Non-Volatile Memory Write Control for Value-Limited Overwriting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional semiconductor memory devices lack a system to restrict overwriting data based on specific conditions, such as writing only if the new data is larger or smaller than the existing data, leading to potential errors and damage in applications like consumer goods tracking.
Innovation Solution
A semiconductor memory device with a sequentially accessed non-volatile memory array that includes a write restricted storage address, a write data holding module, a data writing module, a reading module, and a control unit that determines whether the write data meets the value criteria before executing the write operation, ensuring that only data that meets the specified increase or decrease characteristics is written.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional rewritable semiconductor memory devices allow unrestricted overwriting of data, then writing operations can be performed freely, but erroneous data may be recorded and reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by comparing the write data with existing data before the actual write operation occurs. The control unit reads existing data from the memory array, performs a comparison operation to determine if writing should be permitted, and only then proceeds with the write if conditions are met. This prevents erroneous data from being written in the first place, thereby improving reliability without requiring complex post-write verification systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using the control unit to continuously monitor and compare write data against existing data in the memory array. The comparison result feeds back into the writing control logic, which decides whether to permit or block the write operation. This closed-loop control mechanism ensures that only valid write operations (those meeting the specified conditions) are executed, preventing erroneous data recording while maintaining straightforward device architecture.
2Reliability
If data writing is restricted based on value comparison, then only valid data is written improving reliability, but additional comparison operations increase processing time
Solution Approach 1:
The comparison operation is performed as a preliminary step before the actual write operation, allowing the system to quickly determine whether a write should proceed. Since the comparison is a simple bitwise operation between two data values, it completes rapidly, adding minimal overhead to the overall write process while ensuring data validity before commitment to non-volatile storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter being checked from a simple presence/absence check to a value-based comparison. By comparing the actual data values rather than just checking for data presence, the system can enforce meaningful constraints (such as preventing overwriting with smaller values when only increases are permitted) while keeping the comparison operation itself computationally efficient and fast.
3Device complexity
If no data condition system is provided, then the device structure remains simple, but erroneous data can be written causing damage in consumer goods tracking applications
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit serves as an intermediary between the data writing module and the memory array. It intercepts write operations, performs the necessary comparison with existing data, and only allows writes that meet the specified conditions to reach the memory array. This intermediary layer adds minimal structural complexity while effectively blocking erroneous data from causing harm in consumer goods tracking applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The memory device performs its own data validation through the built-in control unit that automatically compares write data with existing data according to predetermined conditions. This self-service approach eliminates the need for external validation systems or complex post-write verification, keeping the overall system structure simple while preventing erroneous data from being written and causing damage.
Data Source
AI summary
When the input write data is a value of a value greater than the existing data of the memory array 100, the semiconductor memory device enables writing of input write data to the memory array 100. In specific terms, the increment controller 150 reads the existing data from the memory array 100, and compares it with the write data latched to the 8-bit latch register 170. When the value of the write data is a value greater than the existing data, the increment controller 150 outputs the write enable signal WEN1 to the write/read controller 140, and executes writing of the write data latched to the 8-bit latch register 170 to the memory array 100.