Non-Volatile Memory Flag State Determination Using Microcontroller ALU
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for determining the flag state in non-volatile memory devices require an additional circuit to calculate flag state information, which occupies chip area and increases operating time.
Innovation Solution
Employing an arithmetic logic unit (ALU) within the microcontroller to sum and compare flag state information from multiple flag cells without an additional circuit, thereby eliminating the need for a dedicated flag state information collection unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an additional circuit is constructed to determine flag cell programming state, then measurement precision of flag state is improved, but device complexity and occupied chip area increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the flag state determination function with the existing microcontroller by using its arithmetic logic unit (ALU). Instead of adding a separate dedicated circuit, the ALU performs the summation and comparison operations to determine flag state, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The microcontroller's ALU is designed to perform multiple functions including flag state determination. By making the ALU universal and capable of handling both general computation and specific flag state analysis, the patent eliminates the need for dedicated specialized circuits, thus reducing chip area and device complexity.
2Measurement precision
If an additional circuit is constructed to determine flag cell programming state, then measurement precision of flag state is improved, but operating time increases
Solution Approach 1:
By combining the flag state determination function with the microcontroller's existing ALU, the patent eliminates the time delay associated with signal transmission to and from separate dedicated circuits. The ALU can directly process flag cell data using existing computational resources, reducing operating time.
Solution Approach 2:
The microcontroller's ALU utilizes its own existing computational capabilities to perform flag state determination without requiring external dedicated hardware assistance. This self-service approach eliminates the overhead of additional circuit operation and reduces overall operating time.
3Reliability
If a flag cell and additional circuit are used to determine programmed state, then reliability of programming operation is improved, but occupied chip area increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the reliability function with existing microcontroller resources. The ALU performs the necessary summation and comparison operations to determine programming state reliability, eliminating the need for separate dedicated circuits and reducing chip area while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The microcontroller's ALU is designed to handle multiple functions including reliability determination. By making the ALU universal, the patent reduces chip area occupied by dedicated circuits while maintaining the reliability of programming operations through robust computational analysis.
Data Source
AI summary
In a method of determining a flag state of a non-volatile memory device, an arithmetic logic unit of a microcontroller is employed without an additional circuit. The method includes providing n flag state information about n flag cells, resetting an entire flag state information value, sequentially reading first to n flag state information, increasing the entire flag state information value depending on a read result of the first to n flag state information, and determining a flag state by comparing the entire flag state information value and a critical value.