Non-Volatile Memory Pulse Sequencing for Precise Program Levels

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing storage devices face inefficiencies in programming non-volatile memory cells due to the lack of a systematic approach to determine the optimal program pulse levels and verification processes, leading to suboptimal performance and reliability.

Innovation Solution

A control circuit in the storage device applies a series of program and verification pulses with incremental or decremental steps, determining the program-permission mode based on logical operations between current and target program levels, optimizing the programming process for non-volatile memory cells.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional programming methods are used without systematic determination of optimal program pulse levels, then the programming process is simple, but programming efficiency and reliability are suboptimal

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprogramming efficiencyVSAvoidcontrol circuit complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control circuit performs verification operations after program pulse application to check whether memory cells are properly programmed. Based on verification results, the control circuit determines program-permission mode or program-inhibition mode for subsequent pulses, creating a feedback loop that optimizes programming efficiency while managing complexity through systematic control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The control circuit applies a series of program pulses with different levels (incremental or decremental steps) to memory cells. By systematically varying the program pulse levels and determining optimal sequences based on verification results, the system achieves high programming efficiency and reliability through controlled parameter changes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If multiple program pulses with different levels are applied to program memory cells, then programming precision is improved, but the time required for programming increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprogram level precisionVSAvoidprogramming time

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The control circuit determines in advance which memory cells should be in program-permission mode and which in program-inhibition mode for each pulse application operation. This preliminary determination allows the system to apply multiple pulses with different levels efficiently, achieving high precision while minimizing time by avoiding unnecessary operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The control circuit applies program pulses selectively to only those memory cells that need programming based on the determined mode. By using partial action (only programming cells that require it) rather than excessive action (programming all cells regardless of state), the system achieves precise programming with optimized time consumption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Reliability

If verification operations are performed after each program pulse application, then programming reliability is improved, but the total number of operations increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprogramming reliabilityVSAvoidprogramming throughput

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The control circuit performs verification operations after program pulse application to check programming status. Based on verification feedback, the control circuit determines whether to apply further pulses or inhibit programming for subsequent operations. This feedback mechanism ensures high reliability while optimizing throughput by avoiding redundant operations on already-programmed cells

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

4Measurement precision

If program-permission mode and program-inhibition mode are systematically determined through logical operations, then programming accuracy is improved, but control complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprogram level accuracyVSAvoidcontrol logic complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control circuit uses logical operations to determine program-permission mode or program-inhibition mode based on comparisons between current program levels and target program levels. By systematically changing control parameters (mode determination) based on clear logical conditions, the system achieves high accuracy while managing complexity through structured decision-making logic

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS20260004860A1Storage device and operating method thereof

Publication Date: 2026.01.01 SK HYNIX INC

AI summary

A storage device includes a group of non-volatile memory cells, page buffers coupled to the non-volatile memory cells and a control circuit. The control circuit performs one or more program loops on the group according to program data loaded on the page buffers, each of the program loops include a series of consecutive program pulse application operations and a series of consecutive verification operations.