Memory Voltage Generator Redundancy for Failure Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing semiconductor memory devices face challenges in maintaining reliability and yield due to failures in voltage generators and logic control circuits, which can lead to defective devices.
Innovation Solution
The semiconductor memory device incorporates a redundancy circuit configuration where a second voltage generator and redundant logic control circuits have equivalent configurations to the first generators and control circuits, allowing for seamless switching in case of failures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If voltage generators and logic control circuits are implemented without redundancy, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to failures in these components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring redundant voltage generators and logic control circuits before any failure occurs. The redundant components are prepared in advance with equivalent configurations, allowing immediate switching upon failure detection without requiring complex real-time decision-making or reconfiguration logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements beforehand cushioning by providing backup voltage generators and logic control circuits that stand ready to compensate for potential failures. This cushioning approach ensures that when a primary component fails, the redundant component can immediately take over, preventing device failure and maintaining operation.
2Reliability
If redundant components are added to the device, then reliability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies copying by creating redundant voltage generators and logic control circuits with equivalent configurations to the primary components. Instead of designing completely independent backup systems, the invention copies the functional architecture and circuit topology, which simplifies manufacturing by using proven designs and reduces the precision requirements for creating novel configurations.
3Productivity
If seamless switching between primary and redundant components is implemented, then device performance is maintained, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables seamless switching by pre-establishing equivalent configurations in redundant components and preparing switching mechanisms in advance. The switching logic is simplified because the redundant components are designed to be functionally identical to the primary components, eliminating the need for complex adaptation or reconfiguration during the switching process.
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, a semiconductor memory device includes a memory cell, a first voltage generator and a second voltage generator. The memory cell is provided above a substrate. The first voltage generator is provided between the substrate and the memory cell. The first voltage generator is configured to generate a first voltage to be supplied to the memory cell. The second voltage generator is provided between the substrate and the memory cell. The second voltage generator is configured to generate the first voltage and have a circuit configuration equivalent to the first voltage generator.