Abstract: An apparatus determining a weighting function for line prediction coding coefficients quantization converts a linear prediction coding (LPC) coefficient of an input signal into one of a line spectral frequency (LSF) coefficient and an immitance spectral frequency (ISF) coefficient and determines a weighting function associated with one of an importance of the ISF coefficient and importance of the LSF coefficient using one of the converted ISF coefficient and the converted LSF coefficient.

Abstract: A noise suppression device includes a phase difference derived suppression coefficient computation section that over a phase difference utilization range computes for each frequency a phase difference derived suppression coefficient based on a phase difference, an amplitude ratio derived suppression coefficient computation section that computes for each frequency an amplitude ratio derived suppression coefficient based on an amplitude ratio or an amplitude difference, and based on the amplitude conditions, and a suppression section that suppresses noise contained in the input sound signals based on a suppression coefficient determined by using the phase difference derived suppression coefficient and the amplitude ratio derived suppression coefficient.

Abstract: The present invention relates to transposing signals in time and/or frequency and in particular to coding of audio signals. More particular, the present invention relates to high frequency reconstruction (HFR) methods including a frequency domain harmonic transposer. A method and system for generating a transposed output signal from an input signal using a transposition factor T is described. The system comprises an analysis window of length La, extracting a frame of the input signal, and an analysis transformation unit of order M transforming the samples into M complex coefficients. M is a function of the transposition factor T. The system further comprises a nonlinear processing unit altering the phase of the complex coefficients by using the transposition factor T, a synthesis transformation unit of order M transforming the altered coefficients into M altered samples, and a synthesis window of length Ls, generating a frame of the output signal.

Abstract: A signal manipulator for manipulating an audio signal having a transient event may have a transient remover, a signal processor and a signal inserter for inserting a time portion in a processed audio signal at a signal location where the transient event was removed before processing by the transient remover, so that a manipulated audio signal has a transient event not influenced by the processing, whereby the vertical coherence of the transient event is maintained instead of any processing performed in the signal processor, which would destroy the vertical coherence of a transient.

Abstract: A method of bit allocation is described. The method includes, for each among a plurality of vectors, calculating a corresponding one of a plurality of gain factors. The method also includes, for each among the plurality of vectors, calculating a corresponding bit allocation that is based on the gain factor. The method further includes, for at least one among the plurality of vectors, determining that the corresponding bit allocation is not greater than a minimum allocation value. The method additionally includes, in response to the determining, for each of the at least one vector, changing the corresponding bit allocation.

Abstract: The subject disclosure is directed towards dynamically computing anti-aliasing filter coefficients for sample rate conversion in digital audio. In one aspect, for each input-to-output sampling rate ratio (pitch) obtained, anti-aliasing filter coefficients are interpolated based upon the pitch (e.g., using the fractional part of the ratio) from two filters (coefficient sets) selected based upon the pitch (e.g., using the integer part of the ratio). The interpolation provides for fine-grained cutoff frequencies, and by re-computation for each pitch, smooth anti-aliasing with dynamically changing ratios.

Abstract: A method is provided for automatically reclaiming areas with unneeded data in a tape cartridge (medium) storing files updated by appended writing. In this reclamation method, the appended writing entails the sequential compression of data needed by the updated file (needed data) and data not needed by the file (unneeded data) and storage of the compressed data on the medium, and the medium is divided into at least three data partitions for the storage of data.

Abstract: In general, techniques are described for writing data to a storage device that comprises an interface and a controller. The interface may receive a request to sequentially write data stored in a first group of tracks to an I-region, where the first group of tracks was also previously written. The controller may move data stored in a second group of consecutive tracks different than the first group of tracks from the I-region to an E-region, the second group having cardinality equal to the tracks that must be moved for the first group to be written sequentially in the I-region. The E-region comprises a portion of the storage device reserved for temporary storage. The controller may determine a position of the I-region where data from one of the second group was previously stored, and write data from the first group of tracks sequentially to the I-region, starting at the position.

Abstract: The back EMF (BEMF) of a motor is sensed and compared to a target back EMF (BEMF) to generate an error control signal. The circuit supply voltage is also sensed. A PWM motor control signal is generated in response to a comparison of the error control signal to a ramp signal having a variable slope. The variable slope is selected in response to the sensed circuit supply voltage. The motor is then driven in response to the PWM control signal. The sign of the error control signal is used to selectively short one of motor terminals to a reference voltage supply node while the other motor terminal is driven in response to the PWM control signal.

