U.S. patent application number 12/396147 was filed with the patent office on 2009-08-27 for non-volatile memory device adapted to reduce coupling effect between storage elements and related methods.
This patent application is currently assigned to SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.. Invention is credited to Ki-Nam KIM, Yeong-Taek LEE, Ki-Tae PARK.
Application Number | 20090213661 12/396147 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39060975 |
Filed Date | 2009-08-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090213661 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
PARK; Ki-Tae ; et
al. |
August 27, 2009 |
NON-VOLATILE MEMORY DEVICE ADAPTED TO REDUCE COUPLING EFFECT
BETWEEN STORAGE ELEMENTS AND RELATED METHODS
Abstract
A non-volatile semiconductor memory device comprises first and
second sub-memory arrays and a strapping line disposed between the
first and second sub-memory arrays. A programming operation of the
first sub-memory array is performed by simultaneously applying a
programming voltage to odd and even bit lines connected to memory
cells within the first sub-memory array.
Inventors: |
PARK; Ki-Tae; (Seongnam-si,
KR) ; KIM; Ki-Nam; (Seoul, KR) ; LEE;
Yeong-Taek; (Seoul, KR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
VOLENTINE & WHITT PLLC
ONE FREEDOM SQUARE, 11951 FREEDOM DRIVE SUITE 1260
RESTON
VA
20190
US
|
Assignee: |
SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO.,
LTD.
Suwon-si
KR
|
Family ID: |
39060975 |
Appl. No.: |
12/396147 |
Filed: |
March 2, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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11606908 |
Dec 1, 2006 |
7518909 |
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12396147 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
365/185.22 ;
365/185.18; 365/185.2; 365/185.23 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G11C 2211/5621 20130101;
G11C 11/5628 20130101; G11C 2211/5642 20130101; G11C 16/0483
20130101; G11C 16/3427 20130101; G11C 16/12 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
365/185.22 ;
365/185.18; 365/185.2; 365/185.23 |
International
Class: |
G11C 16/06 20060101
G11C016/06 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Sep 30, 2006 |
KR |
10-2006-0096711 |
Claims
1. A method of operating a non-volatile memory device, wherein the
non-volatile memory device comprises a memory array comprising a
first sub-memory array including a plurality of cell strings and a
plurality of even and odd bit lines respectively connected to the
plurality of cell strings, a second sub-memory array including a
plurality of cell strings and a plurality of even and odd bit lines
respectively connected to the plurality of cell strings, and a
strapping line extending in a column direction between the first
sub-memory array and the second sub-memory array, the method
comprising: receiving page data to be programmed; and
simultaneously applying a bit line voltage corresponding to the
page data to the plurality of even and odd bit lines in the first
sub-memory array to program the page data in the plurality of cell
strings in the first sub-memory array.
2. The method of claim 1, further comprising: in a first program
verify operation, verifying the page data programmed in the cell
strings connected to the even bit lines included in the first
sub-memory array; and in a second program verify operation
performed at a different time from the first program verify
operation, verifying the page data programmed in the cell strings
connected to the odd bit lines included in the first sub-memory
array.
3. A method of programming a non-volatile memory device including a
first sub-memory array, a second sub-memory array, a plurality of
word lines connected to the first and second sub-memory arrays, and
a plurality of strapping lines extending in a column direction
between the first sub-memory array and the second sub-memory array,
wherein the plurality of strapping lines includes a dummy bit line
connected with at least one dummy cell string, and the method
comprising: applying a first operating voltage to a selected word
line among the plurality of word lines and applying a second
operating voltage to all non-selected word lines among the
plurality of word lines; and performing a first program operation
by simultaneously programming data to all memory cells in the first
sub-memory array and connected to the selected word line, wherein
during the first program operation at least one voltage is applied
to a common source line associated with memory cells of the first
sub-memory array or a memory sub-region associated with the memory
cells of the first sub-memory array via one of the plurality of
strapping lines.
4. The method of claim 3, wherein the plurality of strapping lines
is configured to apply the at least one voltage to respective
regions of the first and second sub-memory arrays.
5. A non-volatile memory device comprising: a first sub-memory
array including a plurality of cell strings respectively connected
with a plurality of first bit lines; a second sub-memory array
including a plurality of cell strings respectively connected with a
plurality of second bit lines; a strapping line formed between the
first sub-memory array and the second sub-memory array; a page
buffer including a plurality of data storage elements; and a
switching block configured to perform a first switching operation
for simultaneously connecting a first subset of the plurality of
data storage elements with all of the respective first bit lines
and a second switching operation for simultaneously connecting a
second subset of the plurality of data storage elements with all of
the respective second bit lines in response to at least one control
signal.
6. The non-volatile memory device of claim 5, wherein the switching
block comprises: a plurality of first switches respectively
connected between the respective first bit lines and the first
subset of the plurality of data storage elements; and a plurality
of second switches respectively connected between the respective
second bit lines and the second subset of the plurality of data
storage elements.
7. The non-volatile memory device of claim 6, further comprising a
control signal generation circuit configured to generate the at
least one control signal for performing the first switching
operation and the second switching operation.
8. The non-volatile memory device of claim 5, wherein the strapping
line is configured to apply a voltage to respective regions of the
first and second sub-memory arrays in which memory cells of the
cell strings of the respective first and second sub-memories are
formed.
9. A non-volatile memory device, comprising: a memory array
comprising a first sub-memory array including a plurality of cell
strings respectively connected with a plurality of first bit lines,
a second sub-memory array including a plurality of cell strings
respectively connected with a plurality of second bit lines, and at
least one strapping line disposed between the first sub-memory
array and the second sub-memory array; a page buffer including a
plurality of first data storage elements and a plurality of second
data storage elements; and a switching block configured to perform
a first switching operation to simultaneously connect the first
data storage elements with the respective first bit lines in
response to at least one first control signal, and further
configured to perform a second switching operation to
simultaneously connect the second data storage elements with the
respective second bit lines in response to at least one second
control signal.
