply node becomes indefinite when the first circuit example is used, and the high power supply node and the low power supply node use the second circuit example. This is because the potential difference becomes zero. Thus, if a low level signal is supplied to the bit line RBL (T) and a high level signal is supplied to the bit line RBL (B), the initial value is immediately overwritten on the SRAM cell SC. . This is because the output of the inverter INV1 is fixed at a high level by the inactivation of the inverter INV2, and the output of the inverter INV2 is fixed at an indefinite or low level. As a result, the load on the write circuit 150 that drives the bit lines RBL (T) and RBL (B) is greatly reduced, so that the current consumption during the reset operation is reduced and the reset operation can be performed in a very short time. Can be done.

 図14は、アドレス発生部200のブロック図である。 FIG. 14 is a block diagram of the address generation unit 200.

 図14に示すように、アドレス発生部200は、メモリセルアレイ210、ロウデコーダ220、アドレスライト回路230及びアドレスリード回路240を有している。特に限定されるものではないが、メモリセルアレイ210は、上述したメモリセルアレイ110と同様、複数のSRAM(Static Random Access Memory)セルがマトリクス状に配置された構成を有している。具体的には、r+1本のワード線RRWL0~RRWLrと、13本のビット線RRBL1~RRBL13を有し、これらの交点にそれぞれSRAMセルが配置された構成を有している。メモリセルアレイ210に含まれるSRAMセルの構成についても、図8に示したSRAMセルSCと同様である。 As shown in FIG. 14, the address generator 200 includes a memory cell array 210, a row decoder 220, an address write circuit 230, and an address read circuit 240. Although not particularly limited, the memory cell array 210 has a configuration in which a plurality of SRAM (Static Random Access Memory) cells are arranged in a matrix like the memory cell array 110 described above. Specifically, it has a configuration in which r + 1 word lines RRWL0 to RRWLr and 13 bit lines RRBL1 to RRBL13 are arranged, and SRAM cells are respectively arranged at intersections thereof. The configuration of the SRAM cell included in the memory cell array 210 is also the same as that of the SRAM cell SC shown in FIG.

 ワード線RRWL0~RRWLrの選択は、ライトカウンタ250又はリードカウンタ260から出力されるロウアドレスRAに基づき、リフレッシュ信号IREFに応答して行われる。ライトカウンタ250から出力されるロウアドレスRAは、アドレスライト回路230を用いてメモリセルアレイ210にロウアドレスIADD(A1~A13)を書き込む際に参照される。リードカウンタ260から出力されるロウアドレスRAは、アドレスリード回路240を用いてメモリセルアレイ210からリフレッシュアドレスRADDb(A1~A13)を読み出す際に参照される。後述するとおり、メモリセルアレイ210に書き込まれるロウアドレスIADD(A1~A13)は、アクセス回数が所定値に達したワード線WLn(0)又はWLn(1)を示している。 The selection of the word lines RRWL0 to RRWLr is performed in response to the refresh signal IREF based on the row address RA output from the write counter 250 or the read counter 260. The row address RA output from the write counter 250 is referred to when the row address IADD (A1 to A13) is written to the memory cell array 210 using the address write circuit 230. The row address RA output from the read counter 260 is referred to when the refresh address RADDb (A1 to A13) is read from the memory cell array 210 using the address read circuit 240. As will be described later, the row address IADD (A1 to A13) written in the memory cell array 210 indicates the word line WLn (0) or WLn (1) whose access count has reached a predetermined value.

 アドレスライト回路230は、ロウアドレスIADD(A1~A13)の各ビットに対応するライト回路230~23013からなり、ライトカウンタ250から出力されるロウアドレスRAにロウアドレスIADD(A1~A13)を書き込む役割を果たす。 The address write circuit 230 includes write circuits 230 1 to 230 13 corresponding to the respective bits of the row address IADD (A1 to A13). The row address IADD (A1 to A13) is applied to the row address RA output from the write counter 250. Play the role of writing.

 一方、アドレスリード回路240は、リフレッシュアドレスRADDb(A1~A13)の各ビットに対応するリード回路240~24013を含み、リードカウンタ260から出力されるロウアドレスRAからリフレッシュアドレスRADDb(A1~A13)を読み出す役割を果たす。また、アドレスリード回路240にはLSB出力回路240が含まれており、リフレッシュアドレスRADDbの最下位ビットA0は、LSB出力回路240の出力信号が用いられる。LSB出力回路240の出力信号であるビットA0は、選択信号発生回路270から出力されるクロック信号CLKA,CLKBに基づいて反転する。 On the other hand, the address read circuit 240 includes read circuits 240 1 to 240 13 corresponding to the respective bits of the refresh address RADDb (A1 to A13), and the refresh address RADDb (A1 to A13) from the row address RA output from the read counter 260. ). Further, the address read circuit 240 includes a LSB output circuit 240 0, the least significant bit A0 of the refresh address RADDb, the output signal of the LSB output circuit 240 0 is used. Bit A0 is the output signal of the LSB output circuit 240 0, the clock signal CLKA output from the selection signal generating circuit 270, inverted on the basis of CLKB.

 選択信号発生回路270は、選択信号PSEL及びリフレッシュ信号IREFに基づいて、選択信号SEL及び上述したクロック信号CLKA,CLKBを生成する回路である。選択信号SELは、図5に示した選択回路42に供給され、リフレッシュアドレスRADDa又はRADDbの選択に用いられる他、リフレッシュカウンタ41にも供給され、リフレッシュ信号IREFに応答したリフレッシュカウンタ41の更新動作を許可又は禁止するために用いられる。 The selection signal generation circuit 270 is a circuit that generates the selection signal SEL and the clock signals CLKA and CLKB described above based on the selection signal PSEL and the refresh signal IREF. The selection signal SEL is supplied to the selection circuit 42 shown in FIG. 5 and used to select the refresh address RADDa or RADDb, and is also supplied to the refresh counter 41 to perform an update operation of the refresh counter 41 in response to the refresh signal IREF. Used to allow or prohibit.

