Page Buffer Soft-Decision Sensing for Faster Memory Reads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing memory devices require significant resources and time to generate soft decision data, which hampers data read speed.
Innovation Solution
A memory device architecture that includes a page buffer with latches for sensing hard and soft decision data using multiple offset levels, allowing simultaneous sensing operations at different timings within a single sensing duration without additional precharge, thereby reducing resource consumption and improving read speed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple latches are used to sense data based on different offset levels, then soft decision data can be generated, but the time and resources required increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functionality of multiple latches into a single latch by sequentially sensing data at different offset levels (first offset level, second offset level, and normal read level) within one sensing duration. The single latch stores intermediate values that are processed to generate both hard decision data and soft decision data, eliminating the need for multiple parallel latches and reducing resource consumption while maintaining data accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic sensing actions within a single sensing duration, where the latch sequentially captures data at different offset levels at specific sensing timings. This periodic sampling approach allows the system to gather multiple pieces of information (for soft decision making) through time-multiplexed operations rather than requiring simultaneous parallel operations, thus reducing resource usage while preserving reliability.
2Reliability
If multiple latches are used to sense data based on different offset levels, then soft decision data can be generated, but resource consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple latch functions into a single latch structure. Instead of allocating separate latches for each offset level, the system uses one latch to sequentially store sensed values at different offset levels. This merging reduces the number of hardware resources required while maintaining the capability to generate soft decision data through subsequent processing of the stored values.
Solution Approach 2:
The single latch in the patent serves multiple functions: it senses data at the first offset level, then senses data at the second offset level, and finally participates in generating both hard decision and soft decision data. This multi-functional use of a single component reduces device complexity and resource consumption compared to dedicated latches for each function.
3Measurement precision
If separate sensing operations are performed for different offset levels, then accurate soft decision data is obtained, but the sensing duration increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic sensing actions within a single sensing duration, where the latch sequentially captures data at different offset levels at specific sensing timings. This time-multiplexed approach maintains measurement precision by performing distinct sensing operations for each offset level while containing them within one overall sensing duration, avoiding the need for extended separate sensing periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary sensing actions at different offset levels within the same sensing duration by strategically timing the latch operations. The system prepares and captures intermediate values at predetermined sensing timings before final data generation, allowing accurate soft decision data to be obtained without extending the total sensing duration beyond the single operational window.
Data Source
AI summary
A memory device includes a memory cell array, a control logic which controls a read operation to read hard decision data and soft decision data from each page, and a page buffer which includes a first latch related to sensing of the hard decision data and a second latch related to sensing of the soft decision data. The control logic controls performing a first sensing operation of storing a value determined based on a first offset level, in the second latch, at a first sensing timing, and a second sensing operation of storing a value determined based on a second offset level, in the second latch, at a second sensing timing, and performs a control operation to provide a set signal SET to the second latch in the first sensing operation, and provide a reset signal RST to the second latch in the second sensing operation.