10. The non-volatile memory device of claim 9, wherein the
switching block comprises: a plurality of first switches
respectively connected between the respective first bit lines and
the respective first data storage elements; and a plurality of
second switches respectively connected between the respective
second bit lines and the respective second data storage
elements.
11. The non-volatile memory device of claim 10, further comprising:
a control signal generation circuit configured to generate at least
one control signal among the at least one first control signal, and
further configured to generate the at least one second control
signal.
12. A non-volatile memory device comprising: a memory array
including a first sub-memory array including a plurality of cell
strings respectively connected with a plurality of first bit lines
and a plurality of cell strings connected with a plurality of
second bit lines, a second sub-memory array including a plurality
of cell strings respectively connected with a plurality of third
bit lines and a plurality of cell strings connected with a
plurality of fourth bit lines, and a strapping line disposed
between the first sub-memory array and the second sub-memory array;
a page buffer including a plurality of first data storage elements
and a plurality of second data storage elements; a plurality of
first switches respectively connected between the first bit lines
and the first data storage elements; a plurality of second switches
respectively connected between the second bit lines and the second
data storage elements; a plurality of third switches respectively
connected between the third bit lines and the first data storage
elements; and a plurality of fourth switches respectively connected
between the fourth bit lines and the second data storage
elements.
13. The non-volatile memory device of claim 12, further comprising:
a control signal generation circuit configured to generate at least
one control signal among a first control signal for turning on the
first switches, a second control signal for turning on the second
switches, a third control signal for turning on the third switches,
and a fourth control signal for turning on the fourth switches.
14. A non-volatile memory device, comprising: a word line; a first
sub-memory array including a plurality of memory cells connected to
the word line and formed in a first conductivity type region; a
second sub-memory array including a plurality of memory cells
connected to the word line and formed in the first conductivity
type region; a strapping line disposed between the first sub-memory
array and the second sub-memory array and adapted to apply a
voltage to the first conductivity type region; and, a program
control block configured to perform at least one operation during a
first program operation programming first page data to the
plurality of memory cells included in the first sub-memory array
and during a second program operation programming second page data
to the plurality of memory cells included in the second sub-memory
array in response to at least one control signal during a program
operation, wherein the program control block comprises: a word line
driving circuit configured to apply a program voltage to the word
line during the program operation; a page buffer including a
plurality of data storage elements adapted to store data to be
programmed during the program operation; and a switching block
configured to perform a first switching operation simultaneously
connecting all bit lines connected with the plurality of memory
cells included in the first sub-memory array with the respective
data storage elements during the first program operation, and a
second switching operation simultaneously connecting all bit lines
connected with the plurality of memory cells included in the second
sub-memory array with the respective data storage elements during
the second program operation.
15. The non-volatile memory device of claim 14, wherein the
switching block comprises: a plurality of first switches each
connected between a corresponding bit line among the bit lines
connected with the plurality of memory cells included in the first
sub-memory array and a corresponding data storage element among the
plurality of data storage elements; and a plurality of second
switches each connected between a corresponding bit line among the
bit lines connected with the plurality of memory cells included in
the second sub-memory array and a corresponding data storage
element among the plurality of data storage elements.
16. The non-volatile memory device of claim 14, wherein each of the
plurality of memory cells comprises a flash electrically erasable
and programmable read only memory cell.
17. The method of claim 3, further comprising: while applying the
first operating voltage to the selected word line among the
plurality of word lines and applying the second operating voltage
to all non-selected word lines among the plurality of word lines,
performing a second program operation by simultaneously programming
data to all memory cells included in the second sub-memory array
and connected to the selected word line, wherein during the second
program operation the at least one voltage is applied to a common
source line associated with memory cells of the second sub-memory
array, or a memory sub-region associated with memory cells of the
second sub-memory array via one of the plurality of strapping
lines.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This is a divisional of application Ser. No. 11/606,908
filed on Dec. 1, 2006, which is incorporated herein by reference in
its entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] Embodiments of the invention relate generally to
non-volatile memory devices. More particularly, embodiments of the
invention relate to technologies adapted to reduce a coupling
effect between storage elements in the non-volatile memory
devices.
[0004] A claim of priority is made to Korean Patent Application No.
2006-0096711, filed on Sep. 30, 2006, the disclosure of which is
hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
[0005] 2. Description of Related Art
[0006] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a conventional memory array 10
including a plurality of sub-memory arrays. Referring to FIG. 1,
memory array 10 includes a plurality of sub-memory arrays including
a first sub-memory array 11, a second sub-memory array 13, and a
plurality of strapping lines 12 formed in a bit line direction (or
a column direction) between adjacent sub-memory arrays. Each of
sub-memory arrays 11 and 13 includes a plurality of even bit lines
and a plurality of odd bit lines.
[0007] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a non-volatile memory device 20
including memory array 10 illustrated in FIG. 1. Referring to FIG.
2, non-volatile memory device 20 includes memory array 10, a row
decoder 12, a control signal generation circuit 14, a switching
block 16, and a page buffer 18. Sub-memory array 11 in memory array
10 includes even bit lines BLe1 and BLe2 and odd bit lines BLo1 and
BLo2. Similarly, sub-memory array 13 in memory array 10 includes
even bit lines BLe1' and BLe2' and odd bit lines BLo1' and BLo2'.
