Non-volatile Memory Cell Doped Region Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Program disturbance occurs during programming operations in non-volatile memory, affecting the operational efficiency of adjacent memory cells.
Innovation Solution
The non-volatile memory design includes memory cells with a substrate, a floating gate structure, a select gate structure, and doped regions, where the doped regions between adjacent memory cells are arranged in mirror symmetry and separated, with additional contacts and interconnect structures to prevent program disturbance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If memory cells are arranged closely to increase storage density, then storage capacity is improved, but program disturbance between adjacent memory cells occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the substrate into isolated doped regions for adjacent memory cells, creating physical segmentation that prevents program disturbance while maintaining close proximity for high density. Each doped region is separated by undoped substrate regions, effectively segmenting the electrical influence between adjacent cells.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different doping characteristics to specific local regions - heavily doped regions for charge storage and lightly doped or undoped regions for isolation. This local differentiation of doping quality creates electrical boundaries that prevent program disturbance while allowing dense overall arrangement.
2Reliability
If doped regions are separated to prevent program disturbance, then program reliability is improved, but device area increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from planar separation to three-dimensional isolation by using vertical doped regions extending into the substrate. This dimensional change allows electrical isolation in the vertical dimension while maintaining horizontal proximity, effectively preventing program disturbance without increasing device footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent nests multiple functional regions within compact structures - doped regions are nested within the substrate with selective depth penetration, and isolation regions are nested between adjacent doped regions. This nesting allows efficient space utilization while maintaining necessary separation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This design effectively prevents program disturbance between adjacent memory cells, enhancing the operational efficiency of the memory device by ensuring physical isolation and precise control during programming operations.
Implementation Method 1
The first doped regions between two adjacent memory cells are adjacent to one another and separated from one another
Data Source
AI summary
A non-volatile memory including memory cells is provided. Each of the memory cells includes a substrate, a floating gate structure, a select gate structure, and a first doped region. The floating gate structure is disposed on the substrate. The select gate structure is disposed on the substrate and located at one side of the floating gate structure. The first doped region is disposed in the substrate at another side of the floating gate structure. The first doped regions between two adjacent memory cells are adjacent to one another and separated from one another.