Abstract: A hard bias (HB) structure for producing longitudinal bias to stabilize a free layer in an adjacent spin valve is disclosed and includes a composite seed layer made of at least Ta and a metal layer having a fcc(111) or hcp(001) texture to enhance perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (PMA) in an overlying (Co/Ni)x laminated layer. The (Co/Ni)x HB layer deposition involves low power and high Ar pressure to avoid damaging Co/Ni interfaces and thereby preserves PMA. A capping layer is formed on the HB layer to protect against etchants in subsequent process steps. After initialization, magnetization direction in the HB layer is perpendicular to the sidewalls of the spin valve and generates an Mrt value that is greater than from an equivalent thickness of CoPt. A non-magnetic metal separation layer may be formed on the capping layer and spin valve to provide an electrical connection between top and bottom shields.

Abstract: A method for making a current-perpendicular-to-the-plane magnetoresistive sensor structure produces a top electrode that is “self-aligned” on the top of the sensor and with a width less than the sensor trackwidth. A pair of walls of ion-milling resistant material are fabricated to a predetermined height above the biasing layers at the sensor side edges. A layer of electrode material is then deposited onto the top of the sensor between the two walls. The walls serve as a mask during angled ion milling to remove outer portions of the electrode layer. The height of the walls and the angle of ion milling determines the width of the resulting top electrode. This leaves the reduced-width top electrode located on the sensor. Because of the directional ion milling using walls that are aligned with the sensor side edges, the reduced-width top electrode is self-aligned in the center of the sensor.

Abstract: A suspension flexure is provided. The suspension flexure includes a steel layer, a polyimide layer above the steel layer, and a copper layer on the polyimide layer comprising a plurality of dual opposing cantilevered copper pads.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a suspension for a head of a data storage device is disclosed, the method comprising etching at least one continuous cycle of a periodic pattern on the suspension, wherein a first part of the continuous cycle adjusts a pitch static attitude (PSA) of the suspension and a second part of the continuous cycle adjusts a roll static attitude (RSA) of the suspension.

Abstract: A first friction coefficient that is modeled as affecting a rotational velocity of a voice coil motor is modified. A second friction coefficient that is modeled as affecting a rotational acceleration of the voice coil motor is also modified. The first and second friction coefficients change in response to a change in ambient temperature. A control effort used to control the voice coil motor is changed based on the modified first and second friction coefficients.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed having a write fault threshold for a set of tracks. A set of tracks may have a shared write fault threshold budget, and a write fault threshold for the second track may be selected based on the shared budget reduced by an off-track position error signal value of the first track. In certain embodiments, an apparatus may comprise a processor configured to determine a position error signal value for a first data track, set a write fault threshold for a second data track adjacent to the first data track based on the position error signal, and write data to the second data track based on the write fault threshold.

Abstract: A system comprises a disk writer servo head and a controller. The disk writer servo head is configured to be positioned by a micro actuator. The disk writer servo head is also configured to substantially, continuously alternate between reading a first servo pattern and writing a second servo pattern until a disk is substantially, completely servo written. The first servo pattern establishes a first position of the disk writer servo head and the second servo pattern establishes a second position of the disk writer servo head. The controller is configured to control the operation of the disk writer servo head. The controller is also configured to compare the first and second positions to establish a position error. The micro actuator is configured to reposition the disk writer servo head in response to the position error prior to a next reading.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a crystallized glass which has various properties required for employing the substrate for information recording medium of the next generation, and also has significantly low specific gravity; and a crystallized glass substrate for information recording medium. A crystallized glass containing, as a crystal phase, one or more selected from RAl2O4 and R2TiO4 (wherein R is one or more selected from Mg and Fe), the crystallized glass comprising the components of SiO2 of 50% to 70%, Al2O3 of 10% to 26%, TiO2 of 1 to 15%, MgO of 2.5% to 25%, FeO of 0% to 8%, and ZnO of 0% to less than 2%, expressed in terms of mass percentage on an oxide basis, wherein the value of (Al2O3+MgO)/SiO2 is 0.30 or more and 0.65 or less, and a specific gravity is less than 2.63.

