Trial Programming Voltage Calibration for Non-Volatile Memory
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing non-volatile semiconductor memory devices face challenges in optimizing the program voltage magnitude due to factors like charge trapping, temperature variations, and device usage, leading to inefficiencies in programming speed and risk of over-programming, especially as devices age.
Innovation Solution
A trial programming process is performed to dynamically adjust the initial magnitude of the programming signal based on threshold voltage ranges, allowing for calibrated programming of subsequent non-volatile storage elements to ensure optimal programming efficiency and prevent over-programming.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the program voltage magnitude is set high to ensure programming speed, then programming speed is improved, but over-programming occurs especially in older devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the program voltage magnitude adjustable rather than fixed. The system dynamically selects different program voltage magnitudes based on device characteristics such as threshold voltage distribution, age, and usage patterns. This allows the programming parameters to adapt to changing device conditions, maintaining both speed and reliability across the device lifecycle.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of program voltage magnitude based on device state. By monitoring device characteristics like threshold voltage shifts and charge trapping effects, the system adjusts the program voltage parameter to appropriate levels for each device condition, preventing over-programming in older devices while maintaining fast programming in newer devices.
2Reliability
If the program voltage magnitude is set low to prevent over-programming in older devices, then reliability is improved, but programming speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts the program voltage magnitude to device conditions rather than using a fixed low voltage for all devices. By assessing device characteristics such as threshold voltage distribution and usage history, the system selects the optimal voltage level that prevents over-programming while maintaining programming speed for each specific device state.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the program voltage parameter based on monitored device characteristics. By adjusting the voltage magnitude according to device age, threshold voltage shifts, and charge trapping effects, the system optimizes the balance between reliability and productivity for each device condition rather than using a conservative fixed value.
3Device complexity
If the same program signal is used for all devices regardless of usage, then device complexity is reduced, but programming efficiency varies with device age
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes programming parameters based on device characteristics without significantly increasing control complexity. By monitoring threshold voltage distribution and device state, the system adjusts program voltage magnitudes and pulse parameters to optimize programming efficiency for each device condition, achieving variable performance without complex control architecture.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enables efficient and adaptive programming, maintaining programming speed while preventing over-programming across varying device conditions, ensuring consistent performance as devices age.
Implementation Method 1
Electrons from the channel are injected into the floating gate. When electrons accumulate in the floating gate, the floating gate becomes negatively charged and the threshold voltage of the memory cell is raised
Data Source
AI summary
A trial programming process is performed for a first set of one or more non-volatile storage elements to test usage of the non-volatile storage system. Based on this trial programming, a programming signal is calibrated by adjusting its initial magnitude. The calibrated programming signal is then used to program a second set of non-volatile storage elements (which may or may not include the first set).