Nonvolatile Memory Temperature Recording Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing nonvolatile memory technologies face challenges in accurately recording and controlling temperature information during write operations, leading to potential errors and difficulties in failure analysis.
Innovation Solution
A memory device with integrated control circuitry and a temperature sensor that writes temperature information detected by the sensor to a redundant storage region within the memory cell array during data write operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If temperature recording is implemented in nonvolatile memory during write operations, then measurement precision of temperature is improved, but device complexity increases due to integration of temperature sensor and control circuitry
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the temperature sensor, control circuitry, and memory cell array into a single integrated nonvolatile memory device. The temperature sensor is positioned adjacent to the memory cell array, and the control circuitry is integrated within the same chip, combining multiple functions (temperature detection, data storage, and control) into one device to achieve accurate temperature recording without requiring separate external components
Solution Approach 2:
The nonvolatile memory device is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as data storage medium and as temperature sensing device. The memory cell array serves dual purposes: storing user data and recording temperature information during write operations. This universal design allows the device to perform multiple functions simultaneously, improving temperature measurement precision while managing device complexity through functional integration
2Reliability
If temperature information is written to memory cell array during write operations, then reliability of temperature recording is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase for threshold voltage control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the memory cell array into different regions with distinct functions. A first region stores user data while a second region specifically stores temperature information. This segmentation allows different programming operations to be applied to different regions: standard programming for user data and temperature-specific programming for the temperature storage region. By isolating temperature storage in a separate region, the system achieves reliable temperature recording while managing manufacturing precision requirements through region-specific control strategies
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuitry performs preliminary actions by detecting temperature information before initiating the write operation to the memory cell array. The temperature sensor measures the temperature at the start of the write operation, and this pre-detected temperature information is then used to guide the subsequent programming operation. This preliminary temperature detection and recording ensures reliable temperature information is captured before any threshold voltage changes occur during data writing, while the control circuitry manages precision by using the pre-detected temperature to adjust programming parameters
3Ease of operation
If separate temperature storage region is created in memory cell array, then ease of operation for temperature recording is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuitry integrates multiple functions into a single unified control mechanism. It combines temperature detection, data programming control, and temperature information storage control all within one integrated circuit. The control circuitry receives write data, detects temperature using the temperature sensor, and automatically determines programming operations for both user data and temperature information in a single coordinated process. This merging approach simplifies the overall control mechanism by eliminating the need for separate independent control systems, making temperature recording easier to operate while managing device complexity through functional integration
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
Enables proper recording and control of temperature information related to data write operations, improving storage reliability and facilitating accurate failure analysis.
Implementation Method 1
a temperature sensor configured to detect temperature information in a write operation
Implementation Method 2
Each of the first set of memory cells has a gate connected to a word line, and is configured to store data in a non-volatile manner corresponding to a threshold voltage thereof
Data Source
AI summary
A memory device includes control circuitry that executes a first programming operation and executes a second programming operation after the first programming operation. The first programming operation includes setting a threshold voltage of each of a second set of memory cells in a second section corresponding to write data, and setting a threshold voltage of each of the third set of memory cells in a third section. The second programming operation includes setting the threshold voltage of each of the second set of memory cells in a fifth section corresponding to the write data, and setting the threshold voltage of each of the third set of memory cells in a sixth section or a seventh section among a plurality of fourth sections in accordance with temperature information. The sixth section includes the same voltage range as the third section. The seventh section is higher in voltage than the third section.