U.S. patent application number 13/479649 was filed with the patent office on 2013-11-28 for controlling dummy word line bias during erase in non-volatile memory.
The applicant listed for this patent is Mohan Dunga, Deepanshu Dutta, Masaaki Higashitani. Invention is credited to Mohan Dunga, Deepanshu Dutta, Masaaki Higashitani.
Application Number | 20130314995 13/479649 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 48428688 |
Filed Date | 2013-11-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130314995 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Dutta; Deepanshu ; et
al. |
November 28, 2013 |
Controlling Dummy Word Line Bias During Erase In Non-Volatile
Memory
Abstract
A technique for erasing non-volatile memory such as a NAND
string which includes non-user data or dummy storage elements. The
voltages of the non-user data storage elements are capacitively
coupled higher by controlled increases in an erase voltage which is
applied to a substrate. The voltages are floated by rendering a
pass gate transistor in a non-conductive state, where the pass gate
transistor is between a voltage driver and a non-user data storage
element. Voltages of select gate transistors can also be
capacitively coupled higher. The substrate voltage can be increased
in steps and/or as a continuous ramp. In one approach, outer dummy
storage elements are floated while inner dummy storage elements are
driven. In another approach, both outer and inner dummy storage
elements are floated. Write-erase endurance of the storage elements
is increased due to reduced charge trapping in the substrate.
Inventors: |
Dutta; Deepanshu; (San Jose,
CA) ; Dunga; Mohan; (Santa Clara, CA) ;
Higashitani; Masaaki; (Cupertino, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Dutta; Deepanshu
Dunga; Mohan
Higashitani; Masaaki |
San Jose
Santa Clara
Cupertino |
CA
CA
CA |
US
US
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
48428688 |
Appl. No.: |
13/479649 |
Filed: |
May 24, 2012 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
365/185.17 ;
365/185.19; 365/185.22; 365/185.29 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G11C 16/0483 20130101;
G11C 16/14 20130101; G11C 16/16 20130101; G11C 11/5635 20130101;
G11C 7/1006 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
365/185.17 ;
365/185.29; 365/185.22; 365/185.19 |
International
Class: |
G11C 16/14 20060101
G11C016/14; G11C 16/04 20060101 G11C016/04 |
Claims
1. A method for performing an erase iteration of an erase operation
for a set of non-volatile storage elements which is formed on a
substrate, the set of non-volatile storage elements comprises a
string of series-connected non-volatile storage elements between
first and second select transistors, the series-connected
non-volatile storage elements comprise a first non-user data
non-volatile storage element adjacent to the first select
transistor, the method comprising: increasing an erase voltage of
the substrate to provide a first source of capacitive coupling up
to a control gate of the first select gate transistor, while
floating a voltage of the control gate of the first select gate
transistor, but not floating a voltage of a control gate of the
first non-user data non-volatile storage element; and increasing
the erase voltage of the substrate to provide a second source of
capacitive coupling up to the control gate of first select gate
transistor and to the control gate of the first non-user data
non-volatile storage element, while floating the voltage of the
control gate of the first select gate transistor and the voltage of
the control gate of the first non-user data non-volatile storage
element.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein: the series-connected
non-volatile storage elements comprise a second non-user data
non-volatile storage element adjacent to the second select
transistor; the first source of capacitive coupling up is provided
to a control gate of the second select gate transistor, while
floating a voltage of the control gate of the second select gate
transistor; and the second source of capacitive coupling up is
provided to the control gate of second select gate transistor and
to the control gate of the second non-user data non-volatile
storage element, while floating the voltage of the control gate of
the second select gate transistor and the voltage of the second
non-user data non-volatile storage element.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein: the increasing of the erase
voltage to provide the first source of capacitive coupling occurs
before the increasing of the erase voltage to provide the second
source of capacitive coupling.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein: the series-connected
non-volatile storage elements comprise a second non-user data
non-volatile storage element adjacent to the first non-user data
non-volatile storage element; and a voltage of a control gate of
the second non-user data non-volatile storage element is fixed at a
first level during the increasing of the erase voltage to provide
the first source of capacitive coupling and the increasing of the
erase voltage to provide the second source of capacitive
coupling.
5. The method of claim 4, wherein: the series-connected
non-volatile storage elements comprise a non-volatile storage
element which is designated to store user data and which is
adjacent to the second non-user data non-volatile storage element;
and a voltage of a control gate of the non-volatile storage element
which is designated to store user data is fixed at second level,
lower than or equal to the first level, during the increasing of
the erase voltage to provide the first source of capacitive
coupling and the increasing of the erase voltage to provide the
second source of capacitive coupling.
6. The method of claim 1, further comprising: fixing the erase
voltage of the substrate at a non-zero level before the increasing
the erase voltage of the substrate to provide the first source of
capacitive coupling; and driving the control gate of first select
gate transistor and the control gate of the first non-user data
non-volatile storage element during the fixing of the erase voltage
of the substrate.
7. The method of claim 1, further comprising: fixing the erase
voltage of the substrate after the increasing of the erase voltage
to provide the first source of capacitive coupling and before the
increasing of the erase voltage to provide the second source of
capacitive coupling, and while floating the voltage of the control
gate of the first select gate transistor.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein: the series-connected
non-volatile storage elements comprise a second non-user data
non-volatile storage element adjacent to the first non-user data
non-volatile storage element; and the method further comprises
increasing the erase voltage of the substrate to provide a third
source of capacitive coupling up to a control gate of the second
non-user data non-volatile storage element, while floating the
voltage of the control gate of the first select gate transistor and
the voltage of the control gate of the first and the second
non-user data non-volatile storage element, the third source of
capacitive coupling is provided after the second source of
capacitive coupling, the increasing the erase voltage of the
substrate to provide the first source of capacitive coupling occurs
before the increasing the erase voltage of the substrate to provide
the second source of capacitive coupling, and the increasing the
erase voltage of the substrate to provide the second source of
capacitive coupling occurs before the increasing the erase voltage
of the substrate to provide the third source of capacitive
coupling.
9. The method of claim 1, wherein: the increasing of the erase
voltage to provide the first and second sources of capacitive
coupling comprises providing a continuous increasing of the erase
voltage of the substrate.
10. The method of claim 9, further comprising: fixing the erase
voltage of the substrate at a non-zero level before the continuous
increasing of the erase voltage of the substrate; and driving the
control gate of first select gate transistor and the control gate
of the first non-user data non-volatile storage element during the
fixing of the erase voltage of the substrate.