Cell strings 15 are respectively connected with even bit lines
BLe1, BLe2, BLe1' and BLe2' and odd bit lines BLo1 and BLo2, BLo1',
and BLo2'. Each of cell strings 15 typically comprises a NAND
string.
[0008] Each of cell strings 15 includes a first selection
transistor, a second selection transistor, and a plurality of NAND
flash electrically erasable and programmable read only memory
(EEPROM) cells connected in series between the first and second
selection transistors. For explanation purposes, memory cells
connected to even bit lines may be referred to throughout this
written description as "even memory cells" and memory cells
connected to odd bit lines may be referred to as "odd memory
cells." Each NAND flash EEPROM cell included in each cell string 15
is formed in a P-type region or an N-type region. The P-type region
is typically formed within an N-type well formed in a P-type
substrate and the N-type region is typically formed within a P-type
well formed in an N-type substrate.
[0009] Strapping lines 12 include a strapping line for applying a
voltage to the P-type region (or the N-type region), a strapping
line for applying a voltage to a common source line, a bit line
connected with dummy memory cells, and a strapping line for
contacts. Each of strapping lines 12 is typically formed with a
structure similar to bit lines connected with respective cell
strings 15.
[0010] The memory cells illustrated in memory array 10 are
multi-level cells. In other words, the memory cells can be
programmed to store more than one bit of data by adjusting the
respective threshold voltages of the memory cells to different
levels. For illustration purposes, multi-level memory cells for
storing 2-bit data will be described. However, some multi-level
cells can store more than 2 bits. In the 2-bit data, an upper bit
will be referred to as 2.sup.nd page data and a lower bit will be
referred to as 1 .sup.st page data.
[0011] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating one order in which
memory cells in sub-memory array 11 or 13 illustrated in FIG. 2 can
be programmed. Here, memory cells are programmed in units of odd
and even pages. In other words, even memory cells connected to the
same word line are programmed at the same time and odd memory cells
connected to the same word line are programmed at the same time. A
method of programming memory cells in sub-memory array 11 or 13 is
described below with reference to FIGS. 1 through 3.
[0012] As shown in FIG. 2, switching block 16 comprises switches
16-1 through 16-8 and page buffer 18 includes storage elements 18-1
through 18-4. Switches 16-1, 16-3, 16-5, and 16-7 respectively
connect even bit lines BLe1, BLe2, BLe1', and BLe2' in sub-memory
array 11 and 13 with respective data storage elements 18-1, 18-2,
18-3 and 18-4 in response to a first control signal output from
control signal generation circuit 14. Similarly, switches 16-2,
16-4, 16-6, and 16-8 in switching block 16 respectively connect odd
bit lines BLo1, BLo2, BLo1', and BLo2' in sub-memory array 11 and
13 with respective data storage elements 18-1, 18-2, 18-3, and 18-4
in response to a second control signal output from control signal
generation circuit 14. Accordingly, as illustrated in FIG. 3, a
program operation or read operation can be performed on odd memory
cells or even memory cells according to the first and second
control signals. The memory cells are programmed in an order
indicated by the reference numerals 0 through 11. For example,
1.sup.st page data is programmed in memory cells connected to odd
bit lines, as indicated by reference numerals "0". Then 1.sup.st
page data is programmed in memory cells connected to even bit
lines, as indicated by reference numerals "1". Next, 2.sup.nd page
data is programmed in memory cells connected to odd bit lines as
indicated by reference numeral "2", and so on.
[0013] FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a coupling
effect between conventional memory cells. The coupling effect
occurs where a threshold voltage change .DELTA.Vx of one or more
memory cells causes a threshold voltage change in other, e.g.,
adjacent memory cells. For example, where even memory cells in FIG.
4 are programmed, a threshold voltage of an odd memory cell in FIG.
4 may change due to coupling capacitances Cx between the even
memory cells and the odd memory cell.
[0014] The magnitude of the coupling effect can be roughly
quantified in proportion to a combination of coupling capacitances
Cx and the threshold voltage change .DELTA.Vx of the even memory
cells. For example, the magnitude of the coupling effect can be
roughly quantified as 2Cx.DELTA.Vx.
[0015] Due to the coupling effect, additional program operations
may be required to correct threshold voltage distributions in the
memory cells. Unfortunately, however, these additional program
operations tend to stress the memory cells. As a result, the
reliability of the memory cells may deteriorate.
[0016] FIGS. 5A through 5D illustrate threshold voltage
distributions for memory cells affected by coupling capacitance
when programmed using a conventional programming method. Reference
numerals shown in FIGS. 5A through 5D indicate the order in which
memory cells are programmed.
[0017] Referring to FIG. 5A, where selected even memory cells
connected to a word line WL0 are programmed from a threshold
voltage state "11" to a threshold voltage state "01" in a program
operation indicated by reference numeral "3", a threshold voltage
of a memory cell labeled "worst case cell" is affected by a
threshold voltage change .DELTA.Vx1 of the selected even memory
cells. In FIG. 5A, the labels Vo10, Vo00, and Vo01 denote program
verify voltage levels used to verify that memory cells are properly
programmed.
[0018] Referring to FIG. 5B, where even memory cells connected to a
word line WL1 are programmed in a program operation indicated by
reference numeral "7", the threshold voltage of the memory cell
labeled "worst case cell" is affected by threshold voltage changes
.DELTA.Vx1 of horizontally adjacent memory cells, by a threshold
voltage change .DELTA.Vy1 of a vertically adjacent memory cell and
threshold voltage changes .DELTA.Vxy1 of diagonally adjacent memory
cells.
[0019] The memory cells in FIGS. 5C and 5D are programmed in a
different order than the memory cells in FIGS. 5A and 5B. Referring
to FIG. 5C, where selected even memory cells connected to word line
WL0 are programmed from threshold voltage state "11" to a threshold
voltage state "10" in an operation indicated by reference numeral
"5", for example, the threshold voltage of the memory cell labeled
"worst case cell" is affected by threshold voltage changes
.DELTA.Vx2 of the selected even memory cells.
