Memory Device Write Pulse Trimming for Temperature Compensation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Emerging memory devices such as FRAMs, MRAMs, RRAMs, and PCMs face challenges in write error rates due to temperature dependencies, where fixed write pulses are inadequate across varying temperature conditions.

Innovation Solution

The write pulse width of the memory device is adjusted based on the temperature of the memory cell array or the write error rate, utilizing a temperature-dependent table or error monitoring to optimize write operations and reduce write error rates.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If fixed write pulses are used in memory devices, then device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but write error rates increase under varying temperature conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewrite error rateVSAvoidwrite pulse control complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic write pulse width adjustment based on temperature conditions. The system transitions from fixed write pulses to variable write pulses that adapt to temperature changes, thereby reducing write error rates while managing complexity through automated control mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the write pulse width parameter according to temperature conditions. By adjusting this critical parameter dynamically, the system optimizes write operations across different temperature ranges, improving reliability without requiring complete system redesign

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If write pulse width is increased to reduce write errors at low temperatures, then write reliability is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewrite error rateVSAvoidwrite energy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent adjusts the write pulse width parameter dynamically based on temperature conditions rather than using a fixed increased value. This allows the system to use minimal energy at optimal temperatures while only increasing energy consumption when necessary for temperature compensation, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and energy efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If temperature-dependent write pulse adjustment is implemented, then write reliability across temperature ranges is improved, but device complexity and control difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewrite error rateVSAvoidwrite operation control
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service through automated temperature sensing and write pulse width selection. The system automatically detects temperature conditions and adjusts write parameters without requiring manual intervention, thereby maintaining ease of operation while improving reliability across temperature ranges

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses feedback mechanisms where temperature sensors provide real-time temperature information to the control system, which then adjusts write pulse widths accordingly. This closed-loop control automates the complexity, making the system easy to operate while maintaining high reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS20250118367A1Memory device with write pulse trimming
Publication Date: 2025.04.10 TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO LTD
  • US20250118367A1 patent drawing
  • US20250118367A1 patent drawing
  • US20250118367A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A memory device includes: a memory cell array comprising a plurality of memory cells; a temperature sensor configured to detect a temperature of the memory cell array; a write circuit configured to write data into the plurality of memory cells; and a controller coupled to the temperature sensor and the write circuit, wherein the controller is configured to determine a target write pulse width used by the write circuit based on the detected temperature of the memory device.