Memory Block Programming With Selective Verification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing storage devices face issues with data writing reliability, performance, and power consumption efficiency, particularly during program operations in memory cells.

Innovation Solution

The storage device employs a controller that applies a program voltage without a verification voltage in a first period for certain memory cells, followed by applying a verification voltage in a second period for other memory cells within the same storage block, using distinct program commands to optimize the program operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a verification voltage is applied after every program voltage to all memory cells, then the reliability of data writing is improved, but the power consumption increases and the writing performance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata writing reliabilityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different program operations to different memory cells based on their specific characteristics. Some memory cells receive only a program voltage (first program operation) while others receive both program voltage and verification voltage (second program operation). This local differentiation allows the system to maintain reliability for cells that need it while reducing power consumption for cells that don't require verification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the memory cells into different groups based on their program operation requirements. The memory cells are divided into those that complete programming without verification and those that require verification. This segmentation enables selective application of verification voltages, optimizing the balance between reliability and power consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If a verification voltage is applied after every program voltage to all memory cells, then the reliability of data writing is improved, but the writing performance deteriorates due to increased operation time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata writing reliabilityVSAvoidwriting performance
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements local quality by applying verification operations only to specific memory cells that require it, rather than uniformly to all cells. This allows the system to maintain high writing performance for cells that don't need verification while ensuring reliability for cells that do require it.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the program operation process into two distinct paths: a fast path for cells that complete programming without verification and a verified path for cells that require verification. This segmentation enables the system to achieve high overall writing performance while maintaining reliability for critical cells.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If the program operation is performed for a longer period to ensure complete programming, then the reliability is improved, but the power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprogram operation reliabilityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic program operation durations based on individual memory cell characteristics. Some memory cells are programmed for a shorter period without verification, while others receive extended programming with verification. This dynamic adjustment optimizes the balance between reliability and power consumption by matching the program duration to the specific needs of each memory cell.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the program operation parameters (voltage application duration and verification timing) based on memory cell characteristics. By adjusting these parameters dynamically, the system achieves reliable programming while minimizing power consumption, avoiding the need to extend program duration for all cells uniformly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS20260073991A1Storage device
Publication Date: 2026.03.12 SK HYNIX INC
  • US20260073991A1 patent drawing
  • US20260073991A1 patent drawing
  • US20260073991A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A storage device is capable of reducing the time required for a program operation, improving the efficiency of the program operation, and preventing the reliability of the program operation from being reduced by selectively performing a program operation without a verification operation or performing the program operation while performing the verification operation on a memory area included in a designated storage block of the memory.