Semiconductor Memory Architecture with Segmented Buffer and 3D Main Regions

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current semiconductor memory devices face challenges in increasing memory capacity and reducing coupling effects, with existing techniques like 3D-IC memory, fine patterning, and multi-level cell methods being costly or inefficient in enhancing bit density.

Innovation Solution

A semiconductor device architecture that includes a peripheral circuit part and a first memory part alongside a second memory part, with the first memory part acting as a buffer and the second as a main memory, utilizing a combination of single-bit and multi-bit data storage, and a programming method that involves buffer-programming data into the first memory and main-programming it into the second using a reprogram method to reduce threshold voltage distribution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If 3D-IC memory technique is used to increase memory capacity, then memory capacity increases, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvememory capacityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The memory device is divided into two distinct memory parts: a first memory part with a planar structure and a second memory part with a three-dimensional structure. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized independently, with the first part serving as buffer memory and the second part serving as main memory, thereby achieving high memory capacity without requiring the entire device to use costly 3D-IC manufacturing techniques.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different memory structures are applied to different regions of the device. The first memory part uses a simpler planar structure suitable for buffer operations, while the second memory part uses the more complex three-dimensional structure for main storage. This local differentiation optimizes both cost and performance by applying 3D-IC technology only where maximum capacity is needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Quantity of substance

If fine patterning technique is used to increase memory capacity, then memory capacity increases, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvememory capacityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The memory device is divided into two distinct memory parts: a first memory part with a planar structure and a second memory part with a three-dimensional structure. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized independently, with the first part serving as buffer memory and the second part serving as main memory, thereby achieving high memory capacity without requiring the entire device to use costly 3D-IC manufacturing techniques.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different memory structures are applied to different regions of the device. The first memory part uses a simpler planar structure suitable for buffer operations, while the second memory part uses the more complex three-dimensional structure for main storage. This local differentiation optimizes both cost and performance by applying 3D-IC technology only where maximum capacity is needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Quantity of substance

If multi-level cell technique is used to increase bits per cell, then memory capacity increases, but coupling effect between cells increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvememory capacityVSAvoidcoupling effect
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The memory device is divided into two distinct memory parts: a first memory part with a planar structure and a second memory part with a three-dimensional structure. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized independently, with the first part serving as buffer memory and the second part serving as main memory, thereby achieving high memory capacity without requiring the entire device to use costly 3D-IC manufacturing techniques.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different memory structures are applied to different regions of the device. The first memory part uses a simpler planar structure suitable for buffer operations, while the second memory part uses the more complex three-dimensional structure for main storage. This local differentiation optimizes both cost and performance by applying 3D-IC technology only where maximum capacity is needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

4Productivity

If integration degree is increased to improve device performance, then device performance improves, but coupling effect between memory cells increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice performanceVSAvoidcoupling effect
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The memory device is divided into two distinct memory parts: a first memory part with a planar structure and a second memory part with a three-dimensional structure. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized independently, with the first part serving as buffer memory and the second part serving as main memory, thereby achieving high memory capacity without requiring the entire device to use costly 3D-IC manufacturing techniques.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different memory structures are applied to different regions of the device. The first memory part uses a simpler planar structure suitable for buffer operations, while the second memory part uses the more complex three-dimensional structure for main storage. This local differentiation optimizes both cost and performance by applying 3D-IC technology only where maximum capacity is needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS9887199B2Semiconductor devices including a peripheral circuit region and first and second memory regions, and related programming methods
Publication Date: 2018.02.06 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • US9887199B2 patent drawing
  • US9887199B2 patent drawing
  • US9887199B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Semiconductor devices are provided. A semiconductor device includes a peripheral circuit region and a first memory region that are side by side on a substrate. Moreover, the semiconductor device includes a second memory region that is on the peripheral circuit region and the first memory region. Related methods of programming semiconductor devices are also provided.