11. The method of claim 9, wherein: the floating the voltage of the
control gate of the first select gate transistor during the
increasing the erase voltage of the substrate to provide the first
source of capacitive coupling, is initiated at one specified time
after initiating the continuous increasing of the erase voltage of
the substrate; the floating the voltage of the control gate of the
first non-user data non-volatile storage element during the
increasing the erase voltage of the substrate to provide the second
source of capacitive coupling is initiated at another specified
time after the initiating the continuous increasing of the erase
voltage of the substrate; the another specified time is after the
one specified time.
12. The method of claim 1, wherein: the increasing the erase
voltage of the substrate to provide the first source of capacitive
coupling occurs before the increasing the erase voltage of the
substrate to provide the second source of capacitive coupling; and
the increasing the erase voltage of the substrate to provide the
first source of capacitive coupling, and the increasing the erase
voltage of the substrate to provide the second source of capacitive
coupling, occur in an erase iteration of an erase-verify iteration;
and the method further comprises performing a verify iteration of
the erase-verify iteration after performing the erase
iteration.
13. The method of claim 12, wherein: the voltage of the control
gate of the first select gate transistor is capacitively coupled to
a respective peak level in the erase iteration by the increasing
the erase voltage of the substrate to provide the first source of
capacitive coupling and the increasing the erase voltage of the
substrate to provide the second source of capacitive coupling; and
the voltage of the control gate of the first non-user data
non-volatile storage element is capacitively coupled to a
respective peak level in the erase iteration by the increasing the
erase voltage of the substrate to provide the second source of
capacitive coupling.
14. The method of claim 12, wherein: the increasing the erase
voltage of the substrate to provide the second source of capacitive
coupling comprises increasing the erase voltage to a respective
peak level in the erase iteration.
15. A non-volatile storage system, comprising: a set of
non-volatile storage elements which is formed on a substrate, the
set of non-volatile storage elements comprises a string of
series-connected non-volatile storage elements between first and
second select gate transistors, the series-connected non-volatile
storage elements comprise a first non-volatile storage element
adjacent to the first select gate transistor, the first
non-volatile storage element comprises a control gate and the first
select gate transistor comprises a control gate; and a control
circuit, the control circuit, to perform an erase iteration of an
erase operation for the set of non-volatile storage elements:
throughout one time period, provides capacitive coupling from the
substrate to the control gate of the first select gate transistor
and prevents capacitive coupling from the substrate to the control
gate of the first non-volatile storage element, and throughout
another time period, non-overlapping with the one time period,
provides capacitive coupling from the substrate to the control gate
of the first select gate transistor and to the control gate of the
first non-volatile storage element.
16. The non-volatile storage system of claim 15, wherein: the
control circuit, throughout the one time period, increases a
voltage of the substrate, floats a voltage of the control gate of
the first select gate transistor and drives a voltage of the first
non-volatile storage element, and throughout the another time
period, increases the voltage of the substrate, floats the voltage
of the control gate of the first select gate transistor and floats
the voltage of the first non-volatile storage element.
17. The non-volatile storage system of claim 16, wherein: the
increase of the voltage of the substrate is continuous throughout a
time period which comprises the one time period and the another
time period.
18. The non-volatile storage system of claim 16, wherein: the
increase of the voltage in the one time period comprises a voltage
ramp, and the increase of the voltage in the another time period
comprises another voltage ramp.
19. A method for performing an erase iteration of an erase
operation for a NAND string of non-volatile storage elements which
is formed on a substrate, the NAND string comprises a string of
series-connected non-volatile storage elements between first and
second select transistors, the series-connected non-volatile
storage elements comprise a first non-volatile storage element
adjacent to the first select transistor, the method comprising:
increasing an erase voltage of the substrate while floating a
voltage of a control gate of the first select gate transistor, and
while driving a voltage of the control gate of the first
non-volatile storage element; and further increasing the erase
voltage of the substrate while floating the voltage of the control
gate of the first select gate transistor and the voltage of the
control gate of the first non-volatile storage element.
20. The method of claim 19, wherein: the erase voltage of the
substrate is increased in multiple steps as an increasing staircase
waveform.
21. The method of claim 19, wherein: the erase voltage of the
substrate is increased as a continuous ramp.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to technology for non-volatile
memory.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] Semiconductor memory has become more popular for use in
various electronic devices. For example, non-volatile semiconductor
memory is used in cellular telephones, digital cameras, personal
digital assistants, mobile computing devices, non-mobile computing
devices and other devices. Electrical Erasable Programmable Read
Only Memory (EEPROM) and flash memory are among the most popular
non-volatile semiconductor memories.
[0005] Both EEPROM and flash memory utilize a floating gate that is
positioned above and insulated from a channel region in a
semiconductor substrate. The floating gate is positioned between
the source and drain regions. A control gate is provided over and
insulated from the floating gate. The threshold voltage of the
transistor is controlled by the amount of charge that is retained
on the floating gate. That is, the minimum amount of voltage that
must be applied to the control gate before the transistor is turned
on to permit conduction between its source and drain is controlled
by the level of charge on the floating gate.
[0006] When programming an EEPROM or flash memory device, such as a
NAND flash memory device, typically a program voltage is applied to
the control gate and the bit line is grounded. 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 so that the memory cell is in a programmed state. When
erasing a flash memory device, typically an erase voltage is
applied to the substrate.
[0007] Some EEPROM and flash memory devices have a floating gate
that is used to store two ranges of charges and, therefore, the
memory cell can be programmed/erased between two states (an erased
state and a programmed state). Such a flash memory device is
sometimes referred to as a binary flash memory device. On the other
hand, a multi-state flash memory device is implemented by
identifying multiple distinct allowed/valid programmed threshold
voltage ranges separated by forbidden ranges. Each distinct
threshold voltage range corresponds to a predetermined value for
the set of data bits encoded in the memory device.
[0008] However, techniques are needed for improving the endurance
of non-volatile memory devices.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1A is a top view of a NAND string.
[0010] FIG. 1B is an equivalent circuit diagram of the NAND
string.
[0011] FIG. 1C is a cross-sectional view of the NAND string.
[0012] FIG. 2 depicts a block of NAND flash memory cells which
includes one drain-side dummy word line WLDD0 and one source-side
dummy word line WLDS0.
[0013] FIG. 3 depicts a block of NAND flash memory cells which
includes two drain-side dummy word lines WLDD0 and WLDD1 and two
source-side dummy word lines WLDS0 and WLDS1.
[0014] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an array of NAND flash memory
cells.
[0015] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a non-volatile memory
system.
[0016] FIG. 6A is a cross section of a portion of the NAND string
201 of FIG. 2 which includes one source-side dummy storage element,
showing electromagnetic fields in an erase operation and a
resulting accumulation of electrons.