Abstract: A perpendicular magnetic recording disk includes a template layer below a Ru or Ru alloy underlayer, with a granular Co alloy recording layer formed on the underlayer. substrate. The template layer comprises nanoparticles spaced-apart and partially embedded within a polymer material, with the nanoparticles protruding above the surface of the polymer material. A seed layer covers the surface of the polymer material and the protruding nanoparticles and an underlayer of Ru or a Ru alloy covers the seed layer. The protruding nanoparticles serve as the controlled nucleation sites for the Ru or Ru alloy atoms. The nanoparticle-to-nanoparticle distances can be controlled during the formation of the template layer. This enables control of the Co alloy grain diameter distribution as well as grain-to-grain distance distribution.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the present invention, provided is glass for use in substrate for information recording medium, which comprises, denoted as molar percentages, a total of 70 to 85 percent of SiO2 and Al2O3, where SiO2 content is equal to or greater than 50 percent and Al2O3 content is equal to or greater than 3 percent; a total of equal to or greater than 10 percent of Li2O, Na2O and K2O; a total of 1 to 6 percent of CaO and MgO, where CaO content is greater than MgO content; a total of greater than 0 percent but equal to or lower than 4 percent of ZrO2, HfO2, Nb2O5, Ta2O5, La2O3 Y2O3 and TiO2; with the molar ratio of the total content of Li2O, Na2O and K2O to the total content of SiO2, Al2O3, ZrO2, HfO2, Nb2O5, Ta2O5, La2O3, Y2O3 and TiO2 ((Li2O+Na2O+K2O)/(SiO2+Al2O3+ZrO2+HfO2+Nb2O5+Ta2O5+La2O3+Y2O3+TiO2)) being equal to or less than 0.28.

Abstract: According to embodiments of the present invention, a method for manufacturing a recording medium for heat-assisted-magnetic-recording (HAMR) is provided. The method includes forming an underlayer on a substrate, the underlayer including a precursor material, epitaxially depositing an interlayer on the underlayer, forming a recording layer over the interlayer, and converting the precursor material to a converted material having a thermal conductivity that is higher than a thermal conductivity of the recording layer. According to further embodiments of the present invention, another method for manufacturing a recording medium for heat-assisted-magnetic-recording (HAMR) and a recording medium for heat-assisted-magnetic-recording (HAMR) are also provided.

Abstract: A method and system for reducing storage requirements and speeding up storage operations by reducing the storage of redundant data includes receiving a request that identifies one or more data objects to which to apply a storage operation. For each data object, the storage system determines if the data object contains data that matches another data object to which the storage operation was previously applied. If the data objects do not match, then the storage system performs the storage operation in a usual manner. However, if the data objects do match, then the storage system may avoid performing the storage operation.

Abstract: A storage medium includes a content storage portion for storing content and a bookmark storage portion for storing a bookmark value. An associated player for playing the content includes a user interface for presenting the content to a user, a processor for presenting the content to the user interface starting at a starting segment of the content in accordance with the bookmark value, and a medium interface for reversibly operationally connecting the player to the storage medium to deliver the content and the bookmark value to the processor. The player plays the content until an ending segment is reached, and sets the bookmark value in accordance with the ending segment, so that subsequent playing, on the same player or on a different player, starts in accordance with the ending segment. The starting segment is selected either by the player or by the storage medium.

Abstract: A method includes setting a heat assisted magnetic recording (HAMR) device located in a data storage system having a laser to an operating temperature. A threshold laser current is determined. An optimal laser current is determined. The threshold laser current and the optimal laser current are stored in memory. The steps of determining a threshold laser current, determining an optimal laser current and storing the threshold laser current and the optimal laser current into the calibration table are repeated until acceptable device performance is achieved at more than one operating temperature.

Abstract: A plasmon generator includes a first portion and a second portion that are adjacent in a first direction orthogonal to the direction of travel of light propagating through a core. The second portion includes a front end face located in a medium facing surface of a magnetic head. The core has a concave portion recessed from the top surface of the core. At least part of the first portion is received in the concave portion. The concave portion has a surface including an evanescent light generating portion. The first portion includes a plasmon exciting portion opposed to the evanescent light generating portion. The evanescent light generating portion is inclined relative to a first surface.

