Nonvolatile Memory Multi-Level Programming via Pulse Width
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Solution Overview
Problem
The limited size of fluid dispensing devices restricts the use of large capacity nonvolatile memory, making it challenging to store data such as fluid flow characteristics and configuration information effectively.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a nonvolatile memory with control circuitry that allows the fluid dispensing device to operate in multiple modes using a common control signal, including a fluidic operation mode and a memory write mode, where the fire signal's duration and programming voltage control the programming of memory cells to achieve multi-level storage without increasing physical dimensions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If large capacity nonvolatile memory is used to increase storage capacity, then data storage capability is improved, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by utilizing multiple programmed levels (threshold voltage levels) within each memory cell to represent multiple bits of data. By changing the threshold voltage parameter to have multiple discrete levels instead of a single binary state, the storage capacity is significantly increased without adding more memory cells, thereby avoiding an increase in device size.
2Quantity of substance
If multiple programmed levels are implemented per memory cell to increase storage capacity, then storage efficiency is improved, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by using a single control signal (fire signal) to serve multiple functions: it activates fluidic actuators for fluid dispensing, controls memory write operations, and determines the programmed level based on its pulse width duration. This multi-functionality approach allows the system to achieve multi-level storage without requiring separate control circuits for each function, thereby managing complexity effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The control signal's pulse width parameter is used to encode different programmed levels. By varying the duration of the fire signal pulse, the system can program memory cells to different threshold voltage levels, providing a simple yet effective mechanism for multi-level storage control without complex additional circuitry.
Data Source
AI summary
In some examples, a fluid dispensing device component includes an input to receive a control signal from the fluid dispensing system, the control signal for activating the fluidic actuators of the fluid dispensing device during a fluidic operation mode. The fluid dispensing device component includes a nonvolatile memory, and a controller to, during a memory write mode, write a first portion of the nonvolatile memory to a first programmed level responsive to the control signal being activated for a first time duration, and write a second portion of the nonvolatile memory to a second programmed level responsive to the control signal being activated for a second time duration different from the first time duration, the second programmed level being different from the first programmed level.