Multi-Threshold Memory Cell Sampling via Comb Technique
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing memory cell sampling methods for soft decoding and erase decoding are time-consuming and resource-intensive due to the need for repeated sampling operations using multiple thresholds.
Innovation Solution
Combining multiple thresholds into a single read instruction to simultaneously sample memory cells, reducing the number of read cycles and accelerating the sampling process through a 'comb' technique that iteratively shifts voltage thresholds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If repeated sampling operations using multiple thresholds are performed for soft decoding and erase decoding, then decoding reliability is improved, but read operation time and resource consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple threshold sampling operations into a single read instruction by implementing a comb technique that simultaneously applies multiple voltage thresholds to memory cells. This merging of sequential sampling operations into a parallel operation reduces the total number of read cycles while maintaining the ability to obtain soft decision information through multiple threshold comparisons.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a new dimension to the sampling process by using multiple voltage thresholds simultaneously rather than sequentially. The comb technique creates a multi-dimensional sampling space where cells are evaluated against multiple thresholds in a single operation, transforming the time-consuming sequential process into a parallel multi-dimensional evaluation.
2Reliability
If repeated sampling operations using multiple thresholds are performed for soft decoding and erase decoding, then decoding reliability is improved, but the number of read cycles and resource consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple sequential sampling operations into a single read instruction that simultaneously evaluates multiple thresholds. This consolidation reduces the total number of read cycles and decreases resource consumption while preserving the comprehensive sampling needed for reliable soft decoding and erase decoding operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The comb technique creates a universal read instruction that can simultaneously perform multiple threshold comparisons and sampling operations. This multi-functional approach allows a single read cycle to gather information from multiple voltage thresholds, improving read operation efficiency while maintaining decoding reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for reading memory cells in a multi-level cell memory device. A set of thresholds may be received for reading a current page of the memory cells. The set of threshold may include hard decision thresholds for hard decoding, soft decision thresholds for soft decoding, erase thresholds for erase decoding and/or other combinations of thresholds. The set of thresholds may be divided into a plurality of groups of thresholds. The current page may be simultaneously read using multiple thresholds, where each of the multiple thresholds is divided into a different group of thresholds.