 選択信号PSELは、追加リフレッシュカウンタ280によって生成される。追加リフレッシュカウンタ280は、検出信号MAXに応答して2カウントだけカウントアップし、リフレッシュ信号IREFに応答して1カウントだけカウントダウンする回路であり、カウント値が1以上であれば、選択信号PSELを活性化させる。 The selection signal PSEL is generated by the additional refresh counter 280. The additional refresh counter 280 is a circuit that counts up by 2 counts in response to the detection signal MAX and counts down by 1 count in response to the refresh signal IREF. If the count value is 1 or more, the additional refresh counter 280 activates the selection signal PSEL. Make it.

 図15は、追加リフレッシュカウンタ280及び選択信号発生回路270の動作を説明するためのタイミング図である。 FIG. 15 is a timing chart for explaining operations of the additional refresh counter 280 and the selection signal generation circuit 270.

 図15に示す例では、時刻t31,t32においてアクティブ信号IACTが活性化し、時刻t41,t42,t43,t44,t45においてリフレッシュ信号IREFが活性化している。また、時刻t31,t32におけるアクティブ信号IACTの活性化に応答して、いずれも検出信号MAXが活性化している。このことは、時刻t31のアクティブ信号IACTに応答したロウアクセスによって、あるワード線WLのアクセス回数が所定値を超え、さらに、時刻t32のアクティブ信号IACTに応答したロウアクセスによって、別のワード線WLのアクセス回数が所定値を超えたことを意味している。 In the example shown in FIG. 15, the active signal IACT is activated at times t31 and t32, and the refresh signal IREF is activated at times t41, t42, t43, t44, and t45. Further, in response to the activation of the active signal IACT at times t31 and t32, the detection signal MAX is activated. This is because the number of accesses to a certain word line WL exceeds a predetermined value due to the row access in response to the active signal IACT at time t31, and another word line WL is also caused by the row access in response to the active signal IACT at time t32. This means that the number of accesses exceeds the predetermined value.

 この場合、検出信号MAXの1回目の活性化に応答して追加リフレッシュカウンタ280のカウント値が「0」から「2」にカウントアップされ、検出信号MAXの2回目の活性化に応答して追加リフレッシュカウンタ280のカウント値が「2」から「4」にカウントアップされる。また、追加リフレッシュカウンタ280のカウント値が「1」以上となったことに応答して、選択信号PSELがハイレベルに活性化する。 In this case, the count value of the additional refresh counter 280 is counted up from “0” to “2” in response to the first activation of the detection signal MAX, and is added in response to the second activation of the detection signal MAX. The count value of the refresh counter 280 is counted up from “2” to “4”. Further, in response to the count value of the additional refresh counter 280 becoming “1” or more, the selection signal PSEL is activated to a high level.

 その後、時刻t41,t42,t43,t44におけるリフレッシュ信号IREFの活性化に応答して、追加リフレッシュカウンタ280のカウント値は、「3」、「2」、「1」、「0」とカウントダウンされ、選択信号PSELがローレベルに戻る。なお、時刻t45においてもリフレッシュ信号IREFが活性化されているが、この時点では、既に追加リフレッシュカウンタ280のカウント値が最小値(0)となっているため、その値は変化しない。 Thereafter, in response to activation of the refresh signal IREF at times t41, t42, t43, and t44, the count value of the additional refresh counter 280 is counted down to “3”, “2”, “1”, “0”, The selection signal PSEL returns to the low level. At time t45, the refresh signal IREF is activated, but at this time, the count value of the additional refresh counter 280 has already reached the minimum value (0), so that value does not change.

 図16は、選択信号発生回路270の回路図である。 FIG. 16 is a circuit diagram of the selection signal generation circuit 270.

 図16に示すように、選択信号発生回路270は、リフレッシュ信号IREFに応答して選択信号PSELをラッチするラッチ回路271を備えており、その出力信号が選択信号PSELとして用いられる。このため、選択信号SELは、選択信号PSELがハイレベルに活性化した後、次のリフレッシュ信号IREF(図15に示す時刻t41のリフレッシュ信号IREF)に応答してハイレベルに変化する。また、選択信号PSELがローレベルに非活性化した後、次のリフレッシュ信号IREF(図15に示す時刻t45のリフレッシュ信号IREF)に応答してローレベルに戻る。 As shown in FIG. 16, the selection signal generation circuit 270 includes a latch circuit 271 that latches the selection signal PSEL in response to the refresh signal IREF, and the output signal is used as the selection signal PSEL. Therefore, after the selection signal PSEL is activated to a high level, the selection signal SEL changes to a high level in response to the next refresh signal IREF (refresh signal IREF at time t41 shown in FIG. 15). In addition, after the selection signal PSEL is deactivated to the low level, it returns to the low level in response to the next refresh signal IREF (refresh signal IREF at time t45 shown in FIG. 15).

 さらに、選択信号SEL及びリフレッシュ信号IREFは、図16に示すゲート回路G5に供給され、これにより、選択信号SELがハイレベルに活性化されていることを条件として、リフレッシュ信号IREFに基づいてラッチ回路272,273が交互に選択される。選択されたラッチ回路272,273は、その出力信号を反転させるため、リフレッシュ信号IREFに応答してクロック信号CLKA,CLKBが交互に活性化することになる。このことは、選択信号SELがハイレベルに活性化されている場合、リフレッシュ信号IREFが活性化する度に、LSB出力回路240の出力信号であるビットA0が反転することを意味している。 Further, the selection signal SEL and the refresh signal IREF are supplied to the gate circuit G5 shown in FIG. 272 and 273 are selected alternately. Since the selected latch circuits 272 and 273 invert their output signals, the clock signals CLKA and CLKB are alternately activated in response to the refresh signal IREF. This means that if the selection signal SEL is activated to a high level, whenever the refresh signal IREF is activated, the bit A0 is an output signal of the LSB output circuit 240 0 is meant to reverse.

