Memory System Sensing Time Adjustment for Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Threshold voltage levels of memory cells in memory systems are affected by environmental temperatures, retention times, and disturbances, leading to biased computing signals and inaccurate sensing results.
Innovation Solution
An operating method for a memory system that involves inputting tracking data to a tracking array, generating tracking logic values, counting these values to generate a summation value, and adjusting the sensing time of a sensing device based on this summation value to improve the accuracy of computing signal sensing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If fixed sensing time is used for memory operations, then the operation speed is maintained, but the sensing accuracy deteriorates due to threshold voltage bias from environmental factors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs a tracking operation before the actual computing operation to determine the appropriate sensing time. The tracking operation inputs tracking data to memory cells, generates tracking logic values through sensing at different time points, and uses these results to calculate an optimal sensing time that compensates for threshold voltage bias before the main computing operation occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts the sensing time parameter based on environmental conditions detected through the tracking operation. By changing the sensing time parameter according to the calculated threshold voltage bias, the system maintains accurate sensing despite variations in temperature, retention time, and other environmental factors.
2Measurement precision
If sensing time is adjusted to compensate for environmental factors, then sensing accuracy is improved, but the operational time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a tracking operation with tracking data that requires only partial computation compared to full computing operations. The tracking operation senses memory cell outputs at multiple time points and uses these partial results to determine optimal sensing parameters, avoiding the need for excessive time-consuming full computations while still achieving accurate sensing time calibration.
Solution Approach 2:
The tracking operation is performed once beforehand to establish the sensing time parameter, which then remains valid for subsequent computing operations. This preliminary calibration avoids the need to repeatedly perform time-consuming environmental compensation calculations during every computing operation.
3Measurement precision
If tracking operation is performed to determine optimal sensing time, then sensing accuracy is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the same memory array structure for both tracking operations and computing operations. The memory cells, sensing devices, and control circuits serve dual purposes: first performing the tracking operation to determine optimal sensing time, then performing the actual computing operation using the calibrated parameters. This eliminates the need for separate dedicated tracking hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs the tracking operation using its own existing resources - the memory array, sensing devices, and control logic are all components that already exist in the memory system. The system calibrates itself without requiring external equipment or additional specialized components.
Data Source
AI summary
An operating method of a memory system is disclosed herein. The operating method includes: inputting tracking data to a tracking array; generating tracking logic values by tracking cell columns of the tracking array according to the tracking data; counting the tracking logic values to generate a summation value; adjusting a sensing time of a sensing device according to the summation value; performing a computing operation by a computing array to generate computing signals; and sensing the computing signals by the sensing device according to the adjusted sensing time.