Nonvolatile Memory Program End Signal Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Nonvolatile memory devices face challenges in accurately measuring program time due to its variability and the inability to detect the exact completion time of program operations using conventional status flag methods.
Innovation Solution
A nonvolatile memory device and method that include a selecting unit to output a program signal or program end signal, allowing for the detection of the exact program end time by activating a signal when the program operation is completed, which can be done in an asynchronous mode without relying on a clock.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If status flag method is used to detect program completion, then program completion can be detected, but exact program end time cannot be accurately measured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the program operation monitoring into two distinct signals: a program signal indicating the program period and a program end signal indicating completion. This segmentation allows external equipment to accurately measure program end time by detecting the specific program end signal, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary signals (program signal and program end signal) that act as mediators between the internal program operation and external measurement equipment. These intermediary signals enable precise timing measurement without requiring complex internal monitoring mechanisms, thus resolving the technical contradiction.
2Measurement precision
If continuous status flag requests are made to detect program time, then program completion can be confirmed, but exact timing within the duration cannot be determined
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the timing information from the continuous status flag monitoring process by generating distinct program signal and program end signal. This extraction allows external equipment to capture exact program end time without requiring continuous internal monitoring, thereby reducing device complexity while improving measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent prepares the program signal and program end signal in advance during the program operation, so that when external equipment needs to measure program end time, the signals are already available for immediate detection. This preliminary action eliminates the need for complex continuous monitoring during the measurement process.
3Measurement precision
If status flag method is used, then program completion status can be obtained, but accurate program time extraction is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces program signal and program end signal as intermediary carriers that preserve and transmit the exact program end time information to external equipment. These intermediaries prevent information loss by providing dedicated signals that explicitly indicate program completion timing, enabling accurate program time extraction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses signal state changes (activation and deactivation of program signal and program end signal) as indicators of program operation status and completion. These signal transitions provide clear, detectable markers for exact program end time, preventing information loss and enabling precise measurement.
Data Source
AI summary
A nonvolatile memory device includes a selecting unit configured to select one of a read data or a program signal indicating a program period, an output unit configured to output an output signal of the selecting unit to the outside of a chip, and an output pin connected to the output unit.