Multi-Level Cell Programming With Balanced Gray Code Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for programming multi-level flash memory cells require additional hardware resources, increasing complexity and cost, and reducing available space for user data due to the need for precise programming and intermediate buffering.
Innovation Solution
An optimized multiphase mapping with a balanced Gray code is used to transition from a first programming phase to a second phase, minimizing average voltage change and eliminating the need for an intermediate buffer, thereby simplifying storage device design and freeing space for user data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If existing approaches for precise programming of multi-level cells are used, then programming precision is improved, but hardware complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the programming parameters by using a multiphase approach where the programming voltage is applied in multiple phases rather than a single phase. This allows precise programming of multi-level cells without requiring additional hardware resources, as the precision is achieved through parameter optimization rather than hardware complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The programming process is segmented into multiple phases, with each phase programming a portion of the data into the memory cells. This segmentation allows the system to achieve precise multi-level programming by breaking down the complex programming task into manageable steps, eliminating the need for additional hardware buffers
2Manufacturing precision
If existing approaches for precise programming of multi-level cells are used, then programming precision is improved, but available storage space decreases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the programming process into multiple phases and using a multiphase mapping approach, the patent eliminates the need for intermediate buffers that would otherwise occupy storage space. Each phase programs data directly into the final memory locations, maximizing the available storage capacity while maintaining programming precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates the intermediate buffering requirement from the programming process. By using a multiphase mapping approach, the system can program data directly into the final multi-level cell states without requiring temporary storage buffers, thereby freeing up storage space for user data
3Productivity
If multiphase mapping with balanced Gray code is used, then write performance is improved, but programming complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a balanced Gray code mapping in the multiphase programming approach, which optimizes the voltage transitions between phases. This parameter optimization improves write performance by minimizing the number of programming phases required while maintaining a systematic and manageable programming complexity through the use of established Gray code sequences
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are systems and methods for providing programming of multi-level memory cells using an optimized multiphase mapping with a balanced Gray code. A method includes programming, in a first phase, a first portion of data into memory cells in a first-level cell mode. The method may also include reading, from the memory cells, the programmed first portion of the data. The method may also include programming, in a second phase, a second portion of the data into the memory cells in a second-level cell mode, wherein programming the second phase is based on applying, to the read first portion of the data, a mapping from the first-level cell mode to the second-level cell mode. The mapping may be selected based on minimizing an average voltage change of the memory cells from the first to second phase while maintaining a balanced Gray code.