Memory Device Page-Buffer Error Detection Before Flash Programming
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Solution Overview
Problem
As memory devices increase in speed, defects in flash memory-based storage media become more prevalent, necessitating improved testing methods to enhance performance.
Innovation Solution
A memory device with a page buffer and error data detector that counts bits having a specific bit value to determine error data, allowing for reprogram operations when necessary, thereby preventing data loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If memory device speed is increased, then productivity is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to increased defects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by detecting errors in program data before the data is written to the memory cell array. The error data detector analyzes the program data while it is still in the page buffer, identifying bit errors before they are committed to storage. This allows the system to prevent defective data from being written, thereby maintaining reliability even as memory device speed increases.
2Reliability
If error detection capability is enhanced, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the error detection function as a separate, dedicated component (error data detector) that operates independently from the main memory write path. This modular approach allows for enhanced error detection capability without significantly increasing the complexity of the core memory array. The error data detector is positioned between the page buffer and memory cell array, extracting problematic data before it enters the memory structure.
3Reliability
If error data are prevented from being stored, then reliability is improved, but loss of time occurs due to reprogram operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the potentially harmful situation of having to reprogram data into a beneficial process by implementing early error detection. By detecting errors in the page buffer before writing to the memory array, the system identifies problematic data at the earliest possible moment. This allows for immediate correction or discarding of erroneous data, preventing the need for time-consuming read-verify-reprogram cycles that would occur if errors were detected only after storage.
Data Source
AI summary
A memory device includes a memory cell array that includes a plurality of memory cells, a page buffer that temporarily stores data, which are received from an external controller and are to be stored in the memory cell array, and an error data detector that generates a bit count by counting the number of bits each having a first bit value from among a plurality of bits included in first data, which are temporarily stored in the page buffer and are to be stored in the memory cell array, and determines whether the first data are error data, based on the bit count.