[0017] FIG. 6B is a cross section of a portion of the NAND string
301 of FIG. 3 which includes two source-side dummy storage
elements, showing electromagnetic fields in an erase operation and
a resulting accumulation of electrons in a region 672 between a
select gate 318 and an outer dummy storage element 316.
[0018] FIG. 6C is a cross section of a portion of the NAND string
301 of FIG. 3, showing electromagnetic fields in an erase operation
and a resulting accumulation of electrons in a region 673 between
an outer dummy storage element 316 and an inner dummy storage
element 314.
[0019] FIG. 7 depicts a write-erase endurance optimization curve of
a dummy storage element showing a region "A" in which an electric
field between a select gate and an outer (first) dummy storage
element, is too high, and a region "B" in which an electric field
between the outer dummy storage element and an inner (second) dummy
storage element is too high.
[0020] FIG. 8A depicts example threshold voltage distributions of
an erased state and higher data states for a set of non-volatile
storage elements.
[0021] FIG. 8B depicts a sequence of erase-verify iterations of an
erase operation.
[0022] FIG. 9 depicts a circuit which can be part of the power
control module 516 of FIG. 5, for instance, showing pass gate
transistors which are used to drive or float voltages on respective
control lines, and the NAND string 301 of FIG. 3B.
[0023] FIG. 10A depicts an overview of an erase operation which
uses capacitive coupling to increase the control gate voltages of
dummy storage elements.
[0024] FIG. 10B depicts an embodiment of the pre-capacitive
coupling up phase 1004 and the capacitive coupling up phase 1006 of
FIG. 10A, where the select gate voltages are increased by
capacitive coupling in one capacitive coupling up phase due to a
step increase in Vp-well, and the control gate voltages of dummy
storage elements are driven.
[0025] FIG. 10C depicts an embodiment of the pre-capacitive
coupling up phase 1004 and the capacitive coupling up phase 1006 of
FIG. 10A, where the select gate voltages and the control gate
voltages of the first (outer) dummy storage elements are increased
by capacitive coupling due to step increases in Vp-well in two
capacitive coupling up phases, and the control gate voltages of the
second (inner) dummy storage elements are driven.
[0026] FIG. 10D depicts an embodiment of the pre-capacitive
coupling up phase 1004 and the capacitive coupling up phase 1006 of
FIG. 10A, where the select gate voltages and the control gate
voltages of the first (outer) dummy storage elements are increased
by capacitive coupling due to a continuous ramp increase in Vp-well
in two capacitive coupling up phases, and the control gate voltages
of the second (inner) dummy storage elements are driven, where the
select gate voltages are floated at a start of the continuous ramp
or after a delay from the start of the continuous ramp, and the
control gate voltages of the first (outer) dummy storage elements
are floated after a delay from the start of the continuous
ramp.
[0027] FIG. 10E depicts an embodiment of the pre-capacitive
coupling up phase 1004 and the capacitive coupling up 1006 phase of
FIG. 10A, where the select gate voltages, the control gate voltages
of the first (outer) dummy storage elements and the control gate
voltages of the second (inner) dummy storage elements are increased
by capacitive coupling due to step increases in Vp-well in three
capacitive coupling up phases.
[0028] FIG. 11 depicts waveforms in an example erase iteration
which corresponds to the method of FIG. 10B.
[0029] FIG. 12 depicts waveforms in an example erase iteration
which corresponds to the method of FIG. 10C.
[0030] FIG. 13 depicts waveforms in an example erase iteration
which corresponds to one embodiment of the method of FIG. 10D.
[0031] FIG. 14 depicts waveforms in an example erase iteration
which corresponds to another embodiment of the method of FIG.
10D.
[0032] FIG. 15 depicts waveforms in an example erase iteration
which corresponds to the method of FIG. 10E.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0033] Technology is described herein for providing an erase
operation which improves the endurance of a non-volatile memory
device such as a NAND memory device.
[0034] A NAND memory array includes an array of storage elements
arranged in NAND strings on a substrate. Each NAND string has a
select gate at each end, and, between the select gates, a number of
storage elements which are designated for storing user data. In
some cases, the NAND string also comprises one or more dummy
storage elements, which are not intended to store user data. During
an erase operation of the array, a large erase voltage is applied
to the substrate. To avoid a large and damaging voltage across the
oxide underneath select gates, the control gate voltage of the
select gate is typically provided at a high level which is
comparable to the magnitude of the erase voltage. The control gate
voltage of the select gate can be driven at the high level or
capacitively coupled up to the high level from an increase in the
erase voltage of the substrate. In either case, this results in a
strong electric field between the select gate and the adjacent
storage element, which can trap electrons in the space between the
select gates and the adjacent storage elements. These electrons
interfere with the ability to perform a sense operation for the
NAND string so that the write/erase endurance of the memory device
is reduced.
[0035] Various erase operations described herein address this
problem by reducing the electric field and the occurrence of
electron trapping. In one approach, a dummy storage element is
provided at each end of a NAND string, and a voltage of the dummy
storage element is floated to an optimum level for maintaining the
write/erase endurance. The optimum voltage level on the floating
dummy storage element can be achieved by capacitive coupling from
the erase voltage of the substrate. A dummy storage element can be
similar to other storage elements in a NAND string but is not
intended to be used to store user data. A dummy storage element is
a non-user data storage element. Other, user data storage elements,
which are intended to be used to store user data are between the
dummy storage elements. A word line in communication with dummy
storage elements is a dummy (non-user data) word line, and a word
line in communication with user data storage elements is a user
data word line.
[0036] The voltages of the select gates can also be floated to a
higher level than the dummy storage elements. As before, the
optimum voltage level on the floating select gates can be achieved
by capacitive coupling from the erase voltage of the substrate, for
instance. Optionally, two dummy storage elements (outer and inner)
are provided at each end of a NAND string, and a voltage of the
outer dummy storage element is floated to an optimum level for
maintaining the write/erase endurance. The inner dummy storage
elements can be driven at a level which is below the level of the
outer dummy storage elements. Optionally, the inner dummy storage
elements can be floated to a desired level as well. The user data
storage elements can be driven at a low level, close to or at 0 V,
for instance.
[0037] "Outer" and "inner" indicate the relative positions of the
dummy storage elements on either end of a NAND string with respect
to the user data storage elements. The outer and inner dummy
storage elements on either end of a NAND string are first and
second non-user data storage elements, respectively.
[0038] Compared to an approach in which the outer dummy storage
elements are driven at a low level, this approach reduces the
electric field between the select gate and adjacent dummy storage
element, and the occurrence of electron trapping in the space
between them. Moreover, a relatively high voltage can be achieved
for the outer dummy storage elements without requiring associated
high voltage circuitry. As a result, space on the memory chip is
saved. Further, since the relatively high voltage is achieved by
floating rather than by driving, power consumption in the memory
chip is reduced. Note that in order to erase a storage element, the
control gate of the storage elements is biased at a low bias (e.g.,
0.5V) while the substrate is raised high to Verase. Thus, when the
control gate of the dummy storage element is floated and
capacitively coupled up to a high level, the dummy storage element
is not able to erase as much as a user data storage element.
