Patent ID: 6493281
Filing Date: 2002-12-10
Classification: G11C

Abstract:
A method for refreshing a semiconductor device having a memory cell array that is divided in a plurality of blocks, the method comprising:an operation step of placing the semiconductor device in an operation state; a first detection signal generation step of generating a first detection signal that is a detection signal representative of a change of an address signal of the semiconductor device during the operation state; and a first refreshing step of conducting refreshing, based on the first detection signal, for a block among the plurality of blocks other than a block that is externally accessed, wherein the first refreshing step further comprises: a first refreshing request step of generating a refreshing request for each of the plurality of blocks based on the first detection signal; and a first refresh execution step of conducting refreshing, based on the first refreshing request, for the block among the plurality of blocks other than the block to be accessed.