Resistive Memory Device Voltage Control for Durability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Next-generation memory devices require high integrity, non-volatility, and high speed, while existing memory technologies face challenges in durability and power consumption.

Innovation Solution

A resistive memory device with a memory cell array and decoder, utilizing line selection switch units to apply bias voltages and inhibit voltages to signal lines based on switching signals, optimizing voltage levels for operating modes to enhance durability and reduce power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional memory devices are used, then basic storage function is provided, but durability is insufficient and power consumption is high

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovedurabilityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different voltage levels to different regions of the memory device. Specifically, first voltage is applied to first signal lines in a first region while second voltage is applied to first signal lines in a second region, enabling localized optimization of power consumption and durability based on operational requirements of different memory cell regions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent dynamically adjusts voltage levels based on operational mode. The voltage generator provides different voltage levels (first voltage, second voltage, third voltage) depending on whether the device is in read mode, write mode, or erase mode, allowing the system to adapt power consumption and durability characteristics to current operational needs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If high voltage is applied to all signal lines, then reading and writing operations are enabled, but power consumption increases and durability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperating speedVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of applying uniform high voltage to all signal lines, the patent applies high voltage only to specific regions and specific signal lines that need to be accessed. First voltage is applied to first signal lines in the first region while second voltage is applied to first signal lines in the second region, reducing overall power consumption while maintaining operational speed for active regions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies voltage only where necessary rather than uniformly across the entire memory array. By selectively applying first voltage to first signal lines in the first region and second voltage to first signal lines in the second region, the system performs partial action only on active regions, reducing excessive power consumption while maintaining required operating speed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Device complexity

If uniform voltage is applied to all regions, then device operation is simplified, but durability and power efficiency are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoltage control complexityVSAvoiddurability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements local quality by applying different voltage levels to different regions. The voltage generator and switching circuits enable selective application of first voltage to first signal lines in the first region and second voltage to first signal lines in the second region, improving durability through localized optimization while managing voltage control complexity through structured regional differentiation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS9570170B2Resistive memory device and method of operating the same
Publication Date: 2017.02.14 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • US9570170B2 patent drawing
  • US9570170B2 patent drawing
  • US9570170B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A memory device includes a memory cell array having multiple memory cells arranged respectively in regions where first signal lines cross second signal lines. The memory device further includes a decoder having multiple line selection switch units connected respectively to the of first signal lines. Each of the multiple line selection switch units applies a bias voltage to a first signal line corresponding to each of the multiple line selection switch units in response selectively to a first switching signal and a second switching signal, voltage levels of which are different from each other in activated states.