Nonvolatile Memory Page Buffer Data Reading Without Dumping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Nonvolatile memory devices require a dumping process to backup data results from multiple sensing operations, which increases read time and resource usage, especially when large storage capacity is needed.

Innovation Solution

A method for operating a nonvolatile memory device that eliminates the need for data dumping by using a page buffer with a sensing latch unit that performs first and second sensing operations without transferring data to a separate latch unit, allowing for selective precharging of bit lines based on the logic state of the latch unit, thereby generating final data without a dumping process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a dumping process is used to backup data from multiple sensing operations, then data reliability is improved, but read time increases and resource usage increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata reliabilityVSAvoidread time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the function of the first latch unit and second latch unit into a single latch unit. The latch unit performs both sensing operations and data backup functions that were previously separated, eliminating the need for a dumping process while maintaining data reliability through sequential sensing operations with different sensing voltages.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If a dumping process is used to backup data from multiple sensing operations, then data reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata reliabilityVSAvoidpage buffer complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple latch units into a single latch unit that can store and manage data from multiple sensing operations. This merging reduces the overall complexity of the page buffer structure while maintaining the capability to perform reliable data sensing and backup through controlled sequential operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single latch unit is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both the first latch unit for initial sensing and the second latch unit for backup storage. The latch unit can selectively store data from different sensing operations based on control signals, providing multi-functionality that reduces device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS9947394B2Nonvolatile memory device including page buffer and method for reading data without a dumping process for backing up data

Publication Date: 2018.04.17 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

A nonvolatile memory device including a page buffer and a method of operating the nonvolatile memory device, the method including performing a first sensing operation using a first sensing voltage; precharging some bit lines from among a plurality of bit lines, according to first data stored in a first latch unit of a page buffer due to the first sensing operation; resetting the first latch unit; and performing a second sensing operation using a second sensing voltage.