Semiconductor Memory Device With Post-Shipment Parameter Selection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional NAND flash memory devices have limited flexibility in adjusting operational characteristics post-shipment, as initial operating parameters are fixed before shipment, making it difficult for users to alter settings according to changing performance requirements or cell deterioration over time.

Innovation Solution

A semiconductor memory device with a storage unit, selection unit, startup processing unit, and operation control unit that allows users to select and set new operating parameters from a set of pre-stored options in an OTP-type ROM, enabling changes to memory cell operations based on user instructions, thereby adapting to different states of cell deterioration and performance needs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If operating parameters are fixed before shipment, then manufacturing process is simplified and reliable, but adaptability to different performance requirements and cell deterioration states is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to performance requirementsVSAvoidparameter adjustment mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple operating parameters are pre-programmed into the OTP-ROM during manufacturing before shipment. These parameters are prepared in advance for different performance requirements and cell deterioration states, allowing users to select appropriate parameters without complex real-time adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from fixed parameters to dynamically selectable parameters. Users can change operating parameters based on actual usage conditions and cell deterioration states, making the memory device adaptable while maintaining relatively simple hardware structure through software-based parameter selection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple operating parameters are stored in OTP-ROM, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity and initial setup requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparameter selection flexibilityVSAvoidinitial parameter programming

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If users can change operating parameters after shipment, then adaptability to cell deterioration is improved, but ease of operation decreases due to parameter selection complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepost-shipment parameter adjustmentVSAvoidparameter configuration simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The memory device automatically detects cell deterioration states and selects appropriate operating parameters without requiring users to manually configure complex parameter settings. The system serves itself by monitoring performance and autonomously adjusting parameters to maintain optimal operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operating parameters based on detected cell deterioration states. By monitoring threshold voltage shifts and other cell characteristics, the system automatically selects from pre-programmed parameter sets to compensate for aging effects, making parameter adjustment simple for users while maintaining high adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS8755230B2Semiconductor memory device

Publication Date: 2014.06.17 KIOXIA CORP

AI summary

According to one embodiment, there is provided a semiconductor memory device including a memory cell array, a storage unit, a selection unit, a startup processing unit, and an operation control unit. The memory cell array includes memory cells. The storage unit stores a plurality of operating parameters. The selection unit accesses the storage unit and selects a first operating parameter for operating the memory cells from among the plurality of operating parameters stored in the storage unit, based on a first instruction input. The startup processing unit performs a power startup and reads out the first operating parameter from the storage unit and sets the first operating parameter so as to be ready for use, based on a second instruction input. The operation control unit uses the first operating parameter set by the startup processing unit in order to operate the memory cells.