Semiconductor Memory Data Conversion Circuit for Write Optimization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current semiconductor memory devices face challenges in efficiently managing and writing 4-bit data, leading to increased chip area and manufacturing costs due to the need for large RAM storage capacity and prolonged data transfer times during write operations.

Innovation Solution

A memory system with a data conversion circuit that converts 4-bit data into 2-bit data after the first write operation, allowing for reduced RAM storage needs and improved data reliability by using the converted data for a second write operation, thereby minimizing chip area and data transfer time.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If 4-bit data is directly written to memory cells, then data capacity is maximized, but RAM storage capacity and chip area increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata capacityVSAvoidchip area
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the 4-bit data writing process into multiple stages: first writing 4-bit data to memory cells, then converting it to 2-bit data for a second write operation. This segmentation allows the system to maintain high data capacity while reducing the RAM storage capacity needed during intermediate processing stages, thereby reducing chip area requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the data representation parameter from 4-bit to 2-bit during the write process. By converting the data format from 4-bit to 2-bit after the first write operation, the system reduces the storage capacity requirements in RAM and minimizes chip area while still achieving the goal of writing 4-bit data to memory cells.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If 4-bit data is written in a single operation, then write speed is maximized, but RAM storage capacity requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewrite speedVSAvoidRAM storage capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the write operation into segmented stages: a first write operation for 4-bit data followed by a conversion to 2-bit data and a second write operation. This segmentation enables the system to manage RAM storage capacity requirements more effectively while maintaining overall write productivity through optimized multi-stage processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies parameter changes by transforming the data from 4-bit to 2-bit representation between write operations. This parameter transformation allows the system to reduce RAM storage capacity requirements during the process while still achieving the objective of writing 4-bit data, thus resolving the contradiction between write speed and RAM capacity needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Area of stationary object

If 4-bit data is converted to 2-bit data, then RAM storage capacity and chip area are reduced, but data transfer time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechip areaVSAvoiddata transfer time
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by performing the 4-bit to 2-bit data conversion immediately after the first write operation, before the second write operation begins. This timing optimization minimizes the overall data transfer time while still achieving the benefits of reduced RAM storage capacity and chip area through the conversion process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Productivity

If large RAM storage capacity is provided, then 4-bit data can be written efficiently, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata write efficiencyVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses parameter changes by converting data from 4-bit to 2-bit representation during the write process. This conversion allows the system to maintain data write efficiency while significantly reducing the RAM storage capacity requirements, thereby lowering manufacturing costs without sacrificing productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS11437095B2Semiconductor memory device, memory system, and write method
Publication Date: 2022.09.06 KIOXIA CORP
  • US11437095B2 patent drawing
  • US11437095B2 patent drawing
  • US11437095B2 patent drawing

AI summary

According to one embodiment, a memory system includes a semiconductor memory device including a memory cell capable of holding at least 4-bit data and a controller configured to control a first write operation and a second write operation based on the 4-bit data. The controller includes a conversion circuit configured to convert 4-bit data into 2-bit data. The semiconductor memory device includes a recovery controller configured to recover the 4-bit data based on the converted 2-bit data and data written in the memory cell by the first write operation. The first write operation is executed based on the 4-bit data received from the controller, and the second write operation is executed based on the 4-bit data recovered by the recovery controller.