However, unlike the user data storage elements, the dummy storage
elements do not store any user data that needs to be erased during
the erase operation. Thus, it is acceptable for the dummy storage
element to not erase as much as a user data storage element.
[0039] The erase voltage of the substrate can be controlled to
provide a precise amount of coupling to different targets, e.g.,
the select gates, the outer dummy storage elements and the inner
dummy storage elements. The erase voltage can be in the form of,
e.g., an increasing staircase waveform and/or a continuous
ramp.
[0040] In one implementation of an erase operation, the voltage of
the select gate transistor is floated, while the voltages of the
dummy storage elements are driven, such as described below in FIG.
11. In another implementation of an erase operation, the voltages
of the select gate transistor and the outer dummy storage element
are floated, while the voltage of the inner dummy storage element
is driven, such as described below in FIGS. 12-14. In another
implementation of an erase operation, the voltages of the select
gate transistor and the outer and inner dummy storage elements are
floated, such as described below in FIG. 15.
[0041] One example of a memory system suitable for implementing the
present invention uses the NAND flash memory structure, which
arranges multiple transistors in series between two select gates.
The transistors in series and the select gates are referred to as a
NAND string. FIG. 1A is a top view showing one NAND string. FIG. 1B
is an equivalent circuit thereof. The NAND string depicted in FIGS.
1A and 1B includes four transistors, 100, 102, 104 and 106, in
series and sandwiched between a first select gate 120 and a second
select gate 122. Select gate 120 connects the NAND string to bit
line 126. Select gate 122 connects the NAND string to source line
128. Select gate 120 is controlled by applying the appropriate
voltages to control gate 120CG. Select gate 122 is controlled by
applying the appropriate voltages to control gate 122CG. Each of
the transistors 100, 102, 104 and 106 has a control gate and a
floating gate. Transistor 100 has control gate 100CG and floating
gate 100FG. Transistor 102 includes control gate 102CG and floating
gate 102FG. Transistor 104 includes control gate 104CG and floating
gate 104FG. Transistor 106 includes a control gate 106CG and
floating gate 106FG. Control gate 100CG is connected to word line
WL3, control gate 102CG is connected to word line WL2, control gate
104CG is connected to word line WL1, and control gate 106CG is
connected to word line WL0. In one embodiment, transistors 100,
102, 104 and 106 are each memory cells. In other embodiments, the
memory cells may include multiple transistors or may be different
than that depicted. Select gate 120 is connected to select line
SGD. Select gate 122 is connected to select line SGS.
[0042] FIG. 1C provides a cross-sectional view of the NAND string
described above. The transistors of the NAND string are formed in
p-well region 140. The p-well region in turn may be within an
n-well region 142 of a p-type substrate 144. Each transistor
includes a stacked gate structure that consists of a control gate
(100CG, 102CG, 104CG and 106CG) and a floating gate (100FG, 102FG,
104FG and 106FG). The floating gates are formed on the surface of
the p-well on top of an oxide or other dielectric film. The control
gate is above the floating gate, with an inter-polysilicon
dielectric layer separating the control gate and floating gate. The
control gates of the memory cells (100, 102, 104 and 106) form the
word lines. N+ doped layers 130, 132, 134, 136 and 138 are shared
between neighboring cells, whereby the cells are connected to one
another in series to form a NAND string. These N+ doped layers form
the source and drain of each of the cells. For example, N+ doped
layer 130 serves as the drain of transistor 122 and the source for
transistor 106, N+ doped layer 132 serves as the drain for
transistor 106 and the source for transistor 104, N+ doped layer
134 serves as the drain for transistor 104 and the source for
transistor 102, N+ doped layer 136 serves as the drain for
transistor 102 and the source for transistor 100, and N+ doped
layer 138 serves as the drain for transistor 100 and the source for
transistor 120. N+ doped layer 126 connects to the bit line for the
NAND string, while N+ doped layer 128 connects to a common source
line for multiple NAND strings.
[0043] Note that although FIGS. 1A-1C show four memory cells in the
NAND string, the use of four transistors is provided only as an
example. A NAND string used with the technology described herein
can have less than four memory cells or more than four memory
cells. For example, some NAND strings will include 8, 16, 32 or
more memory cells.
[0044] Each memory cell can store data represented in analog or
digital form. When storing one bit of digital data, the range of
possible threshold voltages of the memory cell is divided into two
ranges, which are assigned logical data "1" and "0." In one example
of a NAND-type flash memory, the voltage threshold is negative
after the memory cell is erased, and defined as logic "1." The
threshold voltage is positive after a program operation, and
defined as logic "0." When the threshold voltage is negative and a
read is attempted by applying 0V to the control gate, the memory
cell will turn on to indicate logic one is being stored. When the
threshold voltage is positive and a read operation is attempted by
applying 0V to the control gate, the memory cell will not turn on,
which indicates that logic zero is stored.
[0045] A memory cell can also store multiple states, thereby
storing multiple bits of digital data. In the case of storing
multiple states of data, the threshold voltage window is divided
into the number of states. For example, if four states are used,
there will be four threshold voltage ranges assigned to the data
values "11," "10," "01," and "00." In one example of a NAND-type
memory, the threshold voltage after an erase operation is negative
and defined as "11." Positive threshold voltages are used for the
states of "10," "01," and "00." In some implementations, the data
values (e.g., logical states) are assigned to the threshold ranges
using a Gray code assignment so that if the threshold voltage of a
floating gate erroneously shifts to its neighboring physical state,
only one bit will be affected. The specific relationship between
the data programmed into the memory cell and the threshold voltage
ranges of the cell depends upon the data encoding scheme adopted
for the memory cells.
[0046] Other types of non-volatile memory in addition to NAND flash
memory can also be used with the present invention.
[0047] Another type of memory cell useful in flash EEPROM systems
utilizes a non-conductive dielectric material in place of a
conductive floating gate to store charge in a non-volatile manner.
A triple layer dielectric formed of silicon oxide, silicon nitride
and silicon oxide ("ONO") is sandwiched between a conductive
control gate and a surface of a semi-conductive substrate above the
memory cell channel. The cell is programmed by injecting electrons
from the cell channel into the nitride, where they are trapped and
stored in a limited region. This stored charge then changes the
threshold voltage of a portion of the channel of the cell in a
manner that is detectable. The cell is erased by injecting hot
holes into the nitride. A similar cell can be provided in a
split-gate configuration where a doped polysilicon gate extends
over a portion of the memory cell channel to form a separate select
transistor.