 また、図14に示すように、アドレス発生部200を構成する所定の回路ブロックにはリセット信号RESETが供給されており、これが活性化すると当該回路ブロックは初期状態にリセットされる。例えば、メモリセルアレイ210に保持されたデータは、リセット信号RESETに応答して全てリセットされる。かかる動作は、ロウデコーダ220によって全てのワード線RRWL0~RRWLrを選択した状態で、アドレスライト回路230からメモリセルアレイ210に初期値を出力することにより行うことができる。 As shown in FIG. 14, a reset signal RESET is supplied to a predetermined circuit block constituting the address generation unit 200, and when this is activated, the circuit block is reset to an initial state. For example, all the data held in the memory cell array 210 is reset in response to the reset signal RESET. Such an operation can be performed by outputting an initial value from the address write circuit 230 to the memory cell array 210 in a state where all the word lines RRWL0 to RRWLr are selected by the row decoder 220.

 リセット信号RESETは、図14に示す電源制御回路290にも供給される。電源制御回路290は、図13に示した電源制御回路170と同じ回路構成を有しており、内部電位VPERIZ(又は接地電位VSSZ)を生成することによってメモリセルアレイ210の初期化動作をアシストする役割を果たす。つまり、リセット信号RESETが活性化すると、内部電位VPERIZは所定期間だけハイインピーダンスHiZ又は接地電位VSSとなり、その後、内部電位VPERIと同電位になる。これにより、ライト回路230の負荷が大幅に低減されるため、リセット動作時の消費電流が低減されるとともに、非常に短時間でリセット動作を行うことが可能となる。 The reset signal RESET is also supplied to the power supply control circuit 290 shown in FIG. The power supply control circuit 290 has the same circuit configuration as the power supply control circuit 170 shown in FIG. 13, and assists the initialization operation of the memory cell array 210 by generating the internal potential VPERIZ (or the ground potential VSSZ). Fulfill. That is, when the reset signal RESET is activated, the internal potential VPERIZ becomes the high impedance HiZ or the ground potential VSS for a predetermined period, and then becomes the same potential as the internal potential VPERI. As a result, the load on the write circuit 230 is greatly reduced, so that the current consumption during the reset operation is reduced and the reset operation can be performed in a very short time.

 次に、半導体装置10の動作について説明する。 Next, the operation of the semiconductor device 10 will be described.

 図17は、半導体装置10の動作を説明するためのタイミング図である。 FIG. 17 is a timing chart for explaining the operation of the semiconductor device 10.

 図17に示す例では、時刻t50に外部からアクティブコマンドACTが発行され、時刻t61,t62,t63,t64に外部からリフレッシュコマンドREFが発行されたケースを示している。図示しないが、時刻t50以前においても、アクティブコマンドACTの発行による多数回のロウアクセスが行われており、これによってアクセスカウント部100のロウアドレスAddnに対応するカウント値は、所定値-1までカウントアップされている。上述の通り、アクセスカウント部100に入力されるロウアドレスIADDは最下位ビットA0が縮退されているため、上記ロウアドレスAddnは、ロウアドレスAddn(0)が割り当てられたワード線WLn(0)とロウアドレスAddn(1)が割り当てられたワード線WLn(1)の両方に対して共通である。また、時刻t50以前においては、追加リフレッシュカウンタ280のカウント値は0である。 In the example shown in FIG. 17, an active command ACT is issued from the outside at time t50, and a refresh command REF is issued from outside at times t61, t62, t63, and t64. Although not shown, before the time t50, a number of row accesses are performed by issuing the active command ACT, and the count value corresponding to the row address Addn of the access count unit 100 is counted up to a predetermined value -1. Has been up. As described above, since the least significant bit A0 is degenerated in the row address IADD input to the access count unit 100, the row address Addn is connected to the word line WLn (0) to which the row address Addn (0) is assigned. This is common to both of the word lines WLn (1) to which the row address Addn (1) is assigned. Further, before the time t50, the count value of the additional refresh counter 280 is zero.

 この状態で、時刻t50にアクティブコマンドACTとともにロウアドレスAddnが入力されると、図6に示すレジスタ回路140T+1の値である検出信号MAXが活性化する。検出信号MAXが活性化すると、図14に示す追加リフレッシュカウンタ280のカウント値が0から2に変化し、選択信号PSELがハイレベルとなる。さらに、検出信号MAXの活性化に応答してアドレスライト回路230が活性化するため、アクティブコマンドACTとともに入力されたロウアドレスIADD(Addn)がメモリセルアレイ210に書き込まれる。ロウアドレスIADD(Addn)の書き込み先は、ライトカウンタ250によって例えばワード線RRWL0が指定される。 In this state, when the row address Addn is input together with the active command ACT at time t50, the detection signal MAX that is the value of the register circuit 140T + 1 shown in FIG. 6 is activated. When the detection signal MAX is activated, the count value of the additional refresh counter 280 shown in FIG. 14 changes from 0 to 2, and the selection signal PSEL becomes high level. Further, since the address write circuit 230 is activated in response to the activation of the detection signal MAX, the row address IADD (Addn) input together with the active command ACT is written into the memory cell array 210. For example, the write counter 250 designates the word line RRWL0 as a write destination of the row address IADD (Addn).

 但し、この時点ではまだ選択信号SELはローレベルであり、したがって選択回路42はリフレッシュカウンタ41の出力であるリフレッシュアドレスRADDaを選択する。図17に示す例では、この時点におけるリフレッシュアドレスRADDaの値はAddm(0)であり、したがって、選択回路42から出力されるリフレッシュアドレスRADDの値もAddm(0)である。ここでAddm(0)とは、上位ビットA1~A13の値がmであり、最下位ビットA0の値が0であることを意味する。 However, at this time, the selection signal SEL is still at the low level, and therefore the selection circuit 42 selects the refresh address RADDa that is the output of the refresh counter 41. In the example shown in FIG. 17, the value of the refresh address RADDa at this time is Addm (0), and therefore the value of the refresh address RADD output from the selection circuit 42 is also Addm (0). Here, Addm (0) means that the value of the upper bits A1 to A13 is m and the value of the least significant bit A0 is 0.

