3D Non-Volatile Memory Current Sensing Programming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 3D stacked non-volatile memory devices face inefficiencies in programming speed and power consumption due to the need for time-consuming scan operations to verify the completion of programming processes.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves monitoring the total current (Icc) drawn by the memory die during the programming process, eliminating the need for scan operations by using an algorithm to compare monitored current values with reference sets to determine when enough memory cells have been successfully programmed, thereby reducing the number of programming and verify pulses and enhancing concurrency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If scan operations are performed to verify programming completion, then programming accuracy is ensured, but programming speed decreases and power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the verification function from the traditional scan operation and implements it through continuous current monitoring during programming. By measuring the current drawn by the memory die and comparing it against reference current values, the system can determine programming completion without performing time-consuming scan operations, thus resolving the contradiction between verification accuracy and programming speed
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the current drawn by the memory die during programming is continuously monitored and fed back to the controller. The controller compares this real-time current information with reference current values to dynamically determine when programming is complete, enabling accurate verification without traditional scan operations and thereby improving programming speed while maintaining accuracy
2Measurement precision
If scan operations are performed to verify programming completion, then programming accuracy is ensured, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the verification function from the power-intensive scan operation and replaces it with continuous current monitoring during programming. This approach uses minimal additional power while maintaining verification accuracy, effectively resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and power consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism using real-time current monitoring to determine programming completion. By continuously measuring the current drawn by the memory die and comparing it with reference values, the system achieves accurate verification without the high power consumption associated with traditional scan operations
3Reliability
If traditional programming and verify pulses are used, then programming completeness is verified, but the process time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous current monitoring throughout the programming process, eliminating the need to pause for separate verify pulses. The useful action of verification is performed continuously in the background through current measurement, allowing programming to proceed without interruption and significantly reducing total process time while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs verification actions preliminarily by continuously monitoring current during programming rather than waiting until programming is complete. This allows the system to detect programming completion in advance and terminate the process early, reducing the time lost to separate verify pulses while ensuring programming completeness
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach allows for faster programming processes, reduced power consumption, and concurrent verification of multiple data states, leading to improved performance and efficiency in 3D stacked non-volatile memory systems.
Implementation Method 1
monitoring a total current (Icc) drawn by the memory die during the programming process
Data Source
AI summary
A non-volatile memory system includes a plurality of non-volatile memory cells, one or more control circuits that perform programming of the memory cells, a power supply line that provides a supply used to program the memory cells, and a current measurement circuit. The current measurement circuit senses an indication of current on the power supply line. The one or more control circuits determine whether the programming of the memory cells is successful based on the indication of current.