Nonvolatile Memory Resume Operation Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Flash memory systems experience performance degradation due to the need to suspend and resume program or erase operations for data retrieval, which can shift the threshold voltage distribution of memory cells, leading to increased program time and potential operation failures.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a method for nonvolatile memory devices to suspend and resume program or erase operations within specific reference times, ensuring that the resume operation is completed within a controlled timeframe to maintain the integrity of the threshold voltage distribution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If a program or erase operation is suspended for data retrieval, then data access performance is improved, but the threshold voltage distribution of memory cells shifts leading to program operation failure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata access speedVSAvoidprogram operation reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by performing a read operation immediately after suspending the program operation, before the threshold voltage distribution shifts significantly. This timing strategy ensures data retrieval is completed while the memory cells are still in a stable state, preventing program operation failure upon resumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Loss of time

If a read operation is performed during program operation, then data retrieval latency is reduced, but program time increases due to suspension and resumption overhead

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata retrieval latencyVSAvoidprogram operation duration

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the skipping principle by rapidly executing the read operation immediately after suspension and before threshold voltage shift occurs. This rushed-through approach minimizes the interruption duration, allowing data retrieval to complete quickly without significantly extending the overall program operation time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #21Skipping (Rushing through)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the resume operation is delayed beyond reference time, then data retrieval flexibility is improved, but threshold voltage distribution transformation occurs causing program failure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata retrieval flexibilityVSAvoidthreshold voltage distribution precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary anti-action by implementing a reference time constraint that prevents resumption of the program operation after a certain delay. This preemptive measure counteracts the threshold voltage distribution shift that would occur with delayed resumption, ensuring program operation reliability while allowing flexible data retrieval within the reference time window.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Data Source

PatentUS10910077B2Operation method of a nonvolatile memory device for controlling a resume operation

Publication Date: 2021.02.02 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

An operation method of a nonvolatile memory device for programming memory cells connected to a selected word line, the method including: performing a program operation; suspending the program operation after performing a first portion of the program operation; and resuming the program operation to perform a second portion of the program operation, wherein the program operation is resumed within a reference time after the program operation is suspended.