Abstract: Storing data to a storage medium with a device that has moving parts supported by a bearing and which maintains separation between opposing bearing surfaces in the bearing with a pressurized working fluid.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a system for processing data includes a controller configured to: receive data read from a magnetic storage medium, apply a finite impulse response (FIR) filter to the data to obtain equalized data, and direct the equalized data through either a first FIR gain module or a second FIR gain module to control FIR gain of the equalized data, wherein the first FIR gain module is utilized when reading data in an asynchronous mode, and wherein the second FIR gain module is utilized when reading data in a synchronous mode and a FIR gain value of the second FIR gain module is automatically controlled. Other systems and methods for processing data using dynamic gain control with adaptive equalizers are presented according to more embodiments.

Abstract: A disk drive including a disk storing a defect log including one or more defect records, wherein each of the defect records spans multiple words and comprises chunks which are word aligned, each chunk comprising one or more record fields, and a controller configured to read the defect records on a word basis. A method for performing a defect process on the disk drive including selecting a defect record from the defect log, selecting record fields in the selected defect record, reading the selected defect record on a word basis, and searching the selected record fields which are located in a same chunk of the selected record at a same time to determine when the selected defect record matches a target defect record.

Abstract: Systems and methods for reducing operational latency of data storage systems are disclosed. More particularly, a data storage device can perform conditioning operations on inactive zones while the data storage device is idle. When an active zone is the target of a write command, the data storage device can exchange a conditioned inactive zone for the unconditioned target zone. The write operation can be performed immediately on the previously-inactive already-conditioned zone. At a later time, the target zone can be conditioned.

Abstract: A method for off track prediction comprises predicting a position error signal (PES) of a write head, comparing the predicted PES to an adaptive threshold, and preventing a write operation of the write head if the predicted PES exceeds the adaptive threshold. The adaptive threshold is a function of an on-cylinder limit, a smoothed standard deviation of an actual PES, and a smoothed standard deviation of the predicted PES.

Abstract: An external application is loaded by an electronic device. The external application loads one or more internal applications. The internal application loads a player application, such as a video player. At least one communication channel is configured between the external application and the player application. Subsequently, the player application may provide signals to the external application via the communication connection when one or more events occur. In response, the external application may perform one or more actions and/or may provide reply signals to the player application. Additionally, the player application may provide instructions to the external application and/or the external application may provide instructions to the player application.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus comprising that includes a reproduction unit to reproduce video content comprising a plurality of frames; a memory to store a table including object identification information identifying an object image, and frame identification information identifying a frame of the plurality of frames that includes the object image; and a processor to extract the frame including the object image from the video content and generate display data of a reduced image corresponding to the frame for display.

Abstract: A video generating apparatus includes: a segmentation unit dividing each of pictures included in an input video sequence into multiple regions as divided regions, and generating partial video sequences each having a set of the divided regions associated with one another between the pictures; a removal region determining unit determining, as a removal region, a region of at least one of the objects included in the input video sequence; an occluded region completing unit generating a completed video sequence by completing an image in an occluded region for each of the partial video sequences, thereby completing the partial video sequences and by superimposing the completed partial video sequences over one another, the occluded region being a region of an other object occluded in the removal region by the at least one object; and a video outputting unit outputting the completed video sequence.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing stored data packets in a media data container and stored associated meta information in a metadata container, the associated meta information having transport timing information and location information indicating a storage location of the stored data packets in the media data container, the apparatus having a processor for determining, based on the stored data packets and the stored associated meta information, decoding information for a media payload of the stored data packets, wherein the decoding information indicates at which time instant to replay which payload of the stored data packets.

Abstract: Described herein are system(s), method(s), and apparatus for embedding personal video recorder functions at the picture level. In one embodiment, there is presented a computer readable medium for storing a data structure. The data structure comprises a picture header and at least one command following the picture header.

Abstract: A video map comprising bookmark generating data that enables a user to avoid to manually navigate a menu and a trailer provided with a video; seek/step data identifying, for each of a plurality of video frames within the video, a navigation point and a number of video frames that are required to step to a video frame, the seek/step data enabling a navigator to seek to a navigation point appropriate to a begin video frame of a video segment, to step to the begin video frame of the video segment, and to begin playing at the begin video frame of the video segment; and segment information defining a begin video frame and an end video frame of each of a plurality of video segments within the video, the segment information enabling a playing of a presentation of the video less in length than the length of the video.

