Double-Coil Inductive Links for Z-Axis Memory Crosstalk Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

In high-density z-axis memories (ZAMs), adjacent inductive links experience significant magnetic interference, leading to reduced signal-to-interference and noise ratio (SINR), which can halve memory access speed and require complex equalizer designs and higher power consumption.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a double coil pair inductive coupling links, driven in common or differential current modes, to reduce interference by generating counteracting magnetic fields, allowing simultaneous operation of adjacent links.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If single coil inductive links are used in high-density z-axis memories, then memory cell density can be increased, but magnetic interference between adjacent links significantly reduces SINR

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvememory cell densityVSAvoidmagnetic interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides a single coil structure into two separate coils (first coil and second coil) that are driven independently. This segmentation allows the magnetic fields from adjacent links to be independently controlled and cancelled, resolving the magnetic interference problem while maintaining high memory cell density in z-axis memories

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the harmful magnetic interference from adjacent inductive links into a beneficial effect by using the interference pattern itself to cancel out crosstalk. By driving the first and second coils with complementary signals, the magnetic field from one coil cancels the interference from adjacent links, transforming the harmful interference into a useful cancellation mechanism that improves SINR

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Reliability

If complex equalizer design and error coding are implemented to ensure data recovery, then data reliability is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata recoveryVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-cancelling magnetic interference through the double coil configuration before data transmission occurs. By establishing counteracting magnetic fields in advance, the system prevents interference from affecting the signal, thereby maintaining high data reliability without requiring additional power-consuming equalization and error correction operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If adjacent inductive links are driven simultaneously for high throughput, then memory access speed improves, but magnetic interference reduces SINR by half

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvememory access speedVSAvoidmagnetic interference
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables simultaneous driving of adjacent inductive links by converting the harmful magnetic interference into a beneficial cancellation effect. The first and second coils are driven with complementary signals that create opposing magnetic fields, which cancel out the interference from simultaneously operating adjacent links, thereby maintaining high memory access speed without SINR degradation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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

The double coil pair configuration enhances SINR by up to 11.9 dB, reduces crosstalk, and improves memory access speed while lowering power consumption and die area requirements.

Implementation Method 1

Communication between the host dies and the ZAMs is realized through inductive coupling links

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

the magnetic interference may impact the signal to interference and noise ratio (SINR) significantly

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentEP4672244A1Double coil inductive scheme and modulation for z-axis memory links
Publication Date: 2025.12.31 INTEL CORP
  • EP4672244A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4672244A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4672244A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Disclosed herein are devices, systems, and methods for driving inductive links in a memory such as a z-axis memory. The memory includes a first memory cell connected via a first inductive link comprising a first pair of double coils and a second memory cell connected via a second inductive link comprising a second pair of double coils. The first inductive link is arranged adjacent to the second inductive link. A driver circuit is configured to simultaneously drive the first and second pair of double coils with a drive current to read or write the first and second memory cells using the first and second inductive links.