Non-volatile Memory Sensing Sequence Control Method
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional non-volatile memory systems face inefficiencies in power consumption during read cycles due to the simultaneous operation of both current paths in differential cells, leading to unnecessary power usage when determining storage states.
Innovation Solution
A non-volatile memory system that includes a memory cell array, a sense amplifier, a switching element, and a power switching circuit, where the first and second current paths are controlled based on the correlation of read currents from the sub-cells, allowing only one path to be active during specific periods of the read cycle to reduce power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If both current paths are simultaneously active during read cycle, then storage state determination can be performed, but power consumption increases unnecessarily
Solution Approach 1:
The read cycle is segmented into multiple periods: a first period where both current paths are active for initial storage state determination, and a second period where only one current path remains active. This temporal segmentation allows the system to perform necessary read operations while reducing power consumption during the extended activation period of the word line.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action by dividing the read cycle into distinct time periods with different operational modes. During the first period, both sub-cells are read simultaneously; during the second period, only one sub-cell continues to be read. This periodic structure enables the system to balance between reliable storage state determination and reduced power consumption.
2Reliability
If word line activation period is extended, then complete read operation can be performed, but power consumption continues to increase
Solution Approach 1:
The extended word line activation period is segmented into a first period and a second period. During the first period, both current paths are active for complete read operation. During the second period, only one current path remains active, reducing power consumption while still allowing the read operation to complete.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the operational state of different current paths during the word line activation period. The switching element changes the configuration from both paths active to only one path active, optimizing power consumption while ensuring the read operation completes successfully.
3Use of energy by moving object
If switching element controls current paths dynamically, then power consumption is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The switching element performs multiple functions: it controls the activation of bit lines, manages the switching between different current path configurations, and enables the transition between first and second periods. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated control circuits, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving dynamic power consumption reduction.
Data Source
AI summary
A non-volatile memory includes a sense amplifier, a switching element and a power switching circuit. A first sub-cell is connected with a word line, a bit line and a source line. A second sub-cell is connected with the word line, an inverted bit line and an inverted source line. During a read cycle, an activation period of the word line contains a first period and a second period. In the first period, the first sub-cell generates a first read current to a first current path, and the second sub-cell generates a second read current to a second current path. The first current path and the second current path are controlled to be opened according to the correlation of the first read current and the second read current.