[0020] Referring to FIG. 5D, where selected even memory cells
connected to word line WL1 are programmed in an operation indicated
by reference numeral "7", the threshold voltage of the memory cell
labeled "worst case cell" is affected by threshold voltage changes
.DELTA.Vx2 of horizontally adjacent even memory cells, by a
threshold voltage change .DELTA.Vy2 of a vertically adjacent odd
memory cell, and threshold voltage changes .DELTA.Vxy2 of
diagonally adjacent memory cells.
[0021] Based on the above description related to FIGS. 5A through
5D, the threshold voltage of the memory cell labeled "worst case
cell" is affected by threshold voltage changes .DELTA.Vx1,
.DELTA.Vx2, and .DELTA.Vxy2, even when the programming order is
varied. As a result, the performance and reliability of the memory
cells tends to deteriorate.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0022] Recognizing at least the above shortcomings of conventional
devices, embodiments of the invention provide a non-volatile memory
device and related methods adapted to reduce a coupling effect
between horizontally adjacent storage elements.
[0023] According to one embodiment of the invention, a method of
operating a non-volatile memory device is provided. The
non-volatile memory device comprises a memory array, and the memory
array comprises a first sub-memory array including a plurality of
cell strings and a plurality of even and odd bit lines respectively
connected to the plurality of cell strings, a second sub-memory
array including a plurality of cell strings and a plurality of even
and odd bit lines respectively connected to the plurality of cell
strings, and a strapping line extending in a column direction
between the first sub-memory array and the second sub-memory array.
The method comprises receiving page data to be programmed, and
simultaneously applying a bit line voltage corresponding to the
page data to the plurality of even and odd bit lines in the first
sub-memory array to program the page data in the plurality of cell
strings in the first sub-memory array.
[0024] According to another embodiment of the invention, a method
of programming a non-volatile memory device is provided. The
non-volatile memory device comprises a first sub-memory array, a
second sub-memory array, a plurality of word lines connected to the
first and second sub-memory arrays, and a strapping line extending
in a column direction between the first sub-memory array and the
second sub-memory array. The method comprises applying a first
operating voltage to a selected word line among the plurality of
word lines and applying a second operating voltage to all
non-selected word lines among the plurality of word lines, and
performing a first program operation by simultaneously programming
data to all memory cells included in the first sub-memory array and
connected to the selected word line.
[0025] According to yet another embodiment of the present
invention, a non-volatile memory device comprises a first
sub-memory array including a plurality of cell strings respectively
connected with a plurality of first bit lines, a second sub-memory
array including a plurality of cell strings respectively connected
with a plurality of second bit lines, a strapping line formed
between the first sub-memory array and the second sub-memory array,
a page buffer including a plurality of data storage elements, and a
switching block configured to perform a first switching operation
for simultaneously connecting a first subset of the plurality of
data storage elements with all of the respective first bit lines
and a second switching operation for simultaneously connecting a
second subset of the plurality of data storage elements with all of
the respective second bit lines in response to at least one control
signal.
[0026] According to still another embodiment of the invention, a
non-volatile memory device comprises a memory array comprising a
first sub-memory array including a plurality of cell strings
respectively connected with a plurality of first bit lines, a
second sub-memory array including a plurality of cell strings
respectively connected with a plurality of second bit lines, and at
least one strapping line disposed between the first sub-memory
array and the second sub-memory array. The device further comprises
a page buffer including a plurality of first data storage elements
and a plurality of second data storage elements, and a switching
block configured to perform a first switching operation to
simultaneously connect the first data storage elements with the
respective first bit lines in response to at least one first
control signal, and further configured to perform a second
switching operation to simultaneously connect the second data
storage elements with the respective second bit lines in response
to at least one second control signal.
[0027] According to still another embodiment of the invention, a
non-volatile memory device comprises a memory array including a
first sub-memory array including a plurality of cell strings
respectively connected with a plurality of first bit lines and a
plurality of cell strings connected with a plurality of second bit
lines, a second sub-memory array including a plurality of cell
strings respectively connected with a plurality of third bit lines
and a plurality of cell strings connected with a plurality of
fourth bit lines, and a strapping line disposed between the first
sub-memory array and the second sub-memory array. The device
further comprises a page buffer including a plurality of first data
storage elements and a plurality of second data storage elements, a
plurality of first switches respectively connected between the
first bit lines and the first data storage elements, a plurality of
second switches respectively connected between the second bit lines
and the second data storage elements, a plurality of third switches
respectively connected between the third bit lines and the first
data storage elements, and a plurality of fourth switches
respectively connected between the fourth bit lines and the second
data storage elements.
