Patent ID: 6292420
Filing Date: 2001-09-18
Classification: G11C

Abstract:
A method for automatically performing a refresh operation in a semiconductor memory device having a plurality of input buffers, comprising:a step for buffering externally-inputted signals;a step for decoding one of the buffered signals, and generating an auto refresh signal having a predetermined level;a step for generating a row active signal which is enabled or disabled in response to the auto refresh signal;a step for generating a delay signal delayed as long as a RAS cycle time in response to the row active signal;a step for generating a control signal for controlling the plurality of input buffers by combining clock signals from a clock buffer and a clock enable buffer among the plurality of input buffer, the auto, refresh signal, and the delay signal; anda step for disabling the operation of the plurality of input buffers in an auto refresh mode by using the control signal which is enabled or disabled in response to the auto refresh signal and the delay signal.