 次に、時刻t61において外部からリフレッシュコマンドREFが発行されると、図1に示すコマンドデコード回路33はリフレッシュ信号IREFを活性化させる。上述の通り、この時点におけるリフレッシュアドレスRADDの値はAddm(0)であることから、ロウデコーダ12は、ロウアドレスAddm(0)が示すワード線WLmにアクセスする。これにより、ワード線WLm(0)に接続されたメモリセルMCの情報がリフレッシュされる。 Next, when a refresh command REF is issued from the outside at time t61, the command decode circuit 33 shown in FIG. 1 activates the refresh signal IREF. As described above, since the value of the refresh address RADD at this time is Addm (0), the row decoder 12 accesses the word line WLm indicated by the row address Addm (0). As a result, the information in the memory cells MC connected to the word line WLm (0) is refreshed.

 また、リフレッシュ信号IREFの活性化に応答して、リフレッシュカウンタ41のカウント値がAddm(1)に更新されるとともに、リードカウンタ260によってワード線RRWL0が指定される。ここでAddm(1)とは、上位ビットA1~A13の値がmであり、最下位ビットA0の値が1であることを意味する。これにより、アドレスリード回路240からは、ワード線RRWL0に対応するロウアドレスに格納されたリフレッシュアドレスRADDb(Addn)が出力される。この時点では、クロック信号CLKAが活性化しているため、LSB出力回路240の値は0であり、したがってリフレッシュアドレスRADDbの値はAddn(0)である。ここでAddn(0)とは、上位ビットA1~A13の値がnであり、最下位ビットA0の値が0であることを意味する。 In response to activation of the refresh signal IREF, the count value of the refresh counter 41 is updated to Addm (1), and the word line RRWL0 is designated by the read counter 260. Here, Addm (1) means that the value of the upper bits A1 to A13 is m and the value of the least significant bit A0 is 1. As a result, the address read circuit 240 outputs the refresh address RADDb (Addn) stored in the row address corresponding to the word line RRWL0. At this point, since the clock signal CLKA is activated, the value of the LSB output circuit 240 0 is 0, the value of the refresh address RADDb therefore is Addn (0). Here, Addn (0) means that the value of the upper bits A1 to A13 is n and the value of the least significant bit A0 is 0.

 さらに、リフレッシュ信号IREFの活性化に応答して選択信号SELがハイレベルに変化するため、選択回路42はアドレスレジスタ61の出力であるリフレッシュアドレスRADDbを選択することになる。したがって、選択回路42から出力されるリフレッシュアドレスRADDの値はAddn(0)となる。また、追加リフレッシュカウンタ280のカウント値が2から1にデクリメントされる。 Furthermore, since the selection signal SEL changes to a high level in response to the activation of the refresh signal IREF, the selection circuit 42 selects the refresh address RADDb that is the output of the address register 61. Therefore, the value of the refresh address RADD output from the selection circuit 42 is Addn (0). Further, the count value of the additional refresh counter 280 is decremented from 2 to 1.

 さらに、図12を用いて説明した動作により、リフレッシュアドレスRADDの値であるAddmに対応するカウント値が初期化される。Addmに対応するカウント値は、ワード線WLm(0)とワード線WLm(1)に対する共通のカウント値であるが、これらワード線はロウアドレスの最下位ビットA0のみが異なるため、ワード線WLm(0)がリフレッシュされてからワード線WLm(1)がリフレッシュされるまでの時間は非常に短時間であると考えられる。この点を考慮して、実際にワード線WLm(0)及びWLm(1)のいずれがリフレッシュされたかにかかわらず、一方がリフレッシュされれば両者に対応するカウント値をリセットしている。 Further, the count value corresponding to Addm, which is the value of the refresh address RADD, is initialized by the operation described with reference to FIG. The count value corresponding to Addm is a common count value for the word line WLm (0) and the word line WLm (1). Since these word lines differ only in the least significant bit A0 of the row address, the word line WLm ( It is considered that the time from the refresh of 0) to the refresh of the word line WLm (1) is very short. Considering this point, regardless of which of the word lines WLm (0) and WLm (1) is actually refreshed, if one of them is refreshed, the count value corresponding to both is reset.

 そして、時刻t62において再びリフレッシュコマンドREFが発行されると、ロウデコーダ12は、リフレッシュアドレスRADDの値であるAddn(0)が示すワード線WLn(0)にアクセスする。つまり、リフレッシュカウンタ41が示すロウアドレスAddm(1)ではなく、アドレスリード回路240から出力されるロウアドレスAddn(0)に対してリフレッシュ動作が割り込み的に実行される。これにより、ワード線WLn(0)に接続されたメモリセルMCの情報がリフレッシュされる。さらに、図12を用いて説明した動作により、リフレッシュアドレスRADDの値であるAddnに対応するカウント値が初期化される。 When the refresh command REF is issued again at time t62, the row decoder 12 accesses the word line WLn (0) indicated by Addn (0) that is the value of the refresh address RADD. That is, the refresh operation is executed in an interrupt manner on the row address Addn (0) output from the address read circuit 240, not on the row address Addm (1) indicated by the refresh counter 41. As a result, the information in the memory cells MC connected to the word line WLn (0) is refreshed. Furthermore, the count value corresponding to Addn which is the value of the refresh address RADD is initialized by the operation described with reference to FIG.

 また、この時点においては選択信号SELがハイレベルであることから、リフレッシュ信号IREFが活性化してもリフレッシュカウンタ41のカウント値は更新されず、Addm(1)のまま維持される。また、追加リフレッシュカウンタ280のカウント値が1から0にデクリメントされる。これにより、選択信号PSELはローレベルに変化する。 Since the selection signal SEL is at the high level at this time, even if the refresh signal IREF is activated, the count value of the refresh counter 41 is not updated and is maintained as Addm (1). Further, the count value of the additional refresh counter 280 is decremented from 1 to 0. As a result, the selection signal PSEL changes to a low level.