[0028] According to yet another embodiment of the invention, a
non-volatile memory device is provided. The device comprises a word
line, a first sub-memory array including a plurality of memory
cells connected to the word line and formed in a first conductivity
type region, a second sub-memory array including a plurality of
memory cells connected to the word line and formed in the first
conductivity type region, a strapping line disposed between the
first sub-memory array and the second sub-memory array and adapted
to apply a voltage to the first conductivity type region, and a
program control block configured to perform at least one operation
among a first program operation for programming first page data to
the plurality of memory cells included in the first sub-memory
array and a second program operation for programming second page
data to the plurality of memory cells included in the second
sub-memory array in response to at least one control signal during
a program operation.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0029] Embodiments of the invention are described in relation to
the accompanying drawings. Throughout the drawings like reference
numbers indicate like exemplary elements, components, and steps. In
the drawings:
[0030] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a conventional memory array
including a plurality of sub-memory arrays;
[0031] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a non-volatile memory device
including the memory array illustrated in FIG. 1;
[0032] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an order in which
memory cells in a sub-memory array illustrated in FIG. 2 are
programmed;
[0033] FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram for explaining a coupling
effect between conventional memory cells;
[0034] FIGS. 5A through 5D illustrate threshold voltage
distributions of a memory cell affected by the coupling effect when
memory cells in the memory array of FIG. 1 are programmed using a
conventional method;
[0035] FIG. 6A is a block diagram of a memory array including
sub-memory arrays according to selected embodiments of the
invention;
[0036] FIG. 6B is a block diagram illustrating an example of a
strapping line according to selected embodiments of the
invention;
[0037] FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a memory array including
sub-memory arrays according to selected embodiments of the
invention;
[0038] FIG. 8 illustrates an order for programming memory cells in
the memory array illustrated in FIGS. 6A and 7;
[0039] FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a non-volatile memory device
including a memory array according to selected embodiments of the
invention;
[0040] FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a non-volatile memory device
including a memory array according to selected embodiments of the
invention;
[0041] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a coupling disturbance
occurring in a horizontal direction when memory cells are
programmed according to selected embodiments of the invention;
[0042] FIGS. 12A through 12D illustrate threshold voltage
distributions of a memory cell in worst cases due to a coupling
disturbance when memory cells are programmed according to selected
embodiments of the present invention;
[0043] FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a method of programming
first page data according to selected embodiments of the invention;
and
[0044] FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a method of programming
second page data according to selected embodiments of the present
invention.
DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
[0045] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are described below
with reference to the corresponding drawings. These embodiments are
presented as teaching examples. The actual scope of the invention
is defined by the claims that follow.
[0046] FIG. 6A is a block diagram of a memory array 30 including
sub-memory arrays according to selected embodiments of the
invention. FIG. 6B illustrates an example of a strapping line 31
according to selected embodiments of the invention. Referring to
FIGS. 6A and 6B, memory array 30 includes a plurality of sub-memory
blocks 30-1 through 30-6. A plurality of strapping lines 31
extending in a bit line or column direction are arranged between
adjacent sub-memory blocks, e.g., between sub-memory blocks 30-1
and 30-2, 30-2 and 30-3, 30-3 and 30-4, 30-4 and 30-5, and 30-5 and
30-6.
[0047] Each of strapping lines 31 includes a strapping line for
supplying power to a common source line, a strapping line for
applying a voltage to a memory sub-region (e.g., a P-type region or
an N-type region) in which memory cells are formed, and a bit line
connected with dummy memory cells. Each of strapping lines 31 is
typically formed with a structure similar to that of bit lines
connected to cell strings in memory array 30.
[0048] Referring to FIG. 6A, a single sub-memory block forms a
single sub-memory array. Each of sub-memory blocks 30-1 though 30-6
includes a plurality of even bit lines and a plurality of odd bit
lines.
[0049] FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a memory array 32 including
sub-memory arrays according to selected embodiments of the present
invention. Referring to FIG. 7, memory array 32 included in a
non-volatile memory device includes a plurality of sub-memory
blocks 32-1 through 32-6 and strapping lines 31. At least one of
strapping lines 31 extending in a bit line direction is arranged
between adjacent sub-memory blocks, e.g., between sub-memory blocks
32-1 and 32-2, 32-2 and 32-3, 32-3 and 32-4, 32-4 and 32-5, and
32-5 and 32-6. In memory array 32 two sub-memory blocks, for
example, sub-memory blocks 32-1 and 32-2, 32-3 and 32-4, and 32-5
and 32-6, form a single sub-memory array. According to other
embodiments of the invention, a sub-memory array may include more
than two sub-memory blocks.
[0050] FIG. 8 illustrates an order in which memory cells can be
programmed in memory array 30 or 32 illustrated in FIG. 6A or FIG.
7. The memory cells are typically programmed by page unit, and
therefore memory cells within the same page, i.e., having the same
page address, are generally programmed at the same time. As an
example, in FIG. 8, all even and odd memory cells connected to the
same word line in the same sub-memory array are programmed at the
same time. For instance, during a first program operation, where a
first page or a least significant bit (LSB) is programmed, a first
word line WL0 connected to a first sub-memory array 30-3 is
selected. A program voltage is applied to first word line WL0
connected to first sub-memory array 30-3, and all memory cells in
sub-memory array 30-3 connected with first word line WL0 are
programmed with first page data.
[0051] After the first program operation completes, the programmed
memory cells connected with even bit lines and memory cells
connected with odd bit lines in sub-memory array 30-3 are
alternately verified. Next, during a second program operation,
first word line WL0 connected to a second sub-memory array 30-4 is
selected. The program voltage is applied to selected first word
line WL0, and all memory cells connected with first word line WL0
in second sub-memory array 30-4 are programmed with first page
data. After the second program operation is finished, the
programmed memory cells connected with even bit lines and memory
cells connected with odd bit lines in sub-memory array 30-4 are
alternately verified.
[0052] Next, second page data is programmed in the memory cells
connected to word line WL0 in first sub-memory array 30-3, then
second page data is programmed in the memory cells connected to
word line WL0 in second sub-memory array 30-4, and so on.
[0053] The memory cells included in first and second sub-memory
arrays 30-3 and 30-4 preferably comprise NAND flash electrically
erasable and programmable read only memory (EEPROM) cells. The
memory cells may single level cells (SLCs) or multi-level cell
(MLCs). In other words, a storage element, i.e., a floating gate of
a NAND flash EEPROM cell may store one or more bits of data
according to the amount of stored charges.
