Memory Sub-Block In-Field Read for Wordline Leakage Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing memory sub-systems fail to detect wordline leakage defects during program operations without a program verify phase, leading to uncorrectable ECC errors and data loss due to wordline shorts, which are not identified until they cause failures.
Innovation Solution
Implement an in-field read operation that disconnects the selected wordline from voltage supply and measures current to detect defects, allowing proactive retirement of defective blocks before data loss occurs, even when program verify is skipped.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If program verify phase is skipped to reduce time and energy consumption, then programming speed and efficiency are improved, but defect detection capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing an in-field read operation immediately after the program operation to detect defects before they cause data loss. The controller reads data from the memory block and verifies integrity proactively, allowing early detection of wordline leakage defects and premature block retirement before actual data corruption occurs.
2Reliability
If in-field read operation is performed to detect defects, then reliability is improved, but additional time and operational complexity are introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuity of useful action by integrating the in-field read operation as a seamless extension of the program operation sequence. The read operation is performed continuously without interruption to normal memory operations, and defective blocks are retired in-place without requiring time-consuming external intervention or data migration, thereby minimizing overall time loss while maintaining continuous reliability monitoring.
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
The in-field read operation enhances data integrity by identifying and retiring defective blocks, preventing data loss and reducing reliability risks while maintaining the benefits of program operations without verify phases, such as reduced time and energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
measuring a current through the selected wordline to determine whether the selected wordline has leaked charge to an unselected wordline
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a memory device and a processing device, operatively coupled with the memory device, to perform operations including performing a program operation to program data to a first block of a plurality of blocks of the memory device, wherein the program operation does not include a program verify phase; performing an in-field read operation to the first block, wherein the in-field read operation includes a voltage floating phase, and wherein a voltage supply to a wordline is withdrawn during the voltage floating phase; and responsive to detecting a read status failure as a result of performing the in-field read operation, marking and retiring the first block and performing the program operation to program the data to a second block of the plurality of blocks of the memory device.