Memory Repair Completion After Power Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Memory repair operations interrupted by power loss are incomplete due to the unusability of replacement rows in memory devices, as they become unusable during power interruptions, leading to both defective and replacement rows being unavailable.
Innovation Solution
The memory device stores repair information in non-volatile memory upon initiation of a memory repair operation, allowing the operation to be completed after power restoration by reading this information and continuing the repair process using redundant rows.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a memory repair operation is initiated using replacement rows, then defective memory cells can be replaced, but power loss during the operation causes both defective and replacement rows to become unusable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by storing repair information in non-volatile memory before power loss occurs. The system proactively saves the state of repair operations (including replacement row mappings and operation status) to non-volatile storage, so that when power is restored, the repair operation can be resumed from the saved state rather than being lost entirely. This preliminary preservation of repair data prevents the complete failure of repair operations due to power interruptions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces non-volatile memory as an intermediary between the volatile memory repair operation and the power supply. This intermediary storage mechanism decouples the repair operation state from the power supply status, allowing the system to maintain repair information even when power is interrupted. The non-volatile memory acts as a buffer that preserves critical repair data during power loss, enabling recovery and completion of repair operations after power restoration.
2Reliability
If replacement rows are used for memory repair, then data integrity can be maintained, but the operation becomes vulnerable to power interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuity of useful action by enabling repair operations to span across power interruption events. By storing repair information in non-volatile memory, the system ensures that repair operations can be paused during power loss and then seamlessly continued after power restoration. This continuity mechanism allows the repair process to maintain its useful function (preserving data integrity) over an extended period that includes power interruption events, rather than requiring completion within a single continuous power window.
3Reliability
If repair information is stored in non-volatile memory, then repair operations can be resumed after power loss, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by using the non-volatile memory for multiple functions: it serves as both the primary storage medium for memory data and as the backup storage for repair operation information. Rather than introducing a completely separate dedicated non-volatile storage component, the system leverages the existing non-volatile memory resources to dual-purpose: storing user data and preserving repair state information. This multi-functional approach reduces the need for additional dedicated components and minimizes the increase in device complexity while still achieving power loss recovery capability.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and devices for completing memory repair operations interrupted by power loss are described. A command to perform a memory repair of a memory device may be received. A memory repair process of the memory device may be initiated, based on the command. The memory repair process may include programming fuse elements of the memory device. Information associated with the initiated memory repair process may be stored in a non-volatile memory. The memory repair process may be interrupted by a power interruption. During powerup of the memory device, it may be determined that the memory repair process was initiated and not completed before the powerup, based on the stored information. The memory repair process of the memory device may be continued, based on the determination. Upon completion of the memory repair process, the stored information may be cleared.