NAND Memory Serial Interface Reduces Interconnect Terminals
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Solution Overview
Problem
The integration of NAND type memory devices into processing systems is cumbersome due to their requirement for a larger number of interconnect terminals, which complicates operations and increases chip area, making it inefficient compared to NOR flash memory.
Innovation Solution
A NAND type memory controller with reduced interconnect terminals, allowing it to operate on a serial interface with a minimal number of terminals, similar to NOR flash memory, thereby simplifying integration and reducing the need for rewriting flash memory access operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If NAND type memory device uses traditional parallel interface with multiple interconnect terminals, then data storage capacity is increased, but chip area expands and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional parallel mechanical/electrical interconnect system with a serial communication interface. Instead of using multiple physical interconnect terminals for parallel data transfer, the system uses a serial interface with minimal terminals (CSB, CLK, I/O, WP, HOLD) to achieve the same memory access functionality, thereby reducing chip area while maintaining data storage capacity
Solution Approach 2:
The serial interface terminals are designed to perform multiple functions. For example, the I/O terminal handles both data input and output operations, the CLK terminal provides timing signals for multiple operations, and the same terminal structure supports both read and write operations, reducing the total number of interconnect terminals needed compared to dedicated parallel interfaces
2Quantity of substance
If NAND type memory device uses traditional parallel interface with multiple interconnect terminals, then data storage capacity is increased, but device complexity and integration difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the complex parallel interconnect architecture with a simplified serial communication protocol. The serial interface requires minimal physical terminals and uses software-controlled timing and data sequencing, eliminating the need for complex hardware logic circuits that would be required to manage multiple parallel interconnect terminals, thereby reducing integration complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic control mechanisms where the memory controller adaptively manages the serial interface operations. The system dynamically adjusts timing sequences, data transfer rates, and operation modes based on the specific memory access requirements, allowing a simple physical interface to handle complex memory operations through flexible software control
3Ease of manufacture
If NAND type memory device uses reduced interconnect terminals, then ease of integration is improved, but compatibility with existing systems requires adaptation
Solution Approach 1:
The serial interface is designed with universal functionality that can work with different NAND memory devices and configurations. The same five terminals (CSB, CLK, I/O, WP, HOLD) can support various memory capacities, speeds, and operation modes, making the system highly adaptable while maintaining ease of integration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes to achieve compatibility across different systems. By adjusting timing parameters, data width, clock frequencies, and control signal sequences, the same serial interface hardware can be adapted to work with various NAND memory devices and integrate into different system architectures, resolving compatibility issues without sacrificing integration simplicity
Data Source
AI summary
A first signal may be received from a memory device at a first interconnect terminal of a number of interconnect terminals via a serial communication interface that indicates the memory device includes a NAND type memory device. Whether a second signal that indicates the NAND type memory device is initialized has been received from the memory device at a second interconnect terminal of the number of interconnect terminals may be determined. An operation associated with the NAND type memory device may be performed at the second interconnect terminal and a third interconnect terminal in response to determining the second signal has been received from the memory device indicating the NAND type memory device is initialized.