Memory Deck Detection Circuitry for Accurate Addressing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing memory device manufacturing methods are prone to human and manufacturing errors when determining the number of decks in a memory array, leading to incorrect memory addresses and operational issues, as the current methods rely on registers and fuses that can be misidentified or mis-entered.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating deck-specific conductive identifiers that allow the memory controller to detect the number of decks through hardwired connections, reducing the reliance on register-stored information and improving the accuracy of deck identification during power-on and subsequent operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If register-stored information and fuses are used to determine the number of decks, then the memory device can store deck information, but human and manufacturing errors occur leading to incorrect deck identification
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual/register-based deck identification system with an automated electrical detection system. The memory controller automatically detects the number of decks by sensing the presence or absence of deck 1 through dedicated detection circuits, eliminating human error in register entry and fuse programming. This substitution of manual/mechanical identification with electrical detection directly resolves the contradiction between reliability and measurement precision.
2Measurement precision
If hardwired conductive identifiers are implemented for deck detection, then deck identification accuracy improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the deck detection function into separate, modular detection circuits for each deck (deck 0, deck 1, etc.). Each detection circuit is a simple, standardized unit that checks for the presence of a specific deck. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high detection accuracy through multiple independent checks while keeping each individual detection circuit simple, thereby managing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection circuits are integrated directly into the memory controller, allowing the controller to automatically detect the number of decks without external intervention. The system performs self-diagnosis by checking conductive identifiers internally, eliminating the need for external programming or manual configuration. This self-service approach reduces operational complexity while maintaining high detection precision.
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
This approach enhances the reliability of memory operations by accurately determining the number of decks, reducing the likelihood of incorrect memory addresses and improving the consistency of memory device performance.
Implementation Method 1
deck 1 includes a conductive identifier 154 coupled between a switch 156 and a system high voltage supply 148 (e.g., VCC node)
Implementation Method 2
system high voltage supply 148 (e.g., VCC node)
Data Source
AI summary
As described, a device may include detection circuitry to detect a deck of a memory array. The deck may include a conductive identifier coupled between a logic high voltage node and the detection circuitry a control circuit coupled to the detection circuit. The control circuit may perform operations including transmitting a test enable signal to the detection circuitry. The detection circuitry may generate a valid signal indicative of an existence of the conductive identifier of the deck in response to the test enable signal. The operations may also include the control circuit receiving the valid signal from the detection circuitry and adjusting a memory operation associated with the memory array based at least in part on the valid signal.