Semiconductor Device Page Buffer Sharing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current semiconductor devices face challenges in optimizing the operating characteristics and efficiency of memory blocks, particularly in controlling bit line connections and page buffer access, which affects data storage and retrieval operations.
Innovation Solution
The semiconductor device incorporates a configuration with a common source line shared by multiple memory blocks, where bit line connections are controlled by drain select transistors, and page buffers are selectively connected to access specific memory strings, allowing for independent operation of memory blocks and improved data management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If separate page buffers are used for each memory block, then access speed is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple page buffers into a single shared page buffer that serves multiple memory blocks. The page buffer is selectively connected to different memory blocks through control signals, allowing one page buffer to handle access operations for multiple memory blocks sequentially, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining access functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The single page buffer is designed to be multi-functional, capable of accessing any of the multiple memory blocks through selective connection. This universal page buffer can be dynamically assigned to different memory blocks based on access requirements, eliminating the need for dedicated page buffers for each memory block and reducing device complexity.
2Productivity
If bit line connections are always maintained, then access efficiency is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of bit line connections through drain select transistors that can selectively connect or disconnect bit lines from memory strings based on access requirements. This dynamic switching capability allows the system to maintain bit line connections only when needed for access operations, improving access efficiency while reducing energy consumption during non-access periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the connection control function from permanent bit line connections and implements it through selective activation via drain select transistors. This allows the system to remove unnecessary continuous connections and activate bit line connections only when required for specific memory access operations, thereby reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining access efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A semiconductor device includes a first memory block including a first memory string, a second memory block including a second memory string, a common source line commonly coupled to the first memory block and the second memory block, a first bit line coupled to the first memory string, a second bit line coupled to the second memory string, a first page buffer for accessing the first memory string through the first bit line, and a second page buffer for accessing the second memory string through the second bit line. The first bit line and the first page buffer are electrically connected to each other when the first memory block is selected.