 さらに、リフレッシュ信号IREFに応答して、選択信号発生回路270はクロック信号CLKBを活性化させる。これにより、LSB出力回路240の値は1となり、リフレッシュアドレスRADDbの値がAddn(1)に変化する。ここでAddn(1)とは、上位ビットA1~A13の値がnであり、最下位ビットA0の値が1であることを意味する。 Further, in response to the refresh signal IREF, the selection signal generation circuit 270 activates the clock signal CLKB. Thus, the value of the LSB output circuit 240 0 is 1, the value of the refresh address RADDb changes to Addn (1). Here, Addn (1) means that the value of the upper bits A1 to A13 is n and the value of the least significant bit A0 is 1.

 時刻t63においてさらにリフレッシュコマンドREFが発行されると、ロウデコーダ12は、ロウアドレスAddn(1)が示すワード線WLn(1)にアクセスする。つまり、アドレスリード回路240から出力されるロウアドレスAddn(1)に対してリフレッシュ動作が割り込み的に実行され、当該メモリセルMCの情報がリフレッシュされる。 When the refresh command REF is further issued at time t63, the row decoder 12 accesses the word line WLn (1) indicated by the row address Addn (1). That is, the refresh operation is executed in an interrupt manner for the row address Addn (1) output from the address read circuit 240, and the information in the memory cell MC is refreshed.

 また、この時点においても選択信号SELがハイレベルであることから、リフレッシュ信号IREFが活性化してもリフレッシュカウンタ41のカウント値は更新されず、Addm(1)のまま維持される。また、リフレッシュ信号IREFの活性化に応答して、選択信号SELがローレベルに変化する。これにより、選択回路42はリフレッシュカウンタ41から出力されるリフレッシュアドレスRADDaを選択するため、選択回路42から出力されるリフレッシュアドレスRADDの値はAddm(1)となる。 Since the selection signal SEL is at the high level also at this time, the count value of the refresh counter 41 is not updated even when the refresh signal IREF is activated, and is maintained as Addm (1). Further, in response to the activation of the refresh signal IREF, the selection signal SEL changes to a low level. Thus, since the selection circuit 42 selects the refresh address RADDa output from the refresh counter 41, the value of the refresh address RADD output from the selection circuit 42 becomes Addm (1).

 そして、時刻t64においてリフレッシュコマンドREFが発行されると、ロウデコーダ12は、ロウアドレスAddm(1)が示すワード線WLm(1)にアクセスする。つまり、通常通り、リフレッシュカウンタ41が示すロウアドレスに対してリフレッシュ動作が実行される。また、リフレッシュ信号IREFの活性化に応答してリフレッシュカウンタ41のカウント値がAddm+1(0)に更新される。さらに、図12を用いて説明した動作により、リフレッシュアドレスRADDの値であるAddm+1に対応するカウント値が初期化される。 When the refresh command REF is issued at time t64, the row decoder 12 accesses the word line WLm (1) indicated by the row address Addm (1). That is, as usual, the refresh operation is performed on the row address indicated by the refresh counter 41. In response to activation of the refresh signal IREF, the count value of the refresh counter 41 is updated to Addm + 1 (0). Furthermore, the count value corresponding to Addm + 1, which is the value of the refresh address RADD, is initialized by the operation described with reference to FIG.

 このように、ロウアドレスAddnが示すワード線WLn(0)及びワード線WLn(1)に対する合計のロウアクセスの回数が所定値に達すると、これらワード線WLn(0),WLn(1)に対して追加的なリフレッシュ動作が実行され、ディスターブによって低下したメモリセルMCの電荷量が再生される。これにより、アクセス履歴にかかわらず、各メモリセルMCに記憶された情報を正しく保持することが可能となる。 Thus, when the total number of row accesses to the word line WLn (0) and the word line WLn (1) indicated by the row address Addn reaches a predetermined value, the word lines WLn (0) and WLn (1) Thus, an additional refresh operation is performed, and the charge amount of the memory cell MC reduced by the disturb is reproduced. Thereby, it is possible to correctly hold the information stored in each memory cell MC regardless of the access history.

 しかも、追加的なリフレッシュ動作を行う場合には、リフレッシュカウンタ41のカウント値の更新が停止されることから、通常のリフレッシュ動作についても正しく実行することが可能となる。但し、リフレッシュカウンタ41のカウント値の更新が停止すると、リフレッシュカウンタ41のカウント値が一周するために必要なリフレッシュコマンドREFの発行回数がその分増大する。このことは、リフレッシュサイクルが設計値よりも若干長くなることを意味するが、既に説明したとおり、実際には各メモリセルMCの情報保持時間はリフレッシュサイクルに対して十分なマージンを有しているため、規格によって定められたリフレッシュサイクルよりもやや長いサイクルでリフレッシュ動作を行った場合であっても、メモリセルMCの情報は正しく保持される。 In addition, when an additional refresh operation is performed, the update of the count value of the refresh counter 41 is stopped, so that the normal refresh operation can be correctly executed. However, when the update of the count value of the refresh counter 41 is stopped, the number of times of issuing the refresh command REF necessary for the count value of the refresh counter 41 to go around increases. This means that the refresh cycle is slightly longer than the design value, but as described above, the information retention time of each memory cell MC actually has a sufficient margin for the refresh cycle. Therefore, even when the refresh operation is performed in a cycle slightly longer than the refresh cycle determined by the standard, the information in the memory cell MC is correctly held.

 また、本実施形態では、ロウアドレスIADDの最下位ビットA0を縮退させていることから、ワード線WLn(0),WLn(1)のいずれがディスターブを受けているかにかかわらず、間隔W1で隣接するこれらワード線WLn(0),WLn(1)の両方に対して追加的なリフレッシュ動作が行われる。このため、アクセスカウント部100に含まれるメモリセルアレイ110の容量を半分に削減することができる。 In this embodiment, since the least significant bit A0 of the row address IADD is degenerated, it is adjacent at the interval W1 regardless of which of the word lines WLn (0) and WLn (1) is disturbed. An additional refresh operation is performed on both of these word lines WLn (0) and WLn (1). Therefore, the capacity of the memory cell array 110 included in the access count unit 100 can be reduced by half.