Abstract: A CD-vinyl record player comprising a CD door, small turntable, bearing element, record player axle, mini-bearing, big turntable, record player main base, CD motor frame, turntable frame, CD main base, bearing, bearing cover, and CD motor. The CD door is connected to the small turntable through a mini-bearing, and the record player axle is installed in the center of the CD door. The bearing element is above the CD door and connected to the record player axle. The big turntable is above the record player main base. The bottom of the record player main base connects to the turntable frame. The CD motor frame is above CD main base. The bearing is at the center of record player main base, and has the bearing cover on top. The CD motor is at center of the bottom of the turntable frame. The invention combines a vinyl record player and CD player into one player.

Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for sharing internal power supplies in integrated circuit devices is described. A multiple device integrated circuit 200 including multiple integrated circuits 202-205 each having internal power supplies is contained in an enclosure 201. Integrated circuits 202-205 are described showing how to make external connection to internal power supplies. Connections 208-212 are provided to the internal power supplies of each of devices 202-205. Another embodiment 500 of the system provides for disablement of regulators in multiple integrated circuits 502, 503, and 504 by another integrated circuit 501 for power consumption reduction. The method FIG. 6 includes providing devices and connecting the internal power supplies together. An integrated circuit 501 with a power supply 400 adapted to the system and method with additional circuitry 308, 404 and 402 for disabling a regulator 306 is described.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention discloses a method for writing concurrently a binary logical value to one or more dummy memory cells in a dummy bit line pair. A diode is electrically connected between a power supply and the positive power supply line connected to the dummy memory cells. The binary logical value is then driven on to the dummy bit line pair. Next, one or more dummy word lines are driven to a logical high allowing selected dummy memory cells to be written with the binary logical value. After the selected dummy memory cells have been written to, the one or more dummy word lines are driven to a logical low. Next the diode is disabled by turning on a PFET connected between the power supply and the positive power supply line. Turning on the PFET also electrically connects the power supply to the positive power supply line.

Abstract: A semiconductor memory device includes two memory cell arrays, a sense amplifier shared by the two memory cell arrays; and a control circuit configured to control data readout from the two memory cell arrays. Each memory cell array includes word lines, two or more bit lines, a dummy word line, memory cells provided at intersections of the bit lines and the word lines, and dummy cells provided at intersections of selected bit lines and the dummy word line. When the control circuit reads data from one memory cell array, the control circuit activates the dummy word line included in the other memory cell array and generates, with the dummy cell included in the other memory cell array, a reference level of the sense amplifier.

Abstract: Semiconductor device capable of preventing off-leakage of the transistor may include a pulse voltage generator configured to generate a pulse voltage, and a transistor configured to have a gate provided with the pulse voltage. The transistor is in an off state in response to the pulse voltage.

Abstract: An apparatus having a circuit and a decoder is disclosed. The circuit is configured to (i) adjust an initial one of a plurality of reference voltages in a read channel of a memory by shifting the initial reference voltage an amount toward a center of a window and (ii) read a codeword from the memory a number of times. The window bounds a sweep of the reference voltages. Each retry of the reads uses a respective reference voltage from a pattern of the reference voltages. The pattern is symmetrically spaced about the initial reference voltage. The pattern fits in the window. The decoder is configured to generate read data by performing an iterative decoding procedure on the codeword based on the reads.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are contemplated in which the apparatus may include a memory with a plurality of pages, circuitry, and a plurality of pre-charge circuits. The circuitry may be configured to receive a first read command and address, corresponding to a given page. The plurality of pre-charge circuits may be configured to charge a plurality of data lines to a predetermined voltage. The circuitry may be configured to read data values from the memory, and transfer the data values to the plurality of data lines. The plurality of pre-charge circuits may be configured to maintain the data on the plurality of data lines. The circuitry may select a first subset of the maintained data, receive a second read command and a second address by the memory, and select a second subset of the maintained data responsive to a determination that the second address corresponds to the given page.

