NVM Analog Block Trimming via Fixed-Pattern Read Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing non-volatile memory technologies face challenges in recovering from errors detected during power-on sequences, which affect memory-related data used for configuration, leading to potential configuration failures.
Innovation Solution
A method for selecting trimmings for analog blocks in non-volatile memories, involving reading a fixed pattern, checking its equality, and iteratively adjusting trimmings until a correct read pattern is achieved, allowing for accurate application of memory configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If trimmings are applied to analog blocks during power-on sequence, then configuration accuracy is improved, but errors in memory-related data can cause configuration failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing a read verification of a fixed pattern before finalizing the trimming configuration. The method reads a fixed pattern, verifies its correctness, and only then applies the trimming configuration to the analog blocks. This preliminary verification step prevents erroneous configurations from being applied, thereby resolving the contradiction between configuration accuracy and configuration reliability.
2Measurement precision
If iterative trimming selection is performed, then reading accuracy is improved, but power-on sequence time is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by using the read pattern verification result to determine whether to proceed with trimming application or to retry with alternative trimmings. The system reads a fixed pattern, checks if the read pattern matches the fixed pattern, and uses this feedback to either confirm the trimming configuration or select different trimmings from a set of candidate trimmings. This feedback mechanism ensures reading accuracy while managing the power-on sequence time efficiently.
Data Source
AI summary
A method comprises selecting trimmings out of a set of candidate trimmings for analog blocks in an NVM device, reading a fixed pattern using the selected trimmings applied to the analog blocks in the NVM device to obtain a read pattern, and checking if the read pattern is equal to the fixed pattern. In response to the patterns being equal, selecting the selected trimmings for application to the analog blocks. In response to the patterns being not equal and in the presence of unselected trimmings in the set of candidate trimmings, selecting a new set of trimmings and repeating with the new set of trimmings the performing, checking, and selecting. In response to the patterns being not equal and in the absence of unselected trimmings in the set of candidate trimmings, indicating a failure in selecting trimmings for application to the analog blocks.