 しかも、メモリセルアレイ110,210を用いて、アクセス回数のカウントや追加的にリフレッシュ動作を行うべきロウアドレスの保持を行っていることから、フリップフロップ回路などを用いた場合と比べて、チップ上における占有面積を削減することも可能となる。 In addition, since the memory cell arrays 110 and 210 are used to count the number of accesses and to hold a row address to be additionally refreshed, compared with the case where a flip-flop circuit or the like is used, It is also possible to reduce the occupied area.

 さらに、リセット信号RESETが活性化した場合、SRAMセルSCを構成する一方のインバータINV2が非活性化されることから、メモリセルアレイ110,210のデータを初期化するために必要な消費電流が削減されるとともに、初期化に必要な時間を短縮することができる。 Furthermore, when the reset signal RESET is activated, one inverter INV2 constituting the SRAM cell SC is deactivated, so that the current consumption required for initializing the data in the memory cell arrays 110 and 210 is reduced. In addition, the time required for initialization can be shortened.

 図18は、第1の変形例によるSRAMセルSCの回路図である。 FIG. 18 is a circuit diagram of the SRAM cell SC according to the first modification.

 図18に示すSRAMセルSCにおいては、インバータINV1の低位側電源ノードに接地電位VSSZが供給される一方、インバータINV2の低位側電源ノードに接地電位VSSが供給される。インバータINV1,INV2の高位側電源ノードには、いずれも内部電位VPERIが供給される。 In the SRAM cell SC shown in FIG. 18, the ground potential VSSZ is supplied to the lower power supply node of the inverter INV1, while the ground potential VSS is supplied to the lower power supply node of the inverter INV2. The internal potential VPERI is supplied to the higher power supply nodes of the inverters INV1 and INV2.

 このような構成を有するSRAMセルSCを用いる場合、図19に示す電源制御回路170,290を用いればよい。図19(a)は第3の回路例、図19(b)は第4の回路例である。 When the SRAM cell SC having such a configuration is used, the power supply control circuits 170 and 290 shown in FIG. 19 may be used. FIG. 19A shows a third circuit example, and FIG. 19B shows a fourth circuit example.

 第3の回路例による電源制御回路170,290は、図19(a)に示すように、接地電位VSS及びハイインピーダンスHiZのいずれか一方を接地電位VSSZとする選択回路174を備えている。選択回路174による選択動作は、SRラッチ回路175の出力信号RPによって制御される。具体的には、出力信号RPがハイレベルであればハイインピーダンスHiZが選択され、出力信号RPがローレベルであれば接地電位VSSが選択される。かかる構成により、リセット信号RESETが活性化すると、接地電位VSSZは遅延回路176の遅延量によって決まる所定期間だけハイインピーダンスHiZとなり、その後、接地電位VSSと同電位になる。 As shown in FIG. 19A, the power supply control circuits 170 and 290 according to the third circuit example include a selection circuit 174 that uses either the ground potential VSS or the high impedance HiZ as the ground potential VSSZ. The selection operation by the selection circuit 174 is controlled by the output signal RP of the SR latch circuit 175. Specifically, if the output signal RP is high level, the high impedance HiZ is selected, and if the output signal RP is low level, the ground potential VSS is selected. With this configuration, when the reset signal RESET is activated, the ground potential VSSZ becomes the high impedance HiZ for a predetermined period determined by the delay amount of the delay circuit 176, and then becomes the same potential as the ground potential VSS.

 第4の回路例による電源制御回路170,290は、図19(b)に示すように、ハイインピーダンスHiZの代わりに内部電位VPERIが用いられている点に除き、図19(a)に示した第3の回路例と同じである。このため、リセット信号RESETが活性化すると、接地電位VSSZは遅延回路176の遅延量によって決まる所定期間だけ内部電位VPERIと同電位になり、その後、接地電位VSSと同電位になる。 The power supply control circuits 170 and 290 according to the fourth circuit example are shown in FIG. 19A except that the internal potential VPERI is used instead of the high impedance HiZ as shown in FIG. 19B. This is the same as the third circuit example. Therefore, when the reset signal RESET is activated, the ground potential VSSZ becomes the same potential as the internal potential VPERI for a predetermined period determined by the delay amount of the delay circuit 176, and then becomes the same potential as the ground potential VSS.

 本変形例では、接地電位VSSZはSRAMセルSCを構成するインバータINV1の低位側電源ノードに供給されている。このため、リセット信号RESETが活性化すると、インバータINV1が実質的に非活性化され、ローレベルに駆動する能力がほぼゼロとなる。これにより、ビット線RBL(T)にローレベルの信号を供給し、ビット線RBL(B)にハイレベルの信号を供給すれば、当該SRAMセルSCには直ちに初期値が上書きされることになる。これは、インバータINV1の非活性化により、インバータINV2の出力がローレベルに固定され、インバータINV1の出力が不定又はハイレベルに固定されるからである。これにより、上述した実施形態と同じ効果を得ることが可能となる。 In this modification, the ground potential VSSZ is supplied to the lower power supply node of the inverter INV1 constituting the SRAM cell SC. For this reason, when the reset signal RESET is activated, the inverter INV1 is substantially deactivated, and the ability to drive to the low level becomes almost zero. Thus, if a low level signal is supplied to the bit line RBL (T) and a high level signal is supplied to the bit line RBL (B), the initial value is immediately overwritten on the SRAM cell SC. . This is because the output of the inverter INV2 is fixed at a low level by the inactivation of the inverter INV1, and the output of the inverter INV1 is fixed at an indefinite or high level. Thereby, it becomes possible to obtain the same effect as the above-described embodiment.

 図20は、第2の変形例によるSRAMセルSCの回路図である。 FIG. 20 is a circuit diagram of an SRAM cell SC according to the second modification.

 図20に示すSRAMセルSCにおいては、インバータINV1の高位側電源ノードに内部電位VPERIが供給される一方、インバータINV2の高位側電源ノードに内部電位VPERIZが供給される。また、インバータINV1の低位側電源ノードに接地電位VSSZが供給される一方、インバータINV2の低位側電源ノードに接地電位VSSが供給される。 In the SRAM cell SC shown in FIG. 20, the internal potential VPERIZ is supplied to the higher power supply node of the inverter INV2 while the internal potential VPERIZ is supplied to the higher power supply node of the inverter INV2. The ground potential VSSZ is supplied to the lower power supply node of the inverter INV1, while the ground potential VSS is supplied to the lower power supply node of the inverter INV2.