Abstract: The semiconductor device includes a first data aligner, an input strobe signal generator and a second data aligner. The first data aligner aligns input data in synchronization with an internal strobe signal to generate alignment data. The input strobe signal generator generates first and second delay signals from the internal strobe signal. The input strobe signal generator also latches an input clock signal generated from an external clock signal after a write latency period from a period when a write operation commences, in response to the first and second delay signals to generate an input strobe signal. The second data aligner re-aligns the alignment data in synchronization with the input strobe signal to generate internal data.

Abstract: Apparatuses, circuits, and methods are disclosed for biasing signal lines in a memory array. In one such example the memory array includes a signal line coupled to a plurality of memory cells and is configured to provide access to the plurality of memory cells responsive to a biasing condition of the signal line. The memory array also includes a signal line driver coupled to the signal line, the signal line driver configured to provide a biasing signal to the signal line and to provide a preemphasis in the biasing signal responsive to a control signal. The control signal is responsive to an operating condition.

Abstract: A magnetic device includes a magnetized polarizing layer, a free magnetic layer, and a reference layer. The free magnetic layer forms a first electrode and is separated from the magnetized polarizing layer by a first non-magnetic metal layer. The free magnetic layer has a magnetization vector having a first and second stable state. The reference layer forms a second electrode and is separated from the free-magnetic layer by a second non-magnetic layer. Unipolar current is sourced through the polarizing, free magnetic and reference layers. Switching of the magnetization vector of the free magnetic layer from the first stable state to the second state is initiated by application of a first unipolar current pulse, and switching of the magnetization vector of the free magnetic layer from the second stable state to the first stable state is initiated by application of a second unipolar current pulse.

Abstract: A semiconductor storage device according to the present embodiment includes a plurality of bit lines, a plurality of word lines, and a plurality of memory cells corresponding to intersections between the bit lines and the word lines, respectively, and including magnetic tunnel junction elements capable of storing data. A plurality of sense amplifiers respectively correspond to the bit lines and are configured to detect data stored in the memory cells via a bit line selected from among the corresponding bit lines. A plurality of read latch parts correspond to the sense amplifiers, respectively, and are configured to latch data detected by the corresponding sense amplifiers. A plurality of read global data buses are connected to the read latch parts, respectively, and are configured to consecutively transmit data latched by the read latch parts at a time of a data read operation.

Abstract: Magnetic memory devices include a magnetoresistive cell including a free layer having a variable magnetization direction and a pinned layer having a fixed magnetization direction, a bit line on the magnetoresistive cell and including a spin Hall effect material layer exhibiting a spin Hall effect and contacting the free layer; and a lower electrode under the magnetoresistive cell. A voltage is applied between the bit line and the lower electrode so that current passes through the magnetoresistive cell.

Abstract: A magnetic domain wall motion memory according to an embodiment includes: a magnetic memory nanowire; a write magnetic wire intersecting with the magnetic memory nanowire; an intermediate joining portion provided in an intersection region between the write magnetic wire and the magnetic memory nanowire; adjacent pinning portions placed on one of the same side and the opposite side of the write magnetic wire as and from the magnetic memory nanowire; a read unit attached to the magnetic memory nanowire; a pair of first electrodes that applies a write current to the write magnetic wire; and a pair of second electrodes that applies a current for causing the magnetic memory nanowire to move a magnetic domain wall, wherein contact faces of the write magnetic wire in contact with the adjacent pinning portions have magnetization configurations antiparallel to each other.

Abstract: A system on chip (SoC) may have an array ferroelectric bit cells. The array may include a plurality of bit cells organized into a plurality of rows and columns. A set of word lines is configured such that one of the plurality of word lines is connected to each bit cell in a row of bit cells. A set of column oriented platelines is provided, wherein each column of bit cells has one of the plurality of platelines connected to each bit cell in the column of bit cells. A set of bitlines is provided, wherein each column of bit cells has one of the plurality of bitlines connected to each bit cell in the column of bit cells. Multiplexors may be used to allow one plateline drivers, bitline drivers, and sense amps to be shared between multiple platelines and bitlines.

Abstract: A semiconductor memory apparatus may include a row address control block configured to output an address as a row address or output a counted signal as the row address in response to a refresh signal and the address, and generate an auto-precharge signal and a pre-bank active signal in response to the refresh signal and a bank active signal. The semiconductor memory apparatus may include a bank control block configured to generate the bank active signal in response to an active signal, a precharge signal, a bank address signal, the auto-precharge signal and the pre-bank active signal.