Flash Memory Control Circuit Suspend Reset Logic
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing nonvolatile memory technologies, such as flash memory, face challenges in efficiently managing large data operations like erasing, writing, and reading due to the time-consuming nature of these processes, especially as devices miniaturize and capacity increases, and current solutions require additional commands that complicate system control.
Innovation Solution
A semiconductor device and method that allow for temporarily suspending or resetting operations like erasing, writing, or reading using a single command, without adding new commands to the external circuit, by utilizing a control circuit to manage operations within a memory cell array, enabling faster operation speeds and simplified control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a suspend command is added to temporarily pause erasing operations, then operation flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional commands required in the external circuit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the existing reset command (CMDq) multi-functional by enabling it to perform different operations based on the state of a suspension flag. When the suspension flag is set, CMDq temporarily suspends the erasing operation; when the suspension flag is cleared, CMDq resets the operation. This eliminates the need for separate suspend and reset commands, maintaining operation flexibility while avoiding additional command complexity in the external circuit
2Quantity of substance
If miniaturization is advanced to realize high-capacity memory, then storage capacity is improved, but operation time for writing and erasing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides a large-scale erasing operation into smaller manageable segments by allowing temporary suspension and resumption. This enables the system to pause erasing operations on large-capacity blocks when needed and resume them later, making high-capacity operations more controllable and adaptable to system requirements without fundamentally changing the miniaturization approach
3Ease of operation
If a new suspend command is added to the external circuit, then operational control is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in adding new commands to existing systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the existing reset command to serve dual purposes: traditional reset functionality and temporary suspension of erasing operations. The control circuit determines the specific function based on the suspension flag state, allowing external circuits to use the familiar reset command for both reset and suspend operations without requiring new command protocols or modifying existing command sets
Data Source
AI summary
A semiconductor device and a control method thereof that include a memory cell array having a plurality of nonvolatile memory cells and a control circuit. The control circuit starts a first operation of the memory cells in a part of the region of the memory cell array when a first command is input, then decides whether to temporarily suspend the first operation or to reset the first operation when a second command is input, and temporarily suspends the first operation if the control circuit decides to temporarily suspend the first operation, and terminates the first operation if the control circuit decides to reset the first operation.