Non-volatile Storage Fault Detection via Voltage Monitoring

Solution Overview

Problem

Non-volatile storage devices face issues with data loss and irregular faults during actual use, leading to unsatisfactory reliability in data retention and operation of semiconductor integrated circuit devices.

Innovation Solution

A non-volatile storage device configuration that includes a memory, power supply, controller, A/D converter, and fault detector to detect and correct internal voltage deviations, ensuring reliable data storage and retrieval by performing A/D conversion on voltages used for data erasing, writing, and reading operations, and using a flag output circuit to indicate potential data loss risks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If data is stored in a non-volatile storage device without continuous monitoring, then the storage device can operate autonomously, but data loss may occur due to irregular faults that cannot be detected

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata retention reliabilityVSAvoidstorage device structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs A/D conversion of internal voltages used for data erasing and writing operations before actual data storage operations occur. This preliminary monitoring allows the system to detect voltage deviations that could cause data loss before they actually happen, enabling preventive action rather than reactive correction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an A/D converter as an intermediary component that converts internal analog voltages into digital signals that can be monitored and analyzed by the controller. This intermediary enables the detection system to interface with the voltage generation process without disrupting the core storage operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If the refresh time is set based on statistical data retention time, then the storage device can operate efficiently, but it cannot deal with irregular faults that may occur in actual use

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage operation efficiencyVSAvoiddata loss prevention

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the controller continuously monitors A/D converter outputs representing internal voltages, compares them against expected ranges, and can trigger corrective actions when deviations are detected. This closed-loop feedback system replaces the open-loop statistical refresh approach, allowing real-time adaptation to actual device conditions rather than relying on predetermined refresh intervals

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/statistical refresh mechanism (based on predetermined time intervals and statistical data) with an electronic monitoring and detection system using A/D converters and fault detectors. This substitution allows for continuous, real-time detection of voltage deviations rather than periodic refresh operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Device complexity

If internal voltage deviations are not monitored, then the storage device structure remains simple, but faults related to data writing and erasing cannot be detected

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage device structureVSAvoidfault detection capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an A/D converter as an intermediary component that converts internal analog voltages into digital signals that can be monitored and analyzed by the controller. This intermediary enables the detection system to interface with the voltage generation process without disrupting the core storage operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/statistical refresh mechanism (based on predetermined time intervals and statistical data) with an electronic monitoring and detection system using A/D converters and fault detectors. This substitution allows for continuous, real-time detection of voltage deviations rather than periodic refresh operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enhances the reliability of non-volatile storage devices by detecting and correcting faults in real-time, preventing data loss and ensuring normal operation of semiconductor integrated circuit devices.

Implementation Method 1

an A/D converter configured to perform A/D conversion on the internal voltage

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectA/D conversion:

Data Source

PatentUS11923017B2Non-volatile storage device

Publication Date: 2024.03.05 ROHM CO LTD

AI summary

A non-volatile storage device includes a memory that stores data in a non-volatile manner, a power supply that generates an internal voltage to feed it to the memory, a controller that controls the memory and the power supply, an A/D converter that performs A/D conversion on the internal voltage, and a fault detector that detects a fault related to data written in the memory based on the output of the A/D converter.