Blank State Detection in Differential Read Memory Using Time Domain Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
In non-volatile memory systems with differential read, detecting a blank state after an erase operation is challenging due to both cells being in the erased state, leading to unpredictable read results, and existing solutions either require additional analog circuitry or decrease read performance.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that convert current from true and complementary cells into time domain signals, allowing for a blank state detection by comparing these signals with a reference time domain signal, using current-to-voltage and voltage-to-time conversion stages, and additional latches for determining valid logic states without significant area increase or performance loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional analog circuitry is used to detect blank state, then blank state detection capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex analog circuitry with a digital signal processing approach. By converting the differential read signals into the time domain and using digital comparison logic, the system achieves blank state detection without requiring additional complex analog components. This substitution of analog mechanisms with digital processing resolves the contradiction by maintaining detection capability while reducing circuit complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the detection parameter from the analog domain to the time domain. By applying Fourier transformation or other time-domain conversion techniques to the differential read signals, the system changes the parameter representation, enabling blank state detection through temporal characteristics rather than analog voltage levels. This parameter transformation allows detection functionality without additional analog circuitry.
2Reliability
If additional analog circuitry is used to detect blank state, then blank state detection capability is improved, but manufacturing area increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the existing read circuitry multi-functional by enabling it to perform both normal data reading and blank state detection through signal processing. The same circuit that reads differential data signals is also used to generate and analyze time-domain signals for blank state determination. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated blank detection circuitry, thereby saving manufacturing area while maintaining detection capability.
3Measurement precision
If complex detection methods are used to detect blank state, then detection accuracy is improved, but read performance decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary signal transformation to the time domain during the normal read operation flow. By converting differential signals to time-domain representations as part of the standard read process, the system prepares the data for both normal interpretation and blank state detection simultaneously. This preliminary action ensures that when blank state detection is needed, the transformation is already complete, avoiding additional processing steps that would degrade read performance.
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
Enables reliable blank state detection without additional complex analog circuitry, maintaining high read performance and efficiency by using time domain comparisons to differentiate between valid data and blank states in differential read memory systems.
Implementation Method 1
a current-to-voltage conversion stage configured to convert a current of the true cell to a voltage of the true cell and a current of the complement cell to a voltage of the complement cell
Implementation Method 2
a voltage-to-time conversion stage configured to convert the voltage of the true cell into a time domain signal of the true cell and the voltage of the complement cell into a time domain signal of the complement cell
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment relates to a method for data processing and comprises determining an electrical variable for each cell of a data bit, transforming each electrical variable into the time domain, and determining a blank state for at least one data bit based on a comparison of the transformed electrical variables.