Common Source Line Floating Control for Low-Power Memory Programming

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing memory devices consume excessive power and current during program operations due to inefficient management of the common source line voltage application and floating periods.

Innovation Solution

A memory device with a program operation controller that adjusts the length of the floating period for the common source line based on the performance status of the program operation, reducing power consumption by optimizing the application of the common source line voltage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the common source line voltage is applied continuously during program operation, then the program operation can be performed reliably, but the power consumption and current requirements increase excessively

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprogram operation reliabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic action by alternating between applying the common source line voltage and floating it during program operation. The source line driver applies voltage to the common source line for a predetermined period, then floats it for a predetermined period, creating a periodic on-off cycle. This reduces average power consumption while maintaining sufficient voltage application time for reliable program operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies dynamics by making the common source line voltage application dynamic rather than static. The source line driver dynamically adjusts the voltage application timing based on program operation requirements, transitioning between voltage application and floating states. This dynamic control optimizes the balance between operation reliability and power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Use of energy by moving object

If the common source line is floated for extended periods, then power consumption is reduced, but the program operation may not complete successfully

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidprogram operation success

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by adjusting the timing parameters of voltage application and floating periods. The source line driver controls the duration of voltage application and floating based on predetermined criteria, optimizing these parameters to ensure program operation completion while minimizing power consumption. The controller may adjust these parameters based on program operation status and external signals.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the source line driver and controller monitor program operation progress and adjust voltage application timing accordingly. The controller receives signals about program operation status and modifies the voltage application/floating timing to ensure successful completion while reducing power consumption during extended floating periods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Use of energy by moving object

If the floating period is extended to reduce power consumption, then energy efficiency improves, but the channel potential control becomes insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy efficiencyVSAvoidchannel potential control precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by providing different voltage conditions to different parts of the memory device during program operation. While the common source line is floated to save power, the word line voltage is maintained or adjusted to ensure proper channel potential control in the active region. This localized voltage control maintains manufacturing precision for channel potential while reducing overall power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS12482522B2Memory device and operating method of the memory device for reducing power consumption for program operation

Publication Date: 2025.11.25 SK HYNIX INC

AI summary

A memory device includes: memory cells connected between a common source line and bit lines; a source line driver for applying a common source line voltage to the common source line and then floating the common source line; and a program operation controller for controlling the source line driver to change a length of a floating period in which the common source line is floated, based on a degree to which a program operation on the memory cells is performed.