Time-Division High-Voltage Switch Control in Nonvolatile Memory
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Solution Overview
Problem
Nonvolatile memory devices experience malfunctions due to high peak currents on conductive paths when high-voltage switch circuits are activated simultaneously, leading to voltage drops that disrupt normal operation.
Innovation Solution
The nonvolatile memory device groups high-voltage switch circuits into multiple switching groups and controls the transition timing of switch control signals independently for each group using a control circuit, distributing the activation times to reduce peak currents through a time-division scheme.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If high-voltage switch circuits are activated simultaneously, then high-voltage transmission is achieved, but peak currents cause voltage drops and malfunctions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the high-voltage switch circuits into multiple switching groups (first switching group, second switching group, etc.), where each group contains multiple high-voltage switches. This segmentation allows the circuits to be activated in stages rather than simultaneously, reducing peak current demands on the conductive path while still achieving the required high-voltage transmission capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements time-division control where different switching groups are activated at different time intervals. The control circuit generates switch control signals with staggered transition timing, creating a periodic activation pattern that distributes current demand over time. This prevents simultaneous activation of all switches, thereby avoiding voltage drops and malfunctions while maintaining effective high-voltage transmission.
2Power
If multiple high-voltage switches are activated at the same time, then high-voltage transmission capability is improved, but peak current on conductive path increases causing voltage drops
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the high-voltage switch circuits into multiple switching groups that can be activated sequentially. Each group contains multiple switches that are activated together, but the groups themselves are activated at different times. This segmentation reduces the peak current stress on the conductive path while maintaining the overall high-voltage transmission capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuit implements periodic activation of different switching groups with time-division control. By staggering the transition timing of switch control signals for different groups, the patent creates a periodic pattern of activation that distributes current stress over time, preventing excessive peak currents while maintaining adequate power transmission capability.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides nonvolatile memory devices including high-voltage switch circuits and methods of controlling the same. In some embodiments, a nonvolatile memory device includes a voltage generator configured to generate a switching source voltage, a plurality of high-voltage switch circuits grouped into a plurality of switching groups and configured to generate a plurality of switch control signals based on the switching source voltage, a conductive path configured to transfer the switching source voltage from the voltage generator to the plurality of high-voltage switch circuits, a plurality of high-voltage switches configured to transfer high voltages based on the plurality of switch control signals, and a control circuit configured to control transition timing of the plurality of switch control signals independently with respect to each of the plurality of switching groups.