[0048] In another approach, two bits are stored in each NROM cell,
where an ONO dielectric layer extends across the channel between
source and drain diffusions. The charge for one data bit is
localized in the dielectric layer adjacent to the drain, and the
charge for the other data bit localized in the dielectric layer
adjacent to the source. Multi-state data storage is obtained by
separately reading binary states of the spatially separated charge
storage regions within the dielectric.
[0049] FIG. 2 depicts a block of NAND flash memory cells which
includes one drain-side dummy word line WLDD0 and one source-side
dummy word line WLDS0. The block 200 includes a number of NAND
strings and respective bit lines, e.g., BL0, BL1, . . . . The block
200 comprises a set of non-volatile storage elements. Each NAND
string is connected at one end to a select gate, drain (SGD)
transistor, and the control gates of the SGD transistors are
connected via a common SGD line. The NAND strings are connected at
their other end to a select gate, source (SGS) transistor which, in
turn, is connected to a common source line (SL). A number of word
lines, including dummy word lines, extend between the source select
gates and the drain select gates. For example, there are n user
data word lines between a source-side dummy word line WLDS0 and a
drain-side dummy word line WLDD0, for a total of n+2 word lines.
Dummy word lines are in communication with associated dummy storage
elements which do not store user data. WLDS0 is adjacent to the
select gate, source line SGS, and WLDD0 is adjacent to the drain
select gate line SGD. Dummy word lines help isolate the end word
lines which are associated with storage elements which do store
user data (e.g., non-dummy or user data word lines) from high
voltages which are applied to the select gates.
[0050] An example NAND string 201 includes user data storage
elements 206, 208, 210 and 212, an SGS transistor 216, a
source-side dummy storage element 214, a SGD transistor 202 and a
drain-side dummy storage element 204. The SGS transistor 216 or SGD
transistor 202 are first and/or second select gate transistors. The
NAND string 201 comprises a string of series-connected non-volatile
storage elements between first and second select gates (202 and
216), where the series-connected non-volatile storage elements
comprise a first dummy non-volatile storage element (206 or 214)
adjacent to the first select gate transistor (202 or 216).
[0051] FIG. 3 depicts a block of NAND flash memory cells which
includes two drain-side dummy word lines WLDD0 and WLDD1 and two
source-side dummy word lines WLDS0 and WLDS1. As before, the block
300 includes a number of NAND strings and respective bit lines,
e.g., BL0, BL1, . . . . The block 300 comprises a set of
non-volatile storage elements. Here, there are n user data word
lines between inner and outer source-side dummy word lines WLDS1
and WLDS0, respectively, and inner and outer drain-side dummy word
lines WLDD1 and WLDD0, for a total of n+2 word lines (n can be
different than in FIG. 2 to maintain the same number of word lines
in the block). WLDS0 (and storage element 316) is adjacent to the
SGS line (and SGS transistor 318), and WLDD0 (and storage element
304) is adjacent to the SGD line (and SGD transistor 302). Further,
WLDS1 (and storage element 314) is adjacent to WLDS0 (and storage
element 316), and WLDD1 (and storage element 306) is adjacent to
WLDD0 (and storage element 304).
[0052] The SGS transistor 318 or SGD transistor 302 are first
and/or second select gate transistors, respectively.
[0053] An example NAND string 301 includes user data storage
elements 308, 310 and 312. The NAND string includes, at one end, an
SGS transistor 318, a source-side outer dummy storage element 316
and a source-side inner dummy storage element 314. The NAND string
includes, at the other end, a SGD transistor 302, a drain-side
outer dummy storage element 304 and a drain-side inner dummy
storage element 306. NAND string 301 comprises a string of
series-connected non-volatile storage elements between first and
second select gates (302 and 318), where the series-connected
non-volatile storage elements comprise a first dummy non-volatile
storage element (304 or 316) adjacent to the first select gate
transistor (302 or 318).
[0054] FIG. 4 illustrates an example of an array 400 of NAND cells,
such as those shown in FIGS. 1A-1C. Along each column, a bit line
(BL) is coupled to the drain terminal 426 of the drain select gate
for the NAND string 450. Along each row of NAND strings, a source
line (SL) may connect all the source terminals 428 of the source
select gates of the NAND strings.
[0055] The array of storage elements is divided into a large number
of blocks (e.g., BK0-BK2) of storage elements. As is common for
flash EEPROM systems, the block is the unit of erase. That is, each
block contains the minimum number of storage elements that are
erased together. Each block is typically divided into a number of
pages. A page is the smallest unit of programming. One or more
pages of data are typically stored in one row of storage elements.
For example, a row typically contains several interleaved pages or
it may constitute one page. All storage elements of a page will be
read or programmed together. Moreover, a page can store user data
from one or more sectors. A sector is a logical concept used by the
host as a convenient unit of user data; it typically does not
contain overhead data, which is confined to the controller.
Overhead data may include an Error Correction Code (ECC) that has
been calculated from the user data of the sector. A portion of the
controller (described below) calculates the ECC when data is being
programmed into the array, and also checks it when data is being
read from the array. Alternatively, the ECCs and/or other overhead
data are stored in different pages, or even different blocks, than
the user data to which they pertain.
[0056] A sector of user data is typically 512 bytes, corresponding
to the size of a sector in magnetic disk drives. Overhead data is
typically an additional 16-20 bytes. A large number of pages form a
block, anywhere from 8 pages, for example, up to 32, 64 or more
pages. In some embodiments, a row of NAND strings comprises a
block.
[0057] Memory cells are erased in one embodiment by raising the
p-well to an erase voltage (e.g., 20 V) for a sufficient period of
time and grounding or applying a low bias, e.g., 1 V, on the word
lines of a selected block while the source and bit lines are
floating. For example, we may apply .about.1V on WLDD0 and WLDS0
during erase, while all other word lines are at 0V. Due to
capacitive coupling, the unselected word lines, bit lines, select
lines, and common source are also raised to a significant fraction
of the erase voltage. A strong electric field is thus applied to
the tunnel oxide layers of selected memory cells and the data of
the selected memory cells are erased as electrons of the floating
gates are emitted to the substrate side. As electrons are
transferred from the floating gate to the p-well region, the
threshold voltage of a selected cell is lowered. Erasing can be
performed on the entire memory array, separate blocks, or another
unit of cells.
[0058] FIG. 5 illustrates a memory device 596 having read/write
circuits for reading and programming a page of memory cells in
parallel, according to one embodiment of the present invention.