[0054] The reference numerals 0 through 11 in FIG. 8 indicate the
order in which memory cells are programmed or written to. According
to selected embodiments of the present invention, memory cells
connected to the same word line in each of sub-memory cell arrays
30-3 and 30-4 can be programmed at one time using the same page
address regardless of even and odd bit lines.
[0055] FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a non-volatile memory device 40
including a memory array 30 according to an embodiment of the
invention. Referring to FIG. 9, non-volatile memory device 40
includes memory array 30, a row decoder 12, a control signal
generation circuit 34, a switching block 36, and a page buffer 41.
Switching block 36 includes switches 36-1 through 36-4 and 37-1 and
37-4 and page buffer 41 includes data storage elements 40-1 through
40-4.
[0056] Memory array 30 includes a plurality of sub-memory arrays,
including first sub-memory array 30-3 and second sub-memory array
30-4. First sub-memory array 30-3 includes a plurality of cell
strings 15 which are respectively connected with first bit lines
BLe1, BLo1, BLe2, and BLo2. Second sub-memory array 30-4 includes a
plurality of cell strings 15 which are respectively connected with
second bit lines BLe1', BLo1', BLe2', and BLo2'. Here, the label
"BLe" denotes an even bit line and the label "BLo" denotes an odd
bit line. Each of cell strings 15 includes a fist selection
transistor, a second selection transistor, and a plurality of NAND
flash EEPROM cells connected in series between the first and second
selection transistors. At least one strapping line extending in a
bit line or column direction is disposed between first sub-memory
array 30-3 and second sub-memory array 30-4.
[0057] Row decoder 12 typically functions as a word line driving
circuit. Row decoder 12 may select one of a plurality of word lines
WL1 through WLn in response to a row address and apply a first
operating voltage to the selected word line and a second operating
voltage to non-selected word lines. For instance, in a program
mode, row decoder 12 typically applies the first operating voltage,
e.g., a program voltage, to the selected word line and the second
operating voltage, e.g., a pass voltage, to the non-selected word
lines. As an example, the program voltage may be between 15 and 20
V and the pass voltage may be about 10 V. Alternatively, in a read
mode, row decoder 12 typically applies the first operating voltage,
e.g., a ground voltage, to the selected word line and the second
operating voltage, e.g., a read voltage, to the non-selected word
lines. The read voltage is typically around 4.5 V. The program
voltage is generally higher than the pass voltage, and the pass
voltage is generally higher than the read voltage.
[0058] Control signal generation circuit 34 typically generates at
least one of control signals CS1 through CS4. Alternately, control
signal generation circuit 34 may generate at least one of signals
CS1 and CS2 and at least one of control signals CS3 and CS4.
Control signal generation circuit 34 is generally implemented as a
bit line driving circuit or a special circuit for accessing bit
lines in memory array 30. More specifically, control signal
generation circuit 34 typically generates at least one among first
control signal CS1 for controlling switches 36-1 and 36-3, second
control signal CS2 for controlling switches 36-2 and 36-4, third
control signal CS3 for controlling switches 37-1 and 37-3, and
fourth control signal CS4 for controlling switches 37-2 and
37-4.
[0059] Each of switches 36-1 through 36-4 comprises a MOS
transistor and referred to as a first transistor, and each of first
transistors 36-1 through 36-4 is connected between a corresponding
one among first bit lines BLe1, BLo1, BLe2, and BLo2 and a
corresponding one among data storage elements 40-1 through 40-4.
For instance, transistor 36-1 is connected between first bit line
BLe1 and data storage element 40-1, transistor 36-2 is connected
between first bit line BLo1 and data storage element 40-3,
transistor 36-3 is connected between first bit line BLe2 and data
storage element 40-2, and transistor 36-4 is connected between
first bit line BLo2 and data storage element 40-4.
[0060] Each of second switches 37-1 through 37-4 comprises a MOS
transistor and referred to as a second transistor, and each of
second transistors 37-1 through 37-4 is connected between a
corresponding one among second bit lines BLe1', BLo1', BLe2', and
BLo2' and a corresponding one among plurality of data storage
elements 40-1 through 40-4. For instance, transistor 37-1 is
connected between second bit line BLe1' and data storage element
40-1, transistor 37-2 is connected between second bit line BLo1'
and data storage element 40-3, transistor 37-3 is connected between
second bit line BLe2' and data storage element 40-2, and transistor
37-4 is connected between second bit line BLo2' and data storage
element 40-4.
[0061] Page buffer 41 includes a plurality of data storage elements
40-1 through 40-4. Each of data storage elements 40-1 through 40-4
comprises a register including a plurality of latches. Page buffer
41 stores data to be programmed into memory array 30 in a program
operation and also stores data that has been read from memory array
30 in a read operation. In addition, page buffer 41 may store data
read from memory array 30 in a program verification operation. In
the read mode, data storage elements 40-1 through 40-4 detect data
stored in NAND flash EEPROM cells connected with a selected word
line and first bit lines BLe1, BLo1, BLe2, and BLo2 or second bit
lines BLe1', BLo1', BLe2', and BLo2'.
[0062] Where control signal generation circuit 34 generates control
signals CS1 and CS2 to turn on first switches 36-1 through 36-4 at
the same time, data storage elements 40-1 through 40-4 may apply a
program inhibition voltage, e.g., a power supply voltage, or a
program voltage, e.g., a ground voltage, to first bit lines BLe1,
BLo1, BLe2, and BLo2, respectively, at one time in the program mode
according to data to be programmed. Accordingly, unlike
non-volatile memory device 20 illustrated in FIG. 2, non-volatile
memory device 40 according to selected embodiments of the invention
can simultaneously program all flash EEPROM cells in first
sub-memory array 30-3 and connected with a selected word line. As a
result, a coupling disturbance or a coupling effect between
horizontally adjacent memory cells is avoided, as illustrated in
FIG. 11.
