Dual Bus Data Mapping for Non-Volatile Memory Sensing

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The scaling down of memory device dimensions leads to significant parasitic capacitance between bit lines, causing coupling noise and read errors, which worsen sensing accuracy and increase bit line settling time, degrading read performance.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a data mapping method that senses odd-numbered bit lines separately from even-numbered bit lines, using dual data buses for same-tier and cross-tier transfers, and configuring sensing circuitry with separate cache access lines to reduce coupling noise and bit line settling time without degrading performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If memory device dimensions are scaled down to increase storage density, then storage capacity is improved, but parasitic capacitance between bit lines increases causing coupling noise and read errors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage capacityVSAvoidread accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the bit line sensing operation into separate segments by alternating between even-numbered and odd-numbered bit lines. This segmentation isolates the sensing operations, reducing capacitive coupling noise between adjacent bit lines and improving read accuracy in scaled-down memory devices

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If conventional sensing methods are used to read all bit lines, then data transfer is simplified, but coupling noise increases and bit line settling time increases degrading read performance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transfer efficiencyVSAvoidbit line settling time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic sensing operations that alternate between even and odd bit line sets. This periodic action allows bit lines to settle more quickly between sensing operations, reducing settling time while maintaining efficient data transfer through structured alternation patterns

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentEP3262653B1Data mapping for non-volatile storage
Publication Date: 2019.04.03 SANDISK TECHNOLOGIES LLC
  • EP3262653B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3262653B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B
  • EP3262653B1 patent drawingFigure 4A

AI summary

Sensing techniques and associated circuitry are provided for use with a memory device. The techniques are suited for sensing operations involving even-numbered or odd-numbered bit lines. In one approach, a mapping between caches and sense amplifiers in a sensing circuit is modified by using dual data buses. One bus is used for same-tier transfers and the other is used for cross-tier transfers. Each tier comprises a set of sense amplifiers and a corresponding set of caches. This approach does not require a modification of the input/output path which is connected to the sensing circuitry.