 第2の変形例では、リセット信号RESETが活性化すると、インバータINV1が実質的に非活性化され、ローレベルに駆動する能力がほぼゼロとなるとともに、インバータINV2が実質的に非活性化され、ハイレベルに駆動する能力がほぼゼロとなる。これにより、インバータINV1の出力がハイレベルに固定され、インバータINV2の出力がローレベルに固定されることから、上述した実施形態と同じ効果をより確実に得ることが可能となる。 In the second modification, when the reset signal RESET is activated, the inverter INV1 is substantially deactivated, the ability to drive to the low level becomes substantially zero, and the inverter INV2 is substantially deactivated, The ability to drive to a high level is almost zero. As a result, the output of the inverter INV1 is fixed at a high level, and the output of the inverter INV2 is fixed at a low level, so that the same effect as that of the above-described embodiment can be obtained more reliably.

 以上、本発明の好ましい実施形態について説明したが、本発明は、上記の実施形態に限定されることなく、本発明の主旨を逸脱しない範囲で種々の変更が可能であり、それらも本発明の範囲内に包含されるものであることはいうまでもない。 The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Needless to say, it is included in the range.

2    外部基板
10   半導体装置
11   メモリセルアレイ
12   ロウデコーダ
13   カラムデコーダ
14   モードレジスタ
15   リードライトアンプ
16   入出力回路
21   コマンドアドレス端子
22   リセット端子
23   クロック端子
24   データ端子
25,26  電源端子
31   コマンドアドレス入力回路
32   アドレスラッチ回路
33   コマンドデコード回路
34   クロック入力回路
35   内部クロック発生回路
36   タイミングジェネレータ
37   内部電源発生回路
38   キャリブレーション回路
40   リフレッシュ制御回路
41   リフレッシュカウンタ
42   選択回路
100  アクセスカウント部
110  メモリセルアレイ
120  ロウデコーダ
121  アドレスデコード部
122  ワードドライバ
123  遅延回路
130,130~130  リード回路
140  カウンタ回路
140~140T+1  レジスタ回路
150,150~150  ライト回路
160  コマンド制御回路
170,290  電源制御回路
171,174  選択回路
172,175  SRラッチ回路
173,176  遅延回路
200  アドレス発生部
210  メモリセルアレイ
220  ロウデコーダ
230,230~23013  アドレスライト回路
240,240~24013  アドレスリード回路
240  LSB出力回路
250  ライトカウンタ
260  リードカウンタ
270  選択信号発生回路
271~273  ラッチ回路
280  追加リフレッシュカウンタ
ACT  アクティブコマンド
ARa,ARb  活性領域
BL   ビット線
BLC  ビット線コンタクト
C    セルキャパシタ
CC   セルコンタクト
DLY1~DLY5  ディレイ素子
G,G1~G5  論理ゲート回路
IACT  アクティブ信号
IADD  アドレス信号
INV1,INV2  インバータ
IREF  リフレッシュ信号
MAX  検出信号
MC   メモリセル
PLS1,PLS2  パルス生成回路
PSEL,SEL  選択信号
RACT  アクティブ信号
RADD,RADDa,RADDb  リフレッシュアドレス
RBL0~RBLT  ビット線
RCNT カウントアップ信号
REF  リフレッシュコマンド
RESET  リセット信号
RRBL1~RRBL13  ビット線
RREAD  リード信号
RRST リセット信号
RRWL0~RRWLr  ワード線
RWL0~RWL  ワード線
RWRT ライト信号
SC  SRAMセル
SR1~SR3  ラッチ回路
Tr   セルトランジスタ
WL0~WLp  ワード線
2 External substrate 10 Semiconductor device 11 Memory cell array 12 Row decoder 13 Column decoder 14 Mode register 15 Read / write amplifier 16 Input / output circuit 21 Command address terminal 22 Reset terminal 23 Clock terminal 24 Data terminal 25, 26 Power supply terminal 31 Command address input circuit 32 Address latch circuit 33 Command decode circuit 34 Clock input circuit 35 Internal clock generation circuit 36 Timing generator 37 Internal power supply generation circuit 38 Calibration circuit 40 Refresh control circuit 41 Refresh counter 42 Selection circuit 100 Access count unit 110 Memory cell array 120 Row decoder 121 Address decoding unit 122 word driver 123 delay circuits 130 and 130 0 130 T read circuit 140 Counter circuit 140 0 ~ 140 T + 1 register circuits 150,150 0 ~ 150 T write circuit 160 commands the control circuit 170,290 power supply control circuit 171 and 174 select circuit 172 and 175 SR latch circuits 173,176 delay circuit 200 Address generator 210 Memory cell array 220 Row decoder 230, 230 1 to 230 13 Address write circuit 240, 240 1 to 240 13 Address read circuit 240 0 LSB output circuit 250 Write counter 260 Read counter 270 Select signal generator circuit 271 to 273 Latch circuit 280 Additional refresh counter ACT Active command ARa, ARb Active area BL Bit line BLC Bit line contact C Cell capacitor CC Cell capacitor DLY1 to DLY5 Delay elements G, G1 to G5 Logic gate circuit IACT Active signal IADD Address signal INV1, INV2 Inverter IREF Refresh signal MAX Detection signal MC Memory cell PLS1, PLS2 Pulse generation circuit PSEL, SEL selection signal RACT Active signal RADD, RADDa , RADDb Refresh address RBL0 to RBLT Bit line RCNT Count up signal REF Refresh command RESET Reset signal RRBL1 to RRBL13 Bit line RREAD Read signal RRST Reset signal RRWL0 to RRWLr Word line RWL0 to RWL Word line RWRT Write signal SC SRAM cell SR1 to SR3 latch Circuit Tr Cell transistors WL0 to WLp Word line

Claims (10)

