Memory Device Partial Read via Dummy Word Lines
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current memory devices inefficiently perform read operations for partial pages by sensing entire pages, leading to suboptimal data transfer in response to read requests for specific data portions.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a memory device with a memory cell array connected to dummy word lines and a voltage generator that applies specific voltages to selectively activate memory cells, allowing for efficient partial read operations by controlling the application of pass and read voltages to dummy and selected word lines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the memory device performs a read operation for a partial page by sensing an entire page, then the read request for specific data portions can be fulfilled, but the data transfer efficiency deteriorates due to unnecessary data transfer
Solution Approach 1:
The memory cell array is divided into multiple regions (first region, second region, third region, fourth region) along the word line direction. Dummy word lines are introduced to separate these regions, enabling selective reading of specific regions by applying pass voltages to dummy word lines corresponding to unwanted regions, thus avoiding unnecessary data transfer while fulfilling partial page read requests
Solution Approach 2:
Dummy memory cells connected to dummy word lines serve as intermediary elements between the selected word line and the bit lines. By controlling the voltage state of dummy word lines, the patent enables selective activation of dummy memory cells to block or enable signal paths, thereby controlling which regions' data are transferred to the output without reading entire page data
2Productivity
If dummy word lines and dummy memory cells are introduced to enable selective region reading, then partial read efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dummy word lines and dummy memory cells serve multiple functions: they act as region separators, voltage control elements for selective activation, and intermediaries for controlling data flow. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional complex control mechanisms, as the same dummy structures perform multiple roles in enabling efficient partial page reads
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the functions of region separation and selective reading control into a single integrated structure using dummy word lines and dummy memory cells. Rather than adding separate control circuits or complex decoding logic, the dummy memory cells themselves perform both the separation and the selective activation function, merging multiple functions into unified structures
Data Source
AI summary
A memory device includes a memory cell array comprising a plurality of regions. Each region is a segment or portion of a page. Each region is connected to dummy word lines and word lines. A voltage generator provides a read voltage for reading a memory cell connected to a selected word line, and provides a pass voltage for turning on a dummy memory cell included in a region corresponding to the selected region. A read operation controller controls the voltage generator to apply the pass voltage to the dummy word lines and apply the read voltage to the selected word line.