Mixed Non-Volatile Memory Cell Types for Energy and Throughput
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional memory devices consume high energy, making them unsuitable for certain electronic devices and systems, despite their high storage density.
Innovation Solution
A memory device with integrated non-volatile memory cells of different types, such as floating gate, charge trap, and ferroelectric memory cells, arranged in a structure that allows for lower energy consumption and higher program throughput by using a combination of memory cell types to store information efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional memory devices use high storage density configurations, then storage capacity is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The memory device is divided into multiple memory cell blocks (first block, second block, third block) with different memory cell types (first, second, third types). Each block can be independently selected and operated, allowing the system to segment storage tasks across different cell types based on energy requirements and performance characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
Different memory cell blocks are assigned different characteristics - some blocks use memory cell types optimized for low energy consumption, while others use types optimized for high program throughput. The system can locally select which block type to use based on the specific operation requirements, achieving local optimization of energy and performance characteristics.
2Productivity
If conventional memory devices increase program throughput, then writing speed is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The memory device dynamically selects which memory cell block to use based on operational requirements. When high program throughput is needed, blocks with memory cell types optimized for speed are selected. When energy conservation is prioritized, blocks with energy-efficient cell types are selected. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize for either throughput or energy consumption depending on the situation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by selecting different memory cell blocks with different characteristics. Each block type has different program throughput and energy consumption parameters. By changing which block is active, the system effectively changes the operational parameters to match the current performance requirements.
3Device complexity
If conventional memory devices use single memory cell type, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different performance requirements decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The memory device achieves multi-functionality by incorporating multiple memory cell blocks with different cell types within a single device architecture. Each block type serves different functional requirements - some optimized for energy efficiency, others for program throughput. This universal design allows the device to handle diverse performance requirements without needing separate memory devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The memory device is segmented into multiple functional blocks, each with specialized memory cell types. This segmentation allows each block to be optimized for specific functions while maintaining overall device integration. The segmented architecture provides adaptability without requiring complete redesign of the entire memory system.
Data Source
AI summary
Some embodiments include apparatuses, and methods of forming and operating the apparatuses. Some of the apparatuses include a conductive line, non-volatile memory cells of a first memory cell type, the non-volatile memory cells coupled in series among each other, and an additional non-volatile memory cell of a second memory cell type coupled to the conductive line and coupled in series with the non-volatile memory cells of the first memory cell type. The second memory cell type is different from the first memory cell type.