Erratic Program Detection Using Faster Boundary Reads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing semiconductor memory devices face challenges in efficiently detecting erratic programming of memory cells, leading to potential read errors and data reliability issues due to overlaps between different data states during programming.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an optimized erratic program detection (EPD) process that includes performing first and second read operations optimized for faster data retrieval, rather than the default accurate and reliable mode, to detect boundaries between data states and determine potential overlaps, thereby enhancing data integrity and reducing unnecessary operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a default read mode optimized for accurate and reliable data retrieval is used during erratic program detection, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to slower data retrieval speed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by performing only two specific read operations at critical boundaries (first boundary and second boundary) rather than comprehensive reads across the entire data range. This selective approach maintains detection accuracy where needed while minimizing overall read operations and time consumption, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and productivity
2Reliability
If comprehensive read operations are performed to accurately detect data state boundaries, then reliability is improved, but loss of time increases due to extended detection duration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detection process into two distinct phases: first read operation to detect the first boundary, and second read operation to detect the second boundary. This segmentation allows the system to focus computational resources on critical detection points, maintaining reliability while reducing overall detection time compared to comprehensive reads
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs only the minimum necessary read operations (two boundary reads) to achieve reliable erratic program detection, avoiding excessive comprehensive reads. This partial action approach maintains data integrity by detecting boundaries accurately while minimizing time loss during the detection process
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments described herein aim to optimize the Erratic Program Detection (EPD) process by eliminating unnecessary operations and adjusting operations that are not optimized for the EPD process. For example, one optimization includes the EPD read operations being performed based on a read mode optimized for faster data retrieval. Further, another optimization includes a first read voltage ramping up at a rate that is faster than a ramp rate used to ramp up a read voltage during performance of a normal read operation. Another optimization also includes a read voltage kick operation between the EPD read operations being eliminated. Finally, another optimization includes parallelizing the scan operation with other ongoing operations.