[0063] In addition, where control signal generation circuit 34
generates control signals CS3 and CS4 to turn on second switches
37-1 through 37-4 at the same time, data storage elements 40-1
through 40-4 may apply the program inhibition voltage or the
program voltage to second bit lines BLe1', BLo1', BLe2', and BLo2',
respectively, at the same time in the program mode according to
data to be programmed. Accordingly, unlike conventional
non-volatile memory device 20 illustrated in FIG. 2, non-volatile
memory device 40 according to selected embodiments of the invention
can simultaneously program all flash EEPROM cells included in
second sub-memory array 30-4 and connected with the selected word
line. As a result, a coupling disturbance or a coupling effect that
may be caused by adjacent memory cells is avoided, as illustrated
in FIG. 11. Each of control signals CS1 through CS4 may include one
or more bits.
[0064] FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a non-volatile memory device
40' including a memory array according to selected embodiments of
the invention. Non-volatile memory device 40' illustrated in FIG.
10 is similar to non-volatile memory device 40 illustrated in FIG.
9, except that a switching block 46 is substituted for switching
block 36 and a page buffer 50 is substituted for page buffer
41.
[0065] Referring to FIG. 10, switching block 46 comprises first
switches 46-1 through 46-4 and second switches 47-1 through 47-4
and page buffer 50 comprises first data storage elements 51-1
through 51-4 and second data storage elements 53-1 through 53-4.
Each of data storage elements 51-1 through 51-4 and 53-1 through
53-4 typically comprises a register including at least one
latch.
[0066] Each of first switches 46-1 through 46-4 comprises a MOS
transistor and is referred to as a first transistor, and each of
first transistors 46-1 through 46-4 is connected between a
corresponding one among first bit lines BLe1, BLo1, BLe2, and BLo2
and a corresponding one among first data storage elements 51-1
through 51-4. For instance, transistor 46-1 is connected between
first bit line BLe1 and first data storage element 51-1, transistor
46-2 is connected between first bit line BLo1 and first data
storage element 51-2, transistor 46-3 is connected between first
bit line BLe2 and first data storage element 51-3, and transistor
46-4 is connected between first bit line BLo2 and first data
storage element 51-4.
[0067] Each of second switches 47-1 through 47-4 comprises a MOS
transistor and is referred to as a second transistor, and each of
second transistors 47-1 through 47-4 is connected between a
corresponding one among second bit lines BLe1', BLo1', BLe2', and
BLo2' and a corresponding one among second data storage elements
53-1 through 53-4. For instance, transistor 47-1 is connected
between second bit line BLe1' and second data storage element 53-1,
transistor 47-2 is connected between second bit line BLo1' and
second data storage element 53-2, transistor 47-3 is connected
between second bit line BLe2' and second data storage element 53-3,
and transistor 47-4 is connected between second bit line BLo2' and
second data storage element 53-4.
[0068] In a program mode, control signal generation circuit 34
generates control signals CS1 and CS2 to turn on first switches
46-1 through 46-4 at the same time, and first data storage elements
51-1 through 51-4 respectively apply the program inhibition voltage
or the program voltage to bit lines BLe1, BLo1, BLe2, and BLo2 in
first sub-memory array 30-3 at the same time according to data to
be programmed. Accordingly, all flash EEPROM cells included in
first sub-memory array 30-3 and connected with a selected word line
can be simultaneously programmed. As such, a coupling disturbance
or a coupling effect between horizontally adjacent memory cells is
avoided, as illustrated in FIG. 11.
[0069] In the program mode, control signal generation circuit 34
may also generate control signals CS3 and CS4 at the same time to
turn on second switches 47-1 through 47-4. In response, second data
storage elements 53-1 through 53-4 respectively apply the program
inhibition voltage or the program voltage to second bit lines
BLe1', BLo1', BLe2', and BLo2' included in second sub-memory array
30-4 at the same time in the program mode according to data to be
programmed. Accordingly, all flash EEPROM cells included in second
sub-memory array 30-4 and connected with the selected word line can
be simultaneously programmed. As a result, a coupling disturbance
or a coupling effect between horizontally adjacent memory cells is
avoided, as illustrated in FIG. 11.
[0070] Where control signal generation circuit 34 generates control
signals CS1 through CS4 to simultaneously turn on first switches
46-1 through 46-4 and second switches 47-1 through 47-4, all flash
EEPROM cells that are included in first and second sub-memory
arrays 30-3 and 30-4 and are connected with the selected word line
can be simultaneously programmed.
[0071] As described above, in the program mode or the read mode, a
non-volatile memory device according to selected embodiments of the
present invention can simultaneously program data into or read data
from all memory cells that are included in first sub-memory array
30-3 and connected with a selected word line and can simultaneously
program data into or read data from all memory cells that are
included in second sub-memory array 30-4 and connected with the
selected word line. In addition, in the program or read mode, the
non-volatile memory device can simultaneously program data into or
read data from all memory cells that are included in first and
second sub-memory arrays 30-3 and 30-4 and connected with the
selected word line.
[0072] A program control block performs at least one operation
among a first program operation, in which all memory cells included
in first sub-memory array 30-3 are simultaneously programmed, and a
second program operation, in which all memory cells included in
second sub-memory array 30-4 are simultaneously programmed, in
response to at least one of control signals CS1 through CS4. The
program control block includes a word line driving circuit, i.e.,
row decoder 12, page buffer 41 or 50, and switching block 36 or
46.
[0073] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating coupling disturbance
between horizontally adjacent memory cells that are programmed
according to selected embodiments of the present invention.
