Cache Register Release for Overlapping Memory Programming

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing memory programming algorithms result in prolonged programming times due to the cache register being released only after the completion of all programming loops and voltage discharge phases, preventing new data from being loaded until the previous operation is finalized, leading to inefficiencies and potential data recovery issues.

Innovation Solution

Implementing an advanced cache register release mechanism based on a prediction condition, allowing the cache register to be released early during the programming process, enabling parallel execution of subsequent operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the cache register is released only after completion of all programming loops and voltage discharge phases, then data integrity and programming completion are ensured, but programming time is prolonged and bus efficiency is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata integrityVSAvoidprogramming time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by releasing the cache register before the voltage discharge phase completes. The cache register is released after programming loops are finished but before voltage discharge, allowing the next programming operation to start preparing data in advance. This eliminates the waiting time where the bus would be idle, thereby reducing overall programming time while maintaining data integrity through controlled release timing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If the cache register is released early during programming, then programming time is reduced and bus efficiency is improved, but data integrity and programming completion may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprogramming speedVSAvoiddata integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent ensures data integrity by releasing the cache register at a specific preliminary point - after programming loops complete but before voltage discharge. This timing ensures all programming data is fully written to memory cells before release, while still allowing early start of next operation. The controlled preliminary release maintains reliability while enabling productivity improvement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses feedback mechanisms through status signals (RB - ready/busy) to track programming operation completion. The cache register release is triggered based on feedback from programming loop completion status, ensuring that release occurs only when programming data is fully committed, thus maintaining data integrity while enabling early operation start.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If the cache register remains busy until programming completion, then data safety is ensured, but subsequent operations cannot overlap and bus efficiency is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata safetyVSAvoidbus efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by preparing the next programming operation in advance. After the current operation's programming loops complete, the cache register is released to allow the next operation to load data prematurely. This overlapping of operations increases bus efficiency while the controlled release timing ensures data safety is maintained.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent achieves continuity of useful action by enabling overlapping programming operations. The cache register release allows the bus to continue transferring data for the next operation while the current operation is still in voltage discharge phase. This eliminates idle time and maintains continuous productive action, improving bus efficiency while preserving data safety through proper release sequencing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentUS20260004850A1Execution of multiple programming operations using cache register release in a memory sub-system

Publication Date: 2026.01.01 MICRON TECHNOLOGY INC

AI summary

Control logic in a memory device initiates a first programming operation to program a set of memory cells of the memory device to a target programming level of a set of programming levels. A programming status associated with the first programming operation is determined. In response to determining the programming status satisfies a condition, a first set of data associated with the first programming operation is caused to be released from a cache register prior to completion of the first programming operation. A second set of data associated with a second programming operation is caused to be stored in the cache register.