Memory Device Temperature Sensor Malfunction Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Memory devices face reliability issues due to internal thermo-sensor malfunctions, which can lead to inaccurate temperature readings and subsequent program operation failures, affecting data integrity and storage reliability.
Innovation Solution
A memory device and method that incorporate a temperature sensor for performing first and second temperature sensing operations, with a comparator to assess the difference between these readings and determine if the program operation failed, ensuring accurate temperature-based operations and preventing incorrect decisions about memory block functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single temperature sensing operation is performed to determine program operation success, then the operation speed is fast, but the reliability is low due to potential sensor malfunctions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs a first temperature sensing operation before the program operation to obtain a first temperature result, which is used to determine program voltage. This preliminary action ensures accurate temperature-based voltage selection before writing data, improving reliability without adding complex real-time monitoring during the program operation itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs a second temperature sensing operation after the program operation to obtain a second temperature result, then compares it with the first temperature result. If the temperature difference exceeds a threshold, the program operation is deemed failed. This feedback mechanism detects sensor malfunctions and prevents incorrect data interpretation, significantly improving data reliability.
2Reliability
If temperature sensing operations are performed before and after program operation, then the reliability is improved, but the time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs temperature sensing operations at selective stages (before and after program operation) rather than continuous monitoring. This partial action approach provides sufficient reliability improvement through key checkpoint verification without the excessive time cost of constant temperature monitoring throughout the entire process.
3Measurement precision
If temperature-based program operations are performed, then the program operation accuracy is improved, but the risk of incorrect decisions due to sensor malfunction increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by performing a second temperature sensing operation and comparing it with the first temperature result before finalizing the program operation outcome. If the temperature difference exceeds a threshold, the system proactively identifies potential sensor malfunctions and prevents incorrect decisions about memory block functionality, counteracting the harmful effects of sensor errors before they can compromise data integrity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enhances data reliability by accurately determining program operation success or failure, even when internal thermo-sensors malfunction, thereby maintaining data integrity and preventing incorrect identification of memory block defects.
Implementation Method 1
performing a first temperature sensing operation for measuring an internal temperature to produce a first result of the first temperature sensing operation
Data Source
AI summary
A method for operating a memory device includes: receiving a program command, a memory address, and a program data from a controller; performing a first temperature sensing operation for measuring an internal temperature to produce a first result of the first temperature sensing operation; performing a program operation on the program data based on the first result of the first temperature sensing operation; performing a second temperature sensing operation for measuring an internal temperature to produce a first result of the second temperature sensing operation; and performing a temperature comparison operation for deciding whether the program operation failed when a difference between the first result of the first temperature sensing operation and the first result of the second temperature sensing operation is greater than or equal to a threshold value.