Memory Controller Streaming Mode Wordline Voltage Bias
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Solution Overview
Problem
Memory devices face inefficiencies in accessing memory cells due to high power consumption and reduced data bandwidth caused by the lengthy charging and discharging of highly-capacitive nodes in cross-point memory arrays, particularly during read operations.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a streaming mode of operation where the wordline voltage is maintained at an initial voltage after reading the first memory cells, allowing for sequential access without returning to idle mode, thereby reducing power consumption and increasing bandwidth by reusing sensing nodes and minimizing the time required for wordline charging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the wordline voltage is returned to idle mode after reading memory cells, then the memory device is prepared for the next random access operation, but power consumption increases and data bandwidth decreases due to lengthy charging and discharging of highly-capacitive nodes
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the wordline voltage management strategy based on the access pattern. For sequential/streaming accesses, the wordline voltage is maintained without returning to idle mode, while for random accesses, the traditional idle mode approach is used. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by optimizing power consumption while maintaining operational readiness when applicable.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the voltage parameter state by maintaining the wordline at an intermediate voltage level rather than returning it to the idle mode voltage. This parameter change eliminates the need for full charging and discharging cycles, thereby reducing power consumption while keeping the memory device ready for subsequent sequential operations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the wordline voltage is returned to idle mode after reading memory cells, then the memory device can handle random access patterns, but data bandwidth is reduced due to the time required for wordline charging and discharging
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically selects between two operational modes: streaming mode for sequential accesses where voltage is maintained, and random mode where voltage returns to idle. This dynamic mode selection resolves the contradiction by maximizing data bandwidth for sequential operations while preserving the ability to handle random access patterns when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The memory device is designed with multi-functionality to support both streaming mode (with maintained voltage) and random mode (with idle voltage returns). This universal design allows the system to adapt to different access patterns, resolving the contradiction between optimized sequential performance and random access capability.
3Loss of energy
If sensing nodes are reused for subsequent read operations, then power consumption and access time are reduced, but the memory device is optimized only for sequential access patterns
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing node voltage management is dynamically controlled based on the detected access pattern. For sequential accesses, sensing nodes are reused with maintained voltage to reduce power consumption. For random accesses, the system transitions to the traditional approach of resetting sensing nodes. This dynamic control resolves the contradiction by optimizing power efficiency for sequential operations while maintaining flexibility for various access patterns.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and apparatus for a memory device. In one approach, a memory device selectively enters a streaming mode when accessing memory cells in a memory array. A controller determines for new read operations whether memory cells will be accessed in a streaming mode or in a random mode. First memory cells addressed using a wordline are read by the controller. The wordline is charged to an initial voltage for reading the first memory cells. When in the streaming mode, instead of discharging the wordline after reading the first memory cells, as is done for a random mode, the controller keeps a minimum bias on the wordline and returns the wordline again to the initial voltage for performing a next read operation to read second memory cells. This saves memory device power.