Multi-Plane Read Power Management via Adaptive Voltage Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Multi-plane read operations in memory devices consume significant current, especially when blocks are partially programmed to different extents, leading to increased average and peak current consumption, which can affect battery lifetime and device functionality.

Innovation Solution

The control circuit determines the programming status of blocks and adjusts read pass voltages accordingly, applying a common voltage to fully programmed blocks, differentiating between higher and lower programmed blocks by using base and lower read pass voltages, and potentially executing substitute or independent read operations to reduce current consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If multi-plane read operations are performed concurrently on multiple blocks, then read speed and productivity are improved, but current consumption increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveread speedVSAvoidcurrent consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different read pass voltages to different blocks based on their programming status. Fully programmed blocks receive a first read pass voltage, while partially programmed blocks receive a second read pass voltage. This local differentiation allows concurrent multi-plane reads to maintain high productivity while reducing overall current consumption by matching voltage levels to actual block states.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent dynamically adjusts read pass voltages based on real-time block programming status. The control circuit determines whether each block is fully or partially programmed and selectively applies appropriate voltage levels. This dynamic adaptation enables the system to maintain optimal read speed while preventing excessive current consumption during multi-plane operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If read pass voltage is increased to maintain reliable read operations, then read reliability is improved, but current consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveread reliabilityVSAvoidcurrent consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the read pass voltage parameter based on block programming status. By switching between a first read pass voltage for fully programmed blocks and a second read pass voltage for partially programmed blocks, the system maintains sufficient voltage for reliable reads while avoiding unnecessary high voltage application, thus reducing current consumption without sacrificing read reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Use of energy by moving object

If reduced read pass voltages are applied to unselected word lines, then power consumption is reduced, but read precision may be affected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidread precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies reduced read pass voltages selectively to unselected word lines in partially programmed blocks, while maintaining appropriate voltages on selected word lines. This local quality differentiation reduces overall power consumption while preserving read precision by ensuring that the actual read operation occurs at the selected word line with sufficient voltage, and only unselected lines receive reduced voltages.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP4049124B1Power management for multi-plane read operations
Publication Date: 2024.12.18 SANDISK TECHNOLOGIES LLC
  • EP4049124B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP4049124B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP4049124B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

Apparatuses and techniques are described for managing power consumption in a memory device. When a multi -plane read command is received, a control circuit determines whether the blocks identified by the read command are fully or partially programmed. If they are fully programmed, the read command is executed while applying a common read pass voltage to the unprogrammed word lines of the respective blocks. If the blocks are not all fully programmed, the control circuit determines a last-programmed word line. If the last-programmed word lines are not equal in each block, the read command is executed while applying a base read pass voltage to the unprogrammed word lines of one or more higher-programmed blocks and a lower read pass voltage to the unprogrammed word lines of one or more lower-programmed blocks.