Dynamic Strobe Skew for Memory Sense Module Peak Current Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing semiconductor memory technologies face challenges in minimizing power consumption, reducing programming time, ensuring data accuracy, and maintaining reliability and speed in consumer electronic devices.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a dynamic strobe signal with variable characteristics, such as strobe skew and pulse width, is applied to sense modules to limit peak current levels during programming and sensing operations, allowing for efficient programming and sensing of memory cells while managing peak current flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a dynamic strobe signal is applied to all sense modules simultaneously, then sensing speed is improved, but peak current level increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the sense modules into multiple groups and applies the dynamic strobe signal to different groups at different times. This segmentation approach allows the system to sense memory cells in parallel across multiple cycles while limiting the peak current to any single group of sense modules, thus resolving the contradiction between sensing speed and peak current level.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic application of the dynamic strobe signal to different sense module groups in sequential cycles. By using periodic action, the system maintains continuous sensing operation across multiple memory cell groups while distributing the current load over time, achieving both high sensing throughput and controlled peak current levels.
2Productivity
If programming pulses are applied to program memory cells, then programming speed is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts the characteristics of programming pulses and the timing of sense module activation based on the programming loop number and memory cell state. This dynamic approach allows the system to optimize programming speed while reducing unnecessary power consumption by activating sense modules only when needed and adjusting pulse parameters adaptively throughout the programming sequence.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes parameters such as strobe signal timing, pulse width, and sense module activation thresholds based on the programming loop number and detected memory cell states. By dynamically adjusting these parameters, the system maintains high programming throughput while minimizing power consumption through optimized operation across different programming stages.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the number of sense modules activated is increased, then sensing coverage is improved, but peak current through sense modules increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the sense modules into multiple groups and activates them in sequential cycles rather than simultaneously. This allows the system to achieve comprehensive sensing coverage across all memory cells while limiting the peak current through any single group of sense modules, effectively resolving the contradiction between sensing coverage and peak current.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses preliminary sensing cycles with limited sense module activation to identify and lock out memory cells that require programming. This preliminary action reduces the number of sense modules needed in subsequent cycles, thereby reducing peak current while maintaining comprehensive sensing coverage through the multi-cycle process.
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure provides a method and apparatus for applying a dynamic strobe signal to a plurality of sense modules during programming of an array of memory cells, where a characteristic of the dynamic strobe signal is configured to limit a peak current level through the plurality of sense modules. An example apparatus the array of memory cells, a plurality of bit lines spanning the array of memory cells, and the plurality of sense modules connected to the bit lines. The plurality of sense modules enable sensing of states of memory cells. A controller determines the characteristic of the dynamic strobe signal, where the dynamic strobe signal is varied based on the determined characteristic.