Memory Chip Temperature Sensing for Low-Temperature Write Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing semiconductor memory devices face challenges in writing stability and time when operated in low-temperature environments, as temperature fluctuations affect resistance and writing performance.

Innovation Solution

A semiconductor device with a temperature detection module that includes a temperature sensitive diode and an adjustable resistor unit, allowing for accurate temperature detection and calibration, preventing enabling at low temperatures, shortening writing time, and improving stability by using a control chip to manage the memory chip's operation based on detected temperature thresholds.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the memory chip is enabled in a low-temperature environment, then the memory chip can operate, but the writing time is longer and the writing stability is not high

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewriting speedVSAvoidwriting stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The temperature detection module performs temperature detection before the memory chip is enabled. The control chip receives the detection result and determines whether to enable the memory chip based on the temperature. This preliminary temperature check prevents low-temperature operation that would cause long writing time and poor stability, allowing the system to take preparatory actions (heating or disabling) before the main operation begins.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If a temperature detection module is added to detect temperature and prevent low-temperature operation, then writing stability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewriting stabilityVSAvoidcircuit complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The temperature detection module uses a diode as the temperature sensitive unit, which is a common semiconductor component that can serve multiple functions. The same diode structure that is typical in memory circuits is utilized for temperature detection, allowing the detection function to be integrated without adding entirely new component types. The control chip also performs dual functions of temperature monitoring and operation control, reducing the need for separate dedicated control hardware.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Measurement precision

If the temperature detection unit is calibrated by adjusting the resistance value of the adjustable resistor unit, then the detection accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature detection accuracyVSAvoidcalibration circuit complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The adjustable resistor unit allows dynamic adjustment of resistance values to calibrate the temperature detection unit. Instead of using fixed resistance values that would require multiple discrete resistor components for different calibration points, the adjustable resistor provides continuous or stepped adjustment capability through a single integrated component, reducing overall circuit complexity while improving measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

The solution effectively prevents enabling at low temperatures, reduces writing time, and enhances writing stability by using a calibrated temperature detection module to manage the memory chip's operation, ensuring optimal performance across varying temperature conditions.

Implementation Method 1

The temperature sensitive unit includes a diode and an adjustable resistor unit connected in parallel with the diode. The electrical conductivity of the temperature sensitive unit changes with the change of temperature.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTemperature-dependent electrical conductivity: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentEP4095857B1Semiconductor apparatus
Publication Date: 2024.07.17 CHANGXIN MEMORY TECH INC
  • EP4095857B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4095857B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4095857B1 patent drawingFigure 5~7

AI summary

Provided is a semiconductor apparatus. The semiconductor apparatus comprises a memory chip and a temperature detection module, wherein the temperature detection module is used for detecting the temperature of the memory chip. The temperature detection module comprises a temperature detection unit, which comprises a temperature sensitive unit and an adjustable resistor unit, with the electrical conductivity of the temperature sensitive unit changing with changes in temperature, and the adjustable resistor unit being connected in parallel to the temperature sensitive unit, wherein the temperature detection unit is configured to be calibrated by means of adjusting a resistance value of the adjustable resistor unit. In the present invention, the temperature detection module is used to detect the temperature of the memory chip, thereby preventing the memory chip from being started and operated at a low temperature, shortening a write-in time and improving the stability of memory chip write-in. In addition, in the present invention, the temperature detection module has a simple circuit structure which makes same easy to implement, the temperature detection module occupies a small area, and the temperature detection unit is calibrated, thereby improving the detection accuracy of the temperature detection unit.