Memory System Programming Half-Page Data Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current semiconductor memory devices face challenges in efficiently programming and storing data across pages, leading to potential data instability and reduced reliability due to the need for precise control over programming operations across alternating even and odd pages.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves a method where a memory system programs first and second partial data in the same column region across both halves of a page, with the option for concurrent or sequential programming using dummy data to maintain data integrity and stability, ensuring reliable data storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If data is programmed across alternating even and odd pages in conventional manner, then storage capacity is utilized, but data stability and reliability deteriorate due to programming disturbances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides a logical page into two physical half-pages (even and odd pages) and further segments data into first and second partial data. Each partial data is programmed to a specific column region in its corresponding half-page. This segmentation allows independent programming control of each half-page, reducing programming disturbances and improving data stability while maintaining manageable complexity through systematic organization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different programming strategies to different column regions within half-pages. Specifically, first partial data is programmed to a first column region in the first half-page, and second partial data is programmed to the same first column region in the second half-page. This local differentiation allows precise control over programming operations in specific regions, improving reliability by isolating programming disturbances to localized areas rather than affecting entire pages.
2Manufacturing precision
If programming operations are performed sequentially on half pages, then programming precision is maintained, but operation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent provides flexible programming modes that can dynamically adapt to system requirements. The controller can perform programming operations on first and second half-pages either concurrently or sequentially based on the programming command received. This dynamic approach allows the system to maintain programming precision through sequential operations when needed, while also enabling time-efficient concurrent operations when system conditions permit, thus resolving the time-precision tradeoff.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameter of programming mode (sequential vs. concurrent) based on system state and command type. By allowing the programming controller to switch between different operational modes, the system can optimize for either precision or speed depending on requirements, eliminating the fixed tradeoff between programming precision and operation time.
3Reliability
If dummy data is programmed in second column region, then data integrity is maintained, but programming complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary programming of dummy data to the second column region of half-pages before or during main data programming operations. This preliminary action ensures that all column regions are properly initialized and prevents reading uninitialized or stale data, thereby maintaining data integrity. The dummy data serves as a placeholder that guarantees proper data structure establishment without requiring complex validation procedures later.
Solution Approach 2:
The dummy data acts as an intermediary element that facilitates proper programming operation. By programming dummy data to the second column region, the system creates a controlled intermediate state that ensures subsequent read operations will retrieve valid, initialized data. This intermediary approach simplifies the overall programming control logic by providing a predictable initial state, reducing the complexity of error handling and data validation.
Data Source
AI summary
An operating method of a memory system including first and second one half pages includes acquiring first and second partial data from main data; performing a first program operation to the first one half page of a selected page with the first partial data; and performing a second program operation to the second one half page of the selected page with the second partial data. The first and second partial data may be programmed in the same first column region in the first and second one half pages, respectively.