Memory Device Strobe Timing for Reliable Page-Buffer Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing memory devices face challenges in maintaining reliability of sensing operations due to voltage drops during strobe operations, which can affect the threshold voltage distribution of memory cells.
Innovation Solution
The memory device incorporates a sensing operation controller that controls the start timing of strobe operations based on split condition information, adjusting the timing according to the expected number of latch flips in each page buffer during program verify operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If strobe operations are performed simultaneously in all page buffers, then the sensing operation speed is improved, but voltage drops occur affecting reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the strobe operations into multiple groups based on the expected number of latch flips. Page buffers are segmented into different operation groups (first group with earlier start timing, second group with later start timing) to prevent simultaneous operations that cause voltage drops, while still maintaining high sensing speed through optimized grouping.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary classification of page buffers into different operation groups based on predicted latch flip counts before the sensing operation begins. This preliminary segmentation allows the system to pre-determine the optimal start timing for each group, avoiding voltage drops during actual sensing operations.
2Reliability
If the start timing of strobe operations is adjusted based on expected latch flips, then voltage drops are reduced and reliability is improved, but the control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing operation controller automatically determines the operation group for each page buffer based on predicted latch flip counts and autonomously sets the start timing without requiring external intervention. The system serves itself by making intelligent decisions about operation scheduling based on real-time conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the sensing operation controller monitors the actual sensing operations and adjusts the start timing of strobe operations based on the expected number of latch flips. This closed-loop control optimizes reliability while managing complexity through adaptive timing adjustment.
Data Source
AI summary
A memory device includes a memory cell array, a plurality of page buffers, and a sensing operation controller. The memory cell array includes a plurality of memory cells. The plurality of page buffers performs strobe operations of latching data stored in the plurality of memory cells. Strobe information storage stores split condition information regarding the start timing of the strobe operations. The sensing operation controller controls the start timing of the strobe operations according to an expected number of latch flips of a sensing latch included in each of the plurality of page buffers in a program verify operation, based on the split condition information regarding the start timing.