Multi-Deck Cross-Point Memory Socket Layout for Decoder Coupling

Solution Overview

Problem

Increasing the number of decks in cross-point memory systems beyond four is hindered by yield and complexity in coupling access lines to decoders, leading to challenges in efficiently arranging sockets for additional access lines.

Innovation Solution

A cross-point memory system is divided into a grid of sub-blocks, with sockets for access lines arranged in specific periods and configurations, allowing for efficient coupling to decoders, even when intersecting access lines at their ends or middles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If the number of decks is increased beyond four, then memory cell density is improved, but yield and complexity in coupling access lines to decoders deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvememory cell densityVSAvoidyield

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The memory array is divided into multiple decks (first deck, second deck, third deck, fourth deck) with each deck containing a portion of the memory cells. This segmentation allows the system to scale memory capacity by adding decks while managing complexity through modular organization. The access lines are also segmented to couple with specific decks, enabling selective access and reducing coupling complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a two-dimensional memory array to a three-dimensional stacked architecture by adding multiple decks vertically. This dimensional change increases memory cell density without proportionally increasing the footprint area. The access lines extend through multiple decks in the vertical dimension, enabling efficient coupling to decoders while maintaining scalability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Quantity of substance

If the number of decks is increased beyond four, then memory cell density is improved, but device complexity in arranging sockets for access lines deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvememory cell densityVSAvoidsocket arrangement complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The memory array is divided into multiple decks (first deck, second deck, third deck, fourth deck) with each deck containing a portion of the memory cells. This segmentation allows the system to scale memory capacity by adding decks while managing complexity through modular organization. The access lines are also segmented to couple with specific decks, enabling selective access and reducing coupling complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The socket architecture is designed to universally couple access lines across multiple decks using a standardized interface. The same socket configuration and coupling methodology can be applied to any number of decks, providing multi-functionality and scalability. This universal approach reduces the complexity of arranging sockets for additional access lines, as the same design patterns can be reused.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12604485B2Cross point array architecture for multiple decks

Publication Date: 2026.04.14 MICRON TECHNOLOGY INC

AI summary

Methods, systems, and devices for cross point array architecture for multiple decks are described. A memory array may include multiple decks, such as six or eight decks. The memory array may also include sockets for coupling access lines with associated decoders. The sockets may be included in sub-blocks of the array. A sub-block may be configured to include sockets for multiple access lines. A socket may intersect an access line in the middle of the access line, or at an end of the access line. Sub-blocks containing sockets for an access line may be separated by a period based on the access line.