One-time Programmable Memory Dual Array Data Restoration
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Solution Overview
Problem
One-time programmable memories, such as e-fuse arrays, cannot revert to their original state after data is programmed, leading to a need for a technology to restore erroneously written data.
Innovation Solution
A dual cell array system where the first cell array is programmed independently during writing and read in combination with a complementary second cell array, allowing data comparison to restore erroneous programming to the original state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a one-time programmable memory is programmed, then data is stored, but the memory cannot revert to its original state
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the memory system into two separate cell arrays: a first cell array for normal data storage and a second cell array for storing complementary data. This segmentation allows each array to be independently programmed and read, enabling the system to overcome the one-time programmability limitation by using the second array to restore data in the first array after erroneous programming.
2Reliability
If a dual cell array system is implemented for data restoration, then erroneous data can be restored, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functionality of two cell arrays into a unified memory system where both arrays share common control circuits and read/write logic. The first and second cell arrays are integrated such that they can be independently programmed but read together, with the read circuit comparing data from both arrays to restore erroneous programming. This merging approach reduces overall system complexity compared to implementing completely separate systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A one-time programmable memory includes a first cell array including a plurality of one-time programmable memory cells, and a second cell array including a plurality of one-time programmable memory cells, wherein the first cell array and the second cell array are programmed separately during a program operation, and read in combination during a read operation.