Bonded PLD-NAND Memory Stack With Vertical Interconnects

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for integrating NAND flash memory and programmable logic devices result in high cross-talk and signal delay, leading to increased cost and limited working frequency, while existing FPGA applications are constrained by chip area consumption and RC delay.

Innovation Solution

A semiconductor device is fabricated by bonding a programmable logic device with an array of SRAM cells and an array of NAND memory cells, utilizing short-distance vertical metal interconnects to reduce chip size and improve data transfer rates, with the programmable logic device and NAND memory integrated on a bonded chip.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional methods for integrating NAND flash memory and programmable logic devices are used, then device functionality is achieved, but cross-talk and signal delay increase leading to higher cost and limited working frequency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal qualityVSAvoidworking frequency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from conventional planar integration to three-dimensional vertical stacking, where NAND flash memory and programmable logic devices are stacked in the vertical dimension and interconnected through through-silicon vias (TSVs). This dimensional change reduces signal path length and minimizes cross-talk between components, thereby improving signal quality and enabling higher working frequencies.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent divides the integrated device into separate functional stacks: a first stack containing NAND flash memory cells and control gates, and a second stack containing programmable logic devices. These segmented stacks are interconnected through TSVs, allowing independent optimization of each functional block while reducing mutual interference and signal delay.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If FPGA applications use conventional chip designs, then logic functionality is provided, but chip area consumption and RC delay constrain performance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelogic functionalityVSAvoidchip area
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs three-dimensional vertical stacking to accommodate both NAND flash memory and programmable logic devices in the vertical dimension rather than spreading them out in the planar dimension. This reduces chip area consumption while maintaining full logic functionality through the use of TSVs for vertical interconnection between stacked layers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Speed

If shorter interconnect distances are used to reduce chip size, then data transfer rate improves, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transfer rateVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent achieves short interconnect distances by routing connections vertically through TSVs in the z-dimension rather than horizontally across the chip plane. This vertical interconnection approach minimizes signal path length for high-speed data transfer while the modular stacked architecture helps manage manufacturing complexity through standardized integration processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP3891796B1Bonded semiconductor devices having programmable logic device and NAND flash memory and methods for forming the same
Publication Date: 2025.07.30 YANGTZE MEMORY TECH CO LTD
  • EP3891796B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP3891796B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP3891796B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

Embodiments of semiconductor devices and fabrication methods thereof are disclosed. In an example, a semiconductor device includes a first semiconductor structure including a programmable logic device, an array of static random-access memory (SRAM) cells, and a first bonding layer including a plurality of first bonding contacts. The semiconductor device also includes a second semiconductor structure including an array of NAND memory cells and a second bonding layer including a plurality of second bonding contacts. The semiconductor device further includes a bonding interface between the first bonding layer and the second bonding layer. The first bonding contacts are in contact with the second bonding contacts at the bonding interface.