Memory Sensing via Data Line Subset Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
As memory devices increase in page size, existing sensing operations become longer and more power-consuming, leading to reduced throughput and potential power constraints.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method where only a single subset of data lines is pre-charged and sensed for a page of memory cells, allowing for separate determination of each sector of data, rather than sensing all cells simultaneously.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If all data lines are pre-charged and sensed simultaneously for a page of memory cells, then complete data retrieval is achieved, but sensing time and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the page of memory cells into multiple sectors, with each sector coupled to a separate subset of data lines. Instead of sensing all data lines simultaneously, the sensing operation is segmented to process one sector at a time, reducing the overall sensing time while maintaining complete data retrieval.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by pre-charging and sensing only a single subset of data lines corresponding to one sector at a time, rather than all data lines in the page. This partial sensing approach reduces power consumption and time per operation, while the controller coordinates multiple such operations to retrieve the complete page data.
2Measurement precision
If all data lines are pre-charged and sensed simultaneously for a page of memory cells, then complete data retrieval is achieved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the sensing operation into multiple phases, with each phase activating only the data line subset required for the current sector. This segmentation reduces the number of simultaneously active circuits, thereby reducing power consumption while still enabling complete data retrieval across all sectors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements partial action by pre-charging only a single subset of data lines at any given time, rather than all data lines simultaneously. This reduces the instantaneous power draw during sensing operations, addressing power constraints while maintaining the ability to retrieve complete page data through coordinated sequential operations.
3Productivity
If multiple subsets of data lines are sensed simultaneously, then throughput is improved, but power consumption and circuit complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent organizes data lines into multiple subsets, each associated with a specific sector. The controller manages sequential activation of these subsets, allowing efficient resource utilization. This segmentation enables the system to achieve high throughput by systematically processing sectors while controlling power consumption through selective activation rather than simultaneous operation of all data lines.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure includes apparatuses and methods for sensing data stored in memory. A number of embodiments include an array of memory cells, and a controller coupled to the array and configured to sense a page of memory cells coupled to an activated access line by pre-charging only a single subset of a number of data lines coupled to the page, wherein more than two subsets of data lines are coupled to the page and the single subset is coupled to those memory cells storing at least a portion of a single sector of data of the page, and sensing the single subset of the number of data lines to determine the at least a portion of the single sector of data.