Redundant Control Gate Driver Switching for Non-Volatile Memory
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Solution Overview
Problem
Non-volatile storage systems are prone to failure due to defects in control gate drivers, which can render the system inoperable, as they require specific voltage outputs for different memory operations and lack redundancy to ensure continuous functionality.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating redundant control gate drivers that receive all voltage sources and output voltages, allowing them to replace any defective regular control gate drivers, ensuring continuous operation by selectively connecting through a switch network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If redundant control gate drivers are added to replace defective drivers, then system reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The redundant control gate driver is designed with universal functionality to perform all operations that any regular control gate driver performs. It receives all voltage sources (VCG0-VCG7) and can output any required control voltage (VCG0-VCG7) to any word line, making it capable of replacing any defective regular driver regardless of which specific driver failed.
Solution Approach 2:
A switch network acts as an intermediary between the control logic and the control gate drivers. This switch network dynamically routes voltage sources and control signals to either regular control gate drivers or the redundant control gate driver based on operational needs and defect status, enabling seamless replacement without direct complex reconfiguration.
2Reliability
If a regular control gate driver fails, then system functionality is maintained only if replacement occurs, but loss of time occurs during failure detection and replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The redundant control gate driver is pre-configured and standing by with all necessary voltage source connections and control logic pathways established before any failure occurs. The switch network is pre-programmed with replacement pathways, enabling immediate activation of the redundant driver upon detection of a regular driver failure without requiring time-consuming reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system includes monitoring mechanisms that detect when a regular control gate driver fails and provide feedback to the control logic. This feedback triggers automatic switching to the redundant control gate driver through the switch network, enabling rapid response and minimizing operational disruption.
Data Source
AI summary
A non-volatile memory includes memory cells, word lines connected to the memory cells, and a set of regular control gate drivers connected to the word lines. The control gate drivers include different subsets of control gate drivers that receive different sources of voltage and provide different output voltages. A redundant control gate driver, that receives the different sources of voltage and provides the different output voltages, is included that can replace any of the regular control gate drivers.