Memory device 596 may include one or more memory die 598. Memory
die 598 includes a two-dimensional array of memory cells 400,
control circuitry 510, and read/write circuits 565. The memory
array 400 is addressable by word lines via a row decoder 530 and by
bit lines via a column decoder 560. The read/write circuits 565
include multiple sense blocks 500 and allow a page of memory cells
to be read or programmed in parallel. Typically a controller 550 is
included in the same memory device 596 (e.g., a removable storage
card) as the one or more memory die 598. Commands and Data are
transferred between the host and controller 550 via lines 520 and
between the controller and the one or more memory die 598 via lines
518.
[0059] The control circuitry 510 cooperates with the read/write
circuits 565 to perform memory operations on the memory array 400.
The control circuitry 510 includes a state machine 512, an on-chip
address decoder 514 and a power control module 516. The state
machine 512 provides chip-level control of memory operations. The
on-chip address decoder 514 provides an address interface between
that used by the host or a memory controller to the hardware
address used by the decoders 530 and 560. The power control module
516, discussed further below in connection with FIG. 9, controls
the power and voltages supplied to the word lines and bit lines
during memory operations. In another approach, dual row/column
decoders and read/write circuits are used. A control circuit can be
considered to comprise one or more of the components 510, 512, 514,
516, 530, 550, 560, 565, for instance.
[0060] FIG. 6A is a cross section of a portion of the NAND string
201 of FIG. 2 which includes one source-side dummy storage element,
showing electromagnetic fields in an erase operation and a
resulting accumulation of electrons. The source end of the NAND
string is depicted, including a user data storage element 212 which
is associated with WL0, a dummy storage element 214 which is
associated with WLDS0, and a source select gate (SGS) transistor
216 which is associated with a respective control line. The
components are formed on a substrate 600. The example user data
storage element 212 includes a gate oxide 610, floating gate 608,
an interlayer dielectric 606 and a control gate 604 which is a
portion of a word line WL0 which extends across multiple user data
storage elements. The dummy storage element 214 includes a gate
oxide, floating gate 609, an interlayer dielectric and a control
gate 611 which is a portion of a word line WLDS0 which extends
across multiple dummy storage elements.
[0061] The select gate transistor 216 includes a gate oxide 615.
Active regions in the substrate include source/drain regions
616-618, and a region 620 at a source side of the SGS transistor
216. These regions are typically doped so that they can conduct a
current.
[0062] During an erase operation, the p-well/substrate voltage is
increased from a low level such as 0V to relatively high positive
voltage such as 20V or more. This increase cause an electromagnetic
field which is capacitively coupled from the substrate to the
select gate transistors and the storage elements, raising their
potentials according to a coupling ratio; provided that the
potential of the select gate transistor and the storage element is
allowed to float. However, if the potential of the select gate
transistor or storage element is driven (not allowed to float), its
potential will remain fixed at the level to which it is driven.
Moreover, the associated coupling ratio for the capacitive
coupling, will be relatively higher for a select gate transistor
than a storage element, because: (a) the select gate transistor is
larger, e.g., wider along the NAND string direction, and (b) unlike
the select gate, the storage elements have a floating gate which
dampens the coupling from substrate to the control gate. The
increase in potential for the select gate or the storage element
due to capacitive coupling is a function of the increase in the
voltage of the substrate and is generally independent of the rate
of increase of the voltage or whether the voltage is increased in
steps or in a gradual ramp.
[0063] An example coupling ratio of the select gate transistor is
rsg=0.8 (80%) so that its potential is increased by Verase*0.8
(from an initial level which can be zero or non-zero) when the
substrate voltage is increased by Verase, while the select gate is
floated. An example coupling ratio of the dummy storage element 214
is rwld=0.5 (50%) so that its potential is increased by Verase*0.5
when the substrate voltage is increased by Verase, while the dummy
storage element is floated. The control gate of a user data storage
element is typically driven during an erase operation so that, when
Verase is applied, a large voltage is applied across the oxide
underneath the floating gate, which draws charge out of the
floating gate.
[0064] The electromagnetic field in the vertical direction, which
is caused by the increase in the substrate voltage, is represented
by a vertical electric field Ey. Moreover, as a result of the
potential difference between the select gate transistor 216 and the
dummy storage element 214, a horizontal electric field (Ex0) is
generated which extends from the select gate transistor 216 to the
dummy storage element 214. Further, as a result of the smaller
potential difference between the dummy storage element 214 and the
user data storage element 212, a smaller horizontal electric field
(Ex1<Ex0) is generated which extends from the dummy storage
element 214 to the user data storage element 212.
[0065] During erase, the presence of the electric fields (Ex0 and
Ey) can cause electrons to be emitted from the etch back/floating
gate corner (acting as a cathode) of the dummy storage element 214
to a region 622 between the edge word line/storage element 214 and
the select gate transistor 216, where they accumulate. A high
voltage on the select gate helps the electrons carry over to the
region 622. During W/E cycling, with each erase operation, more and
more electrons accumulate in the region, causing the channel
underneath to deplete. A parasitic cell is thus formed by the
trapped charge, leading to a worse sub-threshold slope for the
select gate-dummy storage element pair and also lowers the NAND
string current. The same effect occurs on the drain side, where
electrons can accumulate between the edge word line/storage element
204 on the drain side and the drain select gate (SGD) transistor
202. As a result, the edge storage elements make the associated
block, harder to pass erase-verify, so that additional erase
voltage pulses need to be applied to the substrate to complete an
erase operation, thereby reducing the W/E endurance of the
block.
[0066] FIG. 6B is a cross section of a portion of the NAND string
301 of FIG. 3 which includes two source-side dummy storage
elements, showing electromagnetic fields in an erase operation and
a resulting accumulation of electrons. The source end of the NAND
string is depicted, including a user data storage element 312 which
is associated with WL0, an inner dummy storage element 314 which is
associated with WLDS1, an outer dummy storage element 316 which is
associated with WLDS0, and a SGS transistor 318 which is associated
with a respective control line. Active regions include source/drain
regions 656-658 and a region 670 at a source side of the SGS
transistor 318. User data storage element 312 has a control gate
604 and a floating gate 608. Inner dummy storage element 314 has a
control gate 623 and a floating gate 627. Outer dummy storage
element 316 has a control gate 625 and a floating gate 629.
[0067] As before, an example coupling ratio of the select gate
transistor may be rsg=0.8, and an example coupling ratio of the
dummy storage elements may be rwld=0.5. A horizontal field Ex0 is
created when there is a voltage drop from the SGS transistor to the
outer dummy storage element, a horizontal field Ex1 is created when
there is a voltage drop from the outer dummy storage element to the
inner dummy storage element, and a horizontal field Ex2 is created
when there is a voltage drop from the inner dummy storage element
to the user data storage element, where Ex0>Ex1>Ex2.
