Memory Page Copy via Bit Line Decoupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
In general memory systems, the power consumption and time required for page copy operations are high due to the typical read and write steps involved in copying data from a source page to a target page.
Innovation Solution
A method for copying a page in a memory device involves disconnecting and reconnecting bit lines between source and target memory blocks, transferring data through these lines, and writing it into the target page, with the use of isolation transistors and equalization units to manage bit line connections and voltages efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If typical read and write steps are used to copy data from source page to target page, then data copying is achieved, but power consumption and operation time are high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the read and write operations into a single integrated page copy operation. By merging these operations, the memory device can copy data from source page to target page using a unified command sequence, reducing the total operation time and power consumption compared to separate read-then-write operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary actions by precharging bit lines and preparing the memory device state before the actual data transfer. The equalization unit precharges bit lines to a reference voltage level, and isolation transistors are positioned in advance to enable direct data transfer without requiring external intervention during the critical transfer phase.
2Productivity
If typical read and write steps are used to copy data, then data copying is achieved, but the operation time is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains continuous useful action during the page copy operation. Data transfer occurs continuously from source to target page through the coupled bit lines without interruption. The isolation transistors remain in their conductive state throughout the transfer, and the equalization unit maintains precharged bit lines, ensuring uninterrupted data flow and reducing total operation time.
3Productivity
If bit lines are disconnected and reconnected during page copy, then internal data transfer is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces isolation transistors as intermediary elements between bit lines. These transistors act as controllable switches that can couple or decouple bit lines based on operation requirements. The equalization unit serves as an intermediary that precharges bit lines to appropriate voltage levels, simplifying the control logic needed for bit line management during page copy operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of copying a page in a memory device having a plurality of memory blocks and a plurality of sets of bit lines is disclosed, wherein each of the plurality of memory blocks includes a plurality of pages, and each set of bit lines corresponds to a respective memory block, wherein first bit lines of a source memory block that includes a source page are respectively coupled to second bit lines of a target memory block that includes a target page. The method includes disconnecting between the first bit lines of the source memory block including a source page and from the second bit lines of a the target memory block including a target page; transferring data stored in the source page to the first bit lines of the source memory block; transferring the data from the first bit lines of the source memory block to the second bit lines of the target memory block; and writing the data transferred to the second bit lines of the target memory block into the target page.