Block Decode Timing for Peak Icc Suppression in Non-Volatile Memory
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Solution Overview
Problem
Non-volatile memory systems experience significant current spikes (Icc) during operations due to the charging of unselected word lines and bit lines, especially when multiple memory dies are operated in parallel, leading to performance degradation and increased power consumption.
Innovation Solution
Implement techniques to manage Icc spikes by introducing relative delays based on the programming state of memory blocks, using distributed temperature sensing to adjust bias levels, and applying different block decoding parameters to reduce current peaks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple memory dies are operated in parallel to increase processing throughput, then productivity is improved, but current spikes (Icc) increase causing power consumption to worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by sensing the programming state of memory blocks before executing read operations. The controller determines whether blocks are open or closed in advance, then selectively applies block select voltages only when necessary. This prevents unnecessary current spikes by avoiding voltage application to blocks that don't require it, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining high throughput from parallel operations.
2Reliability
If block select voltage is applied to all blocks during read operation, then reliability of read operation is improved, but current spikes increase causing performance degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by differentiating the treatment of individual memory blocks based on their programming state. Instead of uniformly applying block select voltages to all blocks, the controller selectively applies voltages only to blocks that require them (open blocks). This localized approach maintains read reliability for blocks that need it while avoiding performance degradation from unnecessary voltage application to blocks that don't require it (closed blocks).
Data Source
AI summary
To reduce Icc spikes during the operation of a non-volatile memory device, different block decoding parameters can be used based on whether a block is open or closed. For blocks that are open or in other high Icc conditions, such as first read, the timing for the block decode control signals, the block decode voltage levels, or a combination of these can be used to lower Icc spikes.