Memory Data Quantization Output for I/O Traffic Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Flash memory devices face challenges in accurately sensing the state of memory cells due to mechanisms like read disturb and charge leakage, which cause threshold voltage shifts, leading to erroneous data sensing and increased I/O traffic when both hard and soft data are output.
Innovation Solution
The system selectively outputs hard data without soft data to reduce I/O traffic, using soft data to facilitate accurate sensing and adjust sensing operations by correlating the count provided during a ramping sensing signal with hard data, and employing a logic circuit to convert the count from one quantization to another, focusing on outputting only the necessary hard data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If both hard data and soft data are output to correct for threshold voltage shifts, then data accuracy is improved, but I/O traffic increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the necessary hard data from the sensing operation and outputs it separately from soft data. The hard data is derived by comparing the count value against threshold values corresponding to programmed states, and only this extracted hard data is output when needed for correction, while soft data remains internal for sensing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the data output into distinct types: hard data and soft data are handled separately. Hard data is output only when threshold voltage correction is needed, while soft data is used internally for sensing operations. This segmentation allows selective output of only necessary data, reducing overall I/O traffic.
2Measurement precision
If sensing operations provide detailed information about charge stored (soft data) to correct for shifted Vt, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a count value as an intermediary between the raw sensing operation and the final hard data output. The count value is derived from comparing the sensed threshold voltage against reference threshold values, and serves as a mediator that simplifies the conversion process while maintaining accuracy in determining the programmed state.
3Reliability
If hard data is output frequently to ensure data accuracy, then reliability is improved, but loss of time increases due to additional I/O operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic output of hard data based on the age of the memory device. Hard data is output at specific intervals or when the device age indicates potential threshold voltage shifts, rather than continuously or at every sensing operation. This periodic approach maintains reliability while minimizing unnecessary I/O operations and time loss.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure includes methods, devices, and systems for outputting data particular quantization of data from memory devices and systems. Outputting data particular quantization of data can include enabling a particular one of a plurality of different quantizations of data. The particular one of the plurality of quantizations of data can then be output.