Voltage Regulator Circuit for Non-Volatile Memory Programming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Non-volatile memory requires accurate programming voltages for read, write, and erase operations, but existing technologies are susceptible to temperature and manufacturing variations, affecting the accuracy of programming voltages.
Innovation Solution
A memory system with a voltage regulator circuit that generates a supply voltage used as a programming voltage, featuring a decoder and a feedback mechanism to adjust the voltage based on comparison results between input and output data, thereby mitigating the impact of temperature and manufacturing variations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a fixed programming voltage is used, then the circuit design is simple, but the programming accuracy deteriorates due to temperature and manufacturing variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic programming voltage generation mechanism where the voltage level is adjusted based on the number of different bits between input and output data. The voltage regulator circuit receives a control signal indicating the bit difference count and dynamically selects from multiple voltage levels (e.g., 5V, 4.7V, 4.5V, 4.3V) to optimize programming accuracy for different data patterns, thereby resolving the contradiction between circuit simplicity and voltage accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the voltage parameter dynamically based on the programming conditions. By monitoring the number of different bits and adjusting the programming voltage accordingly, the system adapts the voltage parameter to match the actual programming requirements, improving accuracy without requiring a completely complex circuit architecture.
2Manufacturing precision
If the programming voltage is adjusted dynamically, then the programming accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional voltage regulation components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a feedback mechanism where the control signal indicating the number of different bits is fed back to the voltage regulator circuit. This feedback enables the circuit to automatically adjust the programming voltage level based on actual programming conditions, improving accuracy while keeping the control logic integrated within the existing memory controller architecture rather than adding completely independent regulation components.
Solution Approach 2:
The voltage regulator circuit is designed to serve multiple functions: it receives control signals from the memory controller, determines the appropriate voltage level based on the number of different bits, and outputs the corresponding programming voltage. This multi-functional design reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple voltage levels are provided for programming, then the programming accuracy for different data patterns is improved, but the control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary determination of the required voltage level by counting the number of different bits between input and output data before initiating the programming operation. The memory controller calculates the bit difference, determines the appropriate voltage level in advance, and configures the voltage regulator accordingly, avoiding complex real-time decision-making during the actual programming process.
Data Source
AI summary
A supply voltage generation circuit includes a comparison unit, a voltage level control unit and a voltage regulator circuit. Comparison unit is configured to compare input data and output data of a memory array to each other and thereby generating a comparison result, wherein output data are storage data stored in a plurality of memory units of the memory array processed by a program operation according to the input data, and comparison result indicates the number of different bits existing between the output data and the input data. Voltage level control unit is configured to generate a control signal according to the comparison result. Voltage regulator circuit is configured to provide a supply voltage for the memory array and adjust value of the supply voltage according to the control signal. A memory and an operation method of a supply generation circuit used for a memory array are also provided.