Memory Device UECC Detection via Current Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing memory devices face challenges in predicting and preventing uncorrectable error correction codes (UECC) due to read disturb and retention issues, which can lead to data reliability concerns.
Innovation Solution
A memory device is designed with a current sensing unit, a string determiner, and a read reclaim controller to perform a background media scan, sense currents, and determine a string number based on comparisons with a reference current, thereby executing read reclaim or additional pulse applying operations to mitigate UECC risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a background media scan is performed to detect potential UECC occurrences, then data reliability is improved, but detection time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs background media scan operations during idle time periods before actual read operations occur. By proactively detecting and correcting potential UECC conditions in advance through periodic background scans, the system prepares the memory medium ahead of time, ensuring data reliability when actual reads occur without adding delay to operational read operations.
2Reliability
If read reclaim operations are performed frequently to prevent UECC, then data reliability is improved, but device productivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the background media scan continuously monitors the memory medium for signs of read disturb and potential UECC conditions. Based on the scan results, the system intelligently determines whether read reclaim operations are necessary and when to perform them, rather than executing frequent unconditional read reclaim operations. This feedback-driven approach maintains data reliability while minimizing unnecessary operations that would reduce device productivity.
3Reliability
If additional pulse applying operations are performed to mitigate retention issues, then data reliability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs background media scan operations that utilize existing idle time periods and available system resources to perform self-diagnosis and self-correction of potential UECC conditions. The system serves itself by automatically detecting and addressing retention issues through targeted additional pulse applying operations only when and where needed, rather than continuously applying pulses to all memory regions. This self-service approach improves data reliability while minimizing unnecessary energy consumption.
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
The proposed solution effectively reduces detection time for potential UECC occurrences and enhances data reliability by performing targeted operations based on current sensing and string number determination.
Implementation Method 1
a current sensing unit including a plurality of transistors respectively coupled between the plurality of page buffers and memory cells of the selected page, the current sensing unit sensing a current flowing during the background media scan
Data Source
AI summary
A memory device configured to select a page having a probability that uncorrectable error correction codes (UECC) will occur by comparing a reference current with a sensing current, and configured to perform a read reclaim operation or an additional pulse applying operation on the corresponding page according to the comparison.