Non-Volatile Memory Erase Control Using Auxiliary Sector Counters

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional non-volatile memory systems require significant circuit size and time for erase operations due to externally disposed erase cycle counters and frequent refresh operations, which reduce efficiency.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating auxiliary sectors within the memory block that share word lines with corresponding sectors to store erase counting values, allowing for reduced circuit size and determining the need for refresh operations based on a total erase count, thereby minimizing erase time.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If erase cycle counters are disposed externally from the memory block, then the erase counting function is achieved, but the circuit size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveerase counting functionVSAvoidcircuit size

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the erase cycle counter function with the memory block by using auxiliary sectors within the same memory block to store erase counting values. This integration eliminates the need for separate external counters, thereby reducing circuit size while maintaining the erase counting function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The auxiliary sectors serve multiple functions: they store erase counting values and share word lines with corresponding sectors. This multi-functionality reduces the overall circuit complexity and size while achieving the erase counting purpose.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If refresh operations are performed frequently after sector erase, then data integrity is maintained, but the erase time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata integrityVSAvoiderase time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses the stored erase counting values to automatically determine when refresh operations are needed, rather than performing frequent mandatory refreshes. This self-service approach maintains data integrity only when necessary, reducing unnecessary refresh operations and associated time loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of refresh operation frequency from fixed/frequent to variable/conditional based on the erase counting values. By monitoring the total erase counts and comparing against thresholds, the system dynamically adjusts refresh timing to maintain data integrity while minimizing erase time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS10261692B1Non-volatile memory and erase controlling method thereof

Publication Date: 2019.04.16 WINBOND ELECTRONICS CORP

AI summary

An erase controlling method includes: disposing a plurality of sectors in a memory block of the non-volatile memory; disposing a plurality of auxiliary sectors that respectively correspond to the sectors, wherein each of the sectors shares same word lines with the corresponding auxiliary sector; respectively storing a plurality of erase counting values of the sectors to the auxiliary sectors; generating a total amount of the erase counting values; and, determining whether to perform a refresh operation on the memory block according to the total amount.