Memory Controller Word-Line Scheduling for Lower Program Power

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing memory devices face challenges in minimizing power consumption during program operations due to the simultaneous programming of word lines with varying power consumption levels, which can exceed designed power limits and affect performance.

Innovation Solution

A memory controller that generates and transmits program commands to start the programming operation at different starting word lines in multiple target blocks, dispersing the power consumption and maintaining intervals between programmed word lines to reduce overall power usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If word lines are programmed simultaneously in multiple chips, then programming speed is improved, but power consumption exceeds designed limits

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprogramming speedVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the programming operation by dividing word lines into multiple groups that are programmed sequentially rather than simultaneously. The controller divides the plurality of word lines into first word lines and second word lines, programming the first group before the second group, thereby reducing peak power consumption while maintaining overall programming functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements periodic action by alternating between programming different groups of word lines. The controller performs programming operations in periodic cycles, switching between first word lines and second word lines, which distributes power consumption over time and prevents simultaneous peak draws that would exceed power limits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

2Productivity

If all word lines are programmed at once, then productivity is improved, but power consumption increases beyond acceptable levels

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprogramming throughputVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the programming operation by dividing word lines into multiple groups that are programmed sequentially rather than simultaneously. The controller divides the plurality of word lines into first word lines and second word lines, programming the first group before the second group, thereby reducing peak power consumption while maintaining overall programming functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements periodic action by alternating between programming different groups of word lines. The controller performs programming operations in periodic cycles, switching between first word lines and second word lines, which distributes power consumption over time and prevents simultaneous peak draws that would exceed power limits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentEP4693297A1Memory controller and operation method thereof

Publication Date: 2026.02.11 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

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AI summary

A memory controller (100) controlling a memory device (110) includes a plurality of chips (111). An operation method of the memory controller (100) includes generating a first program command including information on a plurality of starting word lines at different positions in a plurality of target blocks corresponding to the plurality of chips (111), and transmitting the first program command to the memory device (110).