 複数の第1のワード線と、前記複数の第1のワード線と交差する複数の第1のビット線と、前記複数の第1のワード線と前記複数の第1のビット線との交点に配置された複数の第1のメモリセルとを含む第1のメモリセルアレイと、
 前記複数の第1のワード線に対するアクセス履歴を記憶する第2のメモリセルアレイと、
 リセット信号に応答して前記第2のメモリセルアレイに記憶された前記アクセス履歴を消去するリセット回路と、備え、
 前記第2のメモリセルアレイは、前記複数の第1のワード線の1又は2以上にそれぞれ対応して設けられた複数の第2のワード線と、前記複数の第2のワード線と交差する複数の第2のビット線と、前記複数の第2のワード線と前記複数の第2のビット線との交点に配置された複数の第2のメモリセルとを含み、
 前記リセット回路は、前記複数の第2のワード線を活性化させた状態で前記複数の第2のビット線に初期値を供給することにより、前記アクセス履歴をリセットすることを特徴とする半導体装置。
At the intersections of the plurality of first word lines, the plurality of first bit lines intersecting the plurality of first word lines, and the plurality of first word lines and the plurality of first bit lines. A first memory cell array including a plurality of arranged first memory cells;
A second memory cell array for storing an access history for the plurality of first word lines;
A reset circuit for erasing the access history stored in the second memory cell array in response to a reset signal;
The second memory cell array includes a plurality of second word lines provided corresponding to one or more of the plurality of first word lines, and a plurality intersecting the plurality of second word lines. A plurality of second memory cells disposed at intersections of the plurality of second word lines and the plurality of second bit lines,
The reset circuit resets the access history by supplying an initial value to the plurality of second bit lines in a state where the plurality of second word lines are activated. .
 前記複数の第2のメモリセルは、第1のインバータと第2のインバータが循環接続されてなるSRAMセルであることを特徴とする請求項1に記載の半導体装置。 2. The semiconductor device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of second memory cells are SRAM cells in which a first inverter and a second inverter are circularly connected.  前記リセット回路は、前記リセット信号に応答して前記第1及び第2のインバータの少なくとも一方を非活性化させることを特徴とする請求項2に記載の半導体装置。 3. The semiconductor device according to claim 2, wherein the reset circuit deactivates at least one of the first and second inverters in response to the reset signal.  前記第1のインバータは、第1及び第2の電源ノード間に印加される電圧によって動作し、
 前記第2のインバータは、第3及び第4の電源ノード間に印加される電圧によって動作し、
 前記リセット回路は、前記リセット信号に応答して前記第1乃至第4の電源ノードのいずれかをハイインピーダンス状態とすることを特徴とする請求項3に記載の半導体装置。
The first inverter is operated by a voltage applied between the first and second power supply nodes,
The second inverter is operated by a voltage applied between the third and fourth power supply nodes,
4. The semiconductor device according to claim 3, wherein the reset circuit sets any one of the first to fourth power supply nodes in a high impedance state in response to the reset signal.
 前記第1のインバータは、第1及び第2の電源ノード間に印加される第1の電圧によって動作し、
 前記第2のインバータは、第3及び第4の電源ノード間に印加される第2の電圧によって動作し、
 前記リセット回路は、前記リセット信号に応答して前記第1及び第2の電圧の少なくとも一方を、通常動作時よりも低下させることを特徴とする請求項3に記載の半導体装置。
The first inverter is operated by a first voltage applied between the first and second power supply nodes,
The second inverter is operated by a second voltage applied between the third and fourth power supply nodes,
4. The semiconductor device according to claim 3, wherein the reset circuit lowers at least one of the first and second voltages in response to the reset signal as compared with a normal operation.
 前記リセット回路は、前記リセット信号に応答して前記第1及び第2の電圧の少なくとも一方をゼロとすることを特徴とする請求項5に記載の半導体装置。 6. The semiconductor device according to claim 5, wherein the reset circuit sets at least one of the first and second voltages to zero in response to the reset signal.  前記複数の第1のワード線のうち、前記アクセス履歴が示すアクセス回数が所定値を超えたワード線に関連するアドレスを記憶する第3のメモリセルアレイをさらに備えることを特徴とする請求項1に記載の半導体装置。 2. The memory cell array according to claim 1, further comprising: a third memory cell array that stores an address related to a word line whose number of accesses indicated by the access history exceeds a predetermined value among the plurality of first word lines. The semiconductor device described.  前記第3のメモリセルアレイは、複数の第3のワード線と、前記複数の第3のワード線と交差する複数の第3のビット線と、前記複数の第3のワード線と前記複数の第3のビット線との交点に配置された複数の第3のメモリセルとを含み、
 前記リセット回路は、前記複数の第3のワード線を活性化させた状態で前記複数の第3のビット線に初期値を供給することにより、前記第3のメモリセルアレイに記憶された前記アドレスを消去することを特徴とする請求項7に記載の半導体装置。
The third memory cell array includes a plurality of third word lines, a plurality of third bit lines intersecting with the plurality of third word lines, the plurality of third word lines, and the plurality of third lines. A plurality of third memory cells arranged at intersections with the three bit lines,
The reset circuit supplies the initial value to the plurality of third bit lines in a state where the plurality of third word lines are activated, thereby obtaining the address stored in the third memory cell array. 8. The semiconductor device according to claim 7, wherein the semiconductor device is erased.
 前記第3のメモリセルアレイに記憶された前記アドレスが示す前記複数の第1のワード線のいずれかにアクセスするアドレス発生部をさらに備えることを特徴とする請求項7に記載の半導体装置。 8. The semiconductor device according to claim 7, further comprising an address generation unit that accesses any one of the plurality of first word lines indicated by the address stored in the third memory cell array.  前記アドレス発生部は、リフレッシュコマンドに応答して前記アドレスが示す前記複数の第1のワード線のいずれかにアクセスすることを特徴とする請求項9に記載の半導体装置。 10. The semiconductor device according to claim 9, wherein the address generation unit accesses one of the plurality of first word lines indicated by the address in response to a refresh command.
PCT/JP2014/053406 2013-02-18 2014-02-14 Reset circuit for memory-cell array that stores access history Ceased WO2014126182A1 (en)

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