[0068] The accumulation of electrons in the region 672 can be
reduced by using two dummy storage elements. In this case, the
voltage drop between the select gate 318 and the user data storage
element 312 can be spread across two dummy storage elements 314 and
316 instead of one. The erase operation can be arranged so that a
smaller voltage difference and Ex0 field exists between the select
gate 318 and the dummy storage element 316 in FIG. 6B than between
the select gate 216 and the dummy storage element 214 in FIG. 6A.
As a result, the accumulation of electrons in the region 672 can be
less than the accumulation of electrons in the region 622. The
voltages can be set at optimal levels as described below in
connection with FIG. 7.
[0069] However, if the voltages of the select gate and the dummy
storage elements are not controlled appropriately, the problem of
charge trapping in a region between the select gate and the outer
dummy storage element can be passed on to a region 673 between the
outer dummy storage element 316 and the inner dummy storage element
314 as depicted in FIG. 6C. FIG. 6C is a cross section of a portion
of the NAND string 301 of FIG. 3, showing electromagnetic fields in
an erase operation and a resulting accumulation of electrons in a
region 673 between an outer dummy storage element 316 and an inner
dummy storage element 314.
[0070] FIG. 7 depicts a write-erase endurance optimization curve of
a dummy storage element showing a region "A" in which an electric
field between a select gate and an outer (first) dummy storage
element, is too high, and a region "B" in which an electric field
between the outer dummy storage element and an inner (second) dummy
storage element is too high.
[0071] One optimization involves setting the peak level of the
voltage of the select gate transistor (Vsgd or Vsgs). Controlling
this voltage to a lower value during an erase operation can help
improve endurance since a higher voltage makes the degradation
worse. However, a lower voltage can cause reliability issues by
placing excessive stress on the gate oxide 615. In practice, the
optimal peak voltage of the select gate can be determined for a
particular memory device from experimentation and/or theoretical
calculations.
[0072] Another optimization involves the peak levels of the
voltages of the one or more dummy storage elements, for either end
of a NAND string. To reduce Ex0, the electric field between the
select gate and the outer dummy storage element, the voltage of the
outer dummy storage element (Vwlds0 and Vwldd0) can be increased.
However, a higher Vwlds0 and Vwldd0 increases Ex1, the electric
field between the outer dummy storage element and the inner dummy
storage element. If Ex1 is too high, it will cause the charge
trapping and degradation problem between the outer and inner dummy
storage elements as depicted in FIG. 6C.
[0073] Referring to the source side of the NAND string, with the
voltage of the select gate (Vsgs) and the voltage of the inner
dummy storage element (Vwlds1) at specified levels, the voltage of
the outer dummy storage element (Vwlds0) can be optimized at a
level Voptimal, so that Vsgs-Vwlds0 and Ex0 are not too high, on
one hand, and Vwlds0-Vwlds1 and Ext are not too high, on the other
hand. Referring to the drain side of the NAND string, the voltage
of the outer dummy storage element (Vwldd0) can be optimized at a
level Voptimal (which can be different than for Vwlds0), so that
Vsgd-Vwldd0 is not too high, on one hand, and Vwldd0-Vwldd1 is not
too high, on the other hand. Ex2 is generally sufficiently low so
that charge trapping and degradation between the inner dummy
storage element and the edge user data storage element is not a
problem.
[0074] Note that, in the case of two dummy word lines at the end of
a NAND string, Vwlds1 and Vwldd1 (FIG. 6B) may be the same as Vwlds
and Vwldd (FIG. 6A), respectively, so that the user data storage
elements are not affected.
[0075] FIG. 8A depicts example threshold voltage distributions of
an erased state and higher data states for a set of non-volatile
storage elements. The x-axis indicates a threshold voltage and the
y-axis indicates a number of storage elements. In this example,
there are four data states: an erased (E) state 842, an A state
844, a B state 846 and a C state 848. Memory devices with
additional data states, e.g., eight or sixteen data states, or
fewer states, e.g., two states, can also be used. An erase sequence
can include an erase operation and an optional soft programming
operation. The distribution 840 is realized after the erase
operation when storage elements are typically over-erased, past the
erase state 842. An erase operation can include successive
erase-verify iteration (see FIG. 8B). Each erase-verify iteration
includes an erase iteration comprising an erase pulse followed by a
verify iteration comprising a verify pulse and sensing operation.
Erase pulses are applied to the substrate until the threshold
voltage of the storage elements being erased transitions below an
erase verify level, Vv_erase.
[0076] Once the erase operation is completed, the soft programming
operation can be performed, in which a number of positive voltage
pulses are applied to the control gates of the storage elements,
such as via a word line, to increase the threshold voltages of some
or all of the storage elements in the distribution 840 closer to
and below a soft programming verify level, Vv_spgm, to the erased
state 842. Vv_spgm is typically above or equal to Vv_erase. The
soft programming operation advantageously results in a narrow erase
state distribution 802. Once the soft programming operation is
complete, programming to higher data states can occur, such as to
states A, B and C using verify levels Vv_A, Vv_B and Vv_C,
respectively. A subsequent read operation can use the levels
Vread_A, Vread_B and Vread_C.
[0077] FIG. 8B depicts a sequence of erase-verify iterations of an
erase operation. An erase operation may involve applying a series
of erase pulses/waveforms to the p-well of a memory device. Here,
an erase operation 852 includes example erase pulses 860, 862 and
864 (representing respective erase iterations of the erase
operation), and erase verify pulses 861, 863 and 865 (representing
respective verify iterations of the erase operation). In another
possible erase operation, a single erase pulse is applied. The peak
level of the erase pulses can increase in each erase-verify
iteration, in one approach. In the implementations discussed below
(FIGS. 11-15), the erase pulse or waveform is more complicated and
may have one or more steps and/or ramps which are designed to
provide one or more controlled sources of capacitive coupling.
[0078] FIG. 9 depicts a circuit which can be part of the power
control module 516 of FIG. 5, for instance, showing pass gate
transistors which are used to drive or float voltages on respective
control lines, and the NAND string 301 of FIG. 3B. A control line
can be, e.g., a word line which is in communication with the
control gates of storage elements arranged along the word line, or
a select gate transistor line which is in communication with the
control gates of select gate transistors (SGS or SGD) arranged
along the select gate transistor line.