Referring to FIGS. 4 and 11, where all memory cells connected with
word line WL0 in a sub-memory block are simultaneously programmed
according to selected embodiments of the present invention, a
coupling effect or a coupling disturbance between horizontally
adjacent memory cells is avoided.
[0074] FIGS. 12A through 12D illustrate threshold voltage
distributions of a memory cell in worst cases where memory cells
are programmed according to selected embodiments of the present
invention. Compared with the threshold voltage distributions
illustrated in FIGS. 5A through 5D, threshold voltage changes
.DELTA.Vx1 or .DELTA.Vx2 are completely removed from the memory
cell labeled "worst case cell" in FIGS. 12A through 12D.
Accordingly, the non-volatile memory device according to selected
embodiments of the present invention does not need to repeatedly
perform the program operation in order to remove the effects of the
coupling effect. As a result, the reliability of the non-volatile
memory device is improved.
[0075] FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a method of programming
first page data according to selected embodiments of the invention.
In general, the program operation includes a programming procedure
for injecting electrons into floating gates of selected memory
cells and a program verification procedure for verifying whether
programmed memory cells have reached a predetermined threshold
voltage.
[0076] Referring to FIG. 9, FIGS. 12A through 12D, and FIG. 13,
first page data is loaded into page buffer 41 in an operation S10.
For explanation purposes, it will be assumed that the first page
data is programmed into first sub-memory array 30-3. However, a
programming operation for other arrays such as second sub-memory
array 30-4 can be performed similar to programming operation used
to program first sub-memory array 30-3.
[0077] Where first sub-memory array 30-3 is selected, the first
page data loaded into page buffer 41 is simultaneously programmed
to memory cells included in first sub-memory array 30-3 through
switches 36-1 through 36-4 in an operation S20. Then, during a
program verification procedure for verifying whether the first page
data has been properly programmed, page buffer 41 reads data from
memory cells connected with even bit lines BLe1 and BLe2 through
switches 36-1 and 36-3 turned on in response to first control
signal CS1 and verifies the data in an operation S30. In addition,
page buffer 41 also reads data from memory cells connected with odd
bit lines BLo1 and BLo2 through switches 36-2 and 36-4 turned on in
response to second control signal CS2 and verifies the data in an
operation S40.
[0078] Where it is determined that the first page data has been
successfully programmed to first sub-memory array 30-3 in operation
S50, the method terminates. Otherwise, operations S20 through S50
are repeated until all of the selected memory cells reach a
predetermined threshold voltage within a predetermined number of
repetitions.
[0079] In non-volatile memory device 40 or 40' according to
selected embodiments of the invention, the programming procedure
may be performed with respect to each sub-memory array and the
program verification procedure may be alternately performed with
respect to a set of even bit lines and a set of odd bit lines. The
first page data program operation illustrated in FIG. 13
corresponds to an LSB program operation, in which a first bit line
voltage, e.g., a voltage for programming data "1" or data "0", is
applied to all bit line included in the first sub-memory array 30-3
according to LSB data to be programmed so that the LSB data is
programmed.
[0080] FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a method of programming
second page data according to selected embodiments of the present
invention. Referring to FIG. 9, FIGS. 12A through 12D, and FIG. 14,
second page data is loaded to page buffer 41 in operation S110.
Again, for explanation purposes, it will be assumed that the second
page data is programmed into first sub-memory array 30-3. However,
a programming operation for other arrays such as second sub-memory
array 30-4 can be performed similar to programming operation used
to program first sub-memory array 30-3.
[0081] Where first sub-memory array 30-3 is selected, page buffer
41 reads first page data from memory cells connected with even bit
lines BLe1 and BLe2 included in first sub-memory array 30-3 in an
operation S120 and reads the first page data from memory cells
connected with odd bit lines BLo1 and BLo2 included in first
sub-memory array 30-3 in operation S130.
[0082] In operation S140, page buffer 41 programs the second page
data based on data read in operations S120 and 130 and the second
page data to be loaded. For instance, a second page data program
operation corresponds to an MSB program operation in which LSB data
that has been programmed to memory cells included in first
sub-memory array 30-3 during the LSB program operation is
sequentially read through even bit lines BLe1 and BLe2 and odd bit
lines BLo1 and BLo2 and a second bit line voltage, e.g., a voltage
for programming data "1" or "0", is applied to all bit lines
included in first sub-memory array 30-3 based on the LSB data and
MSB data.
[0083] During a program verification procedure for verifying
whether the second page data has been properly programmed, page
buffer 40 reads data from memory cells connected with the even bit
lines BLe1 and BLe2 through the switches 36-1 and 36-3 turned on in
response to the first control signal CS1 and verifies the data in
operation S150. Page buffer 40 also reads data from memory cells
connected with the odd bit lines BLo1 and BLo2 through the switches
36-2 and 36-4 turned on in response to second control signal CS2
and verifies the data in an operation S160.
[0084] Where it is determined that the second page data has been
successfully programmed to first sub-memory array 30-3 in an
operation S170, the method terminates. Otherwise, operations S140
through S170 are repeated. The second page data programming
procedure may be performed with respect to each sub-memory array
and the second page data program verification procedure may be
alternately performed with respect to a set of even bit lines and a
set of odd bit lines.
[0085] Where the above-described programming method is used,
threshold voltage changes due to coupling between horizontally
adjacent memory cells are substantially eliminated. Accordingly,
the need for re-programming to remove the effects of coupling
disturbance is reduced or eliminated, thereby increasing the
reliability of memory cells while allowing high-speed
programming.
[0086] The foregoing exemplary embodiments are teaching examples.
Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that various
changes in form and details may be made to the exemplary
embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention as
defined by the following claims.
* * * * *