MULTIPORT SEMICONDUCTOR MEMORY DEVICE AND ASSOCIATED REFRESH METHOD

摘要

A semiconductor memory device used in a multiprocessor system is configured to perform a partial refresh operation based on the state of an access port instead of performing a refresh operation per memory bank via a bank address. The multiprocessor system includes a plurality of processors and the memory device includes a memory cell array and a plurality of ports correspondingly connected to the plurality of processors. The memory cell array includes a plurality of memory areas having predetermined memory capacity. Each of the plurality of memory areas is assigned to at least one of the plurality of ports. Each of the plurality of memory areas is accessed by any one of at least one corresponding processors through a corresponding port. A refresh controller is disposed between the plurality of ports and the plurality of memory areas and is configured to refresh at least one memory area assigned to a port connected to a processor which is in a predetermined operating mode.