Nonvolatile Memory Status Storage Using Spare String Groups
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional nonvolatile memory devices face errors when storing status information due to the influence of programming one cell on other cells within the same string, leading to incorrect determination of data storage status, especially during power interruptions.
Innovation Solution
A nonvolatile memory device and method that utilizes a plurality of strings, where each string includes a main string group for data storage and a spare string group for storing status information, ensuring that status information is stored in a way that it does not interfere with other strings, using either a single cell per string or duplicately storing status information across multiple cells to prevent errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If status information is stored in a single cell within a string, then storage efficiency is improved, but errors occur due to programming influence on other cells in the same string
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the status information storage across multiple strings instead of using a single cell in one string. By segmenting the storage location into multiple independent strings, the system prevents programming operations in one string from affecting status information in other strings, thus resolving the contradiction between storage efficiency and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates duplicate copies of status information across multiple cells in different strings. Instead of storing status information in a single cell, the same status is copied to multiple cells across multiple strings, ensuring that even if one cell is affected by programming interference, the status information remains accurate through the copies in other strings.
2Reliability
If multiple cells are used to store status information across multiple strings, then error prevention is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes multiple strings serve the universal function of storing status information. Instead of dedicating one specific string solely for status storage, multiple strings are made multi-functional, where each string can both store data and store status information. This reduces complexity by eliminating the need for separate dedicated status storage infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of string utilization from single-purpose to multi-purpose. By changing how strings are parameterized and allocated, the system can store status information in multiple strings without requiring additional dedicated strings, thus managing complexity while improving error prevention.
3Quantity of substance
If status information is stored in the same string as data, then storage space utilization is improved, but programming operations cause incorrect status determination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the storage locations by using multiple different strings for status information storage rather than concentrating all status information in one string. This segmentation ensures that programming operations affecting one string do not corrupt status information in other strings, maintaining measurement precision while still utilizing storage space efficiently across the memory structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A nonvolatile memory device and method for storing status information using multiple strings are provided. The nonvolatile memory device and method allow the status information to be stored using multiple strings. The nonvolatile memory includes a cell capable of storing at least one bit of data, a plurality of strings in each of which at least two cells are connected in series, and a plurality of pages each of which includes a plurality of cells, wherein the strings comprise a main string group comprised of strings storing data and a spare string group including at least two spare strings that store status information on the data stored in the main string group.