Methods For Reducing Power Dissipation In Drowsy Caches And For Retaining Data In Cache-Memory Sleep Mode

摘要

A method for refreshing static random access memory comprises providing at least one six-transistor static random access memory cell disposed on a substrate and providing a light source emitting light. The six-transistor static random access memory cell comprises two storage nodes, two pass transistors, two load transistors, and two driver transistors, the drain diffusion regions of the load transistors forming pn-junctions with the substrate. A portion of the light emitted by the light source is absorbed and converted to minority carriers in the substrate, The minority carriers diffuse through the substrate, and a portion of the minority carriers reach the pn-junctions and cause the pn-junctions to generate electrical current. The electrical current generated charges the storage nodes.