Charge-Sensing Method for Floating-Source Memory Cells
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional current-sensing and voltage-sensing methods for non-volatile memory cells are ineffective when the source electrode is not grounded, as they rely on current flow to ground or voltage changes, which cannot be achieved in memory cells with a floating source electrode.
Innovation Solution
A charge-sensing method is introduced, where the conductive state of memory cells is determined by charge sharing between the floating source and drain electrodes and a sense amplifier, allowing for the evaluation of the memory cell's state without direct access to the source electrode.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional current-sensing or voltage-sensing methods are used, then memory cells with grounded source electrodes can be effectively read, but memory cells with floating source electrodes cannot be sensed because they rely on current flow to ground or voltage changes that cannot occur in floating-source configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a sense amplifier that acts as an intermediary by capacitively coupling to the floating source electrode. This sense amplifier measures charge sharing between the floating source and the sense amplifier input, enabling detection of memory cell state without direct electrical connection to the floating source electrode, thus resolving the incompatibility between conventional sensing methods and floating-source architecture
2Productivity
If the source electrode is made floating to enable new memory architectures, then device integration and scalability are improved, but conventional sensing methods become ineffective
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional electrical measurement approach (current flow or voltage change) with a charge-sharing measurement approach. By utilizing capacitive coupling and measuring charge redistribution between the floating source electrode and the sense amplifier, the system can detect memory cell state without requiring direct electrical access, thus enabling high-density integration with floating-source structures
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 accurate determination of the memory cell's conductive state through charge sharing, overcoming the limitations of traditional sensing methods and allowing for reliable data retrieval in memory cells with floating source electrodes.
Implementation Method 1
the conductive state of the memory cell is determined by charge sharing between the floating source and drain electrodes and a sense amplifier
Data Source
AI summary
Algorithms for fast data retrieval, low power consumption in a 3D or planar non-volatile array of memory cells, connected between an accessible drain string and a floating, not directly accessible, source string, in a NOR-logic type of architecture, are presented.