[0079] The NAND string 301 in the block 300 is depicted as an
example. Other NAND strings in the block are not depicted. Word
lines WLDD0, WLDD1, WLn-1, . . . , WL1, WL0, WLD1 and WLD0 are
connected to control gates 942, 943, 944, . . . , 945, 946, 947 and
948, respectively, of storage elements 304, 306, 308, . . . , 310,
312, 314 and 316, respectively. SGD line 931 is connected to a
control gate 941 of the SGD transistor 302. SGS line 939 is
connected to a control gate 949 of the SGS transistor 318. A
voltage can be driven on each control line via a respective pass
gate (pg) transistor which is controlled by a common control gate
voltage Vpg from a block decoder (not shown) of the block, in one
possible implementation. Vpg is provided to the control gate of
each pass gate transistor via a common line 920. The common line is
connected to control gates 921-929 of pass gate transistors
911-919, respectively. Each pass gate transistor has a source
terminal connected to a voltage driver via a peripheral (peri)-side
line, and a drain terminal connected to a select gate transistor or
storage element via an array-side line. Specifically,
peripheral-side lines 901-909 and array-side lines 931-939 are
connected to pass gate transistors 911-919, respectively. The
driven voltages on the peripheral-side lines 901-909 are Vsgd_peri,
Vwldd0_peri, Vwldd1_peri, Vwln-1_peri, . . . Vwl1_peri, Vwl0_peri,
Vwld1_peri, Vwld0_peri and Vsgs_peri, respectively. The p-well
erase voltage Vp-well is applied to the substrate 900 on which the
block 300 is formed.
[0080] The peripheral-side lines are typically each driven at a
zero- or non-zero level during an erase operation. For any control
line, if Vpg is sufficiently high (e.g., greater than the
peripheral-side voltage+Vt, the threshold voltage of the pass gate
transistor) the pass gate transistor will be in a conductive state
and pass the peripheral-side voltage to the array-side control
line. On the other hand, If Vpg is not sufficiently high (e.g., it
is equal to or less than the peripheral-side voltage+Vt) the pass
gate transistor will be in a non-conductive state so that a voltage
is floated on the array-side control line and the associated
control gate. A floating control line and control gate is subject
to capacitive coupling such as from the substrate when an erase
pulse is increased. Typically, if a select gate or a storage
element is to be floated while the gates or storage elements in the
block are to be driven, the peripheral-side voltage for the control
line associated with that select gate or storage element is raised
up to a high enough level, such that its associated pass gate
transistor becomes non-conductive, while for the rest of the
control lines, the peripheral-side voltage is biased low enough to
maintain their respective pass gates in a conductive state. Also,
note that, while a select gate or a storage element is being
driven; for its associated control line, the peripheral-side
voltage is same as the array-side voltage. On the other hand, in a
floating condition, the array-side voltage is not equal (it is
generally higher) to the peripheral-side voltage. The control lines
can be set as discussed in further detail below.
[0081] FIG. 10A depicts an overview of an erase operation which
uses capacitive coupling to increase the control gate voltages of
dummy storage elements. The steps include: Begin erase operation,
1000; Begin erase iteration, 1002; Perform pre-capacitive coupling
up phase, 1004; Perform one or more capacitive coupling up phases,
1006; Perform post-capacitive coupling up phase, 1008; Perform
verify iteration, 1010; Next erase-verify iteration?, 1012; and End
erase operation, 1014. If decision step 1012 is true, it is
followed by step 1002. If decision step 1012 is false, it is
followed by step 1014. The pre-capacitive coupling up phase
involves driving the control line voltages at specified levels so
that the capacitive coupling which occurs in the capacitive
coupling up phase raises the voltage starting from the specified
level. This phase can involve an increase in Vp-well to a specified
level and/or for a specified time. The array-side control lines are
generally driven (not floated) in the pre-capacitive coupling up
phase. Selected ones of the array-side control lines are floated
for at least part of the capacitive coupling up phase. One or more
capacitive coupling up phases can be used successively to provide
separate controlled increments or sources of coupling.
[0082] FIG. 10B depicts an embodiment of the pre-capacitive
coupling up phase 1004 and the capacitive coupling up phase 1006 of
FIG. 10A, where the select gate voltages are increased by
capacitive coupling in one capacitive coupling up phase due to a
step increase in Vp-well, and the control gate voltages of dummy
storage elements are driven. In step 1020, the pre-capacitive
coupling up phase, the voltages are set as follows: Vsgs/sgd_array:
drive, Vwlds0/wldd0_array: drive, Vwlds1/wldd1_array: drive and
Vp-well: increase from 0V to Verase.sub.--1 (both are driven
levels). In step 1022, the capacitive coupling up phase, the
voltages are set as follows: Vsgs/sgd_array: float up to
Vsgs/sgd_max, Vwlds0/wldd0_array: drive, Vwlds1/wldd1_array: drive
and Vp-well: increase from Verase.sub.--1 to peak level
(Verase_max) to provide first source of capacitive coupling up to
Vsgs/sgd_array. See FIG. 11 for an example implementation.
[0083] FIG. 10C depicts an embodiment of the pre-capacitive
coupling up phase 1004 and the capacitive coupling up phase 1006 of
FIG. 10A, where the select gate voltages and the control gate
voltages of the first (outer) dummy storage elements are increased
by capacitive coupling due to step increases in Vp-well in two
capacitive coupling up phases, and the control gate voltages of the
second (inner) dummy storage elements are driven. In step 1030, the
pre-capacitive coupling up phase, the voltages are set as follows:
Vsgs/sgd_array: drive, Vwlds0/wldd0_array: drive,
Vwlds1/wldd1_array: drive and Vp-well: increase from 0V to
Verase.sub.--1. In step 1032, the first capacitive coupling up
phase, the voltages are set as follows: Vsgs/sgd_array: float up to
Vsgs/sgd.sub.--1, Vwlds0/wldd0_array: drive, Vwlds1/wldd1_array:
drive and Vp-well: increase from Verase.sub.--1 to next higher
level (Verase.sub.--2) to provide first source of capacitive
coupling up to Vsgs/sgd_array. In step 1034, the second capacitive
coupling up phase, the voltages are set as follows: Vsgs/sgd_array:
float up to Vsgs/sgd_max, Vwlds0/wldd0_array: float up to
Vwlds0/wldd0_max, Vwlds1/wldd1_array: drive and Vp-well: increase
from Verase.sub.--2 to peak level (Verase_max) to provide second
source of capacitive coupling up to Vsgs/sgd_array and to provide
first source of capacitive coupling up to Vwlds0/wldd0_array. See
FIG. 12 for an example implementation.
[0084] FIG. 10D depicts an embodiment of the pre-capacitive
coupling up phase 1004 and the capacitive coupling up phase 1006 of
FIG. 10A, where the select gate voltages and the control gate
voltages of the first (outer) dummy storage elements are increased
by capacitive coupling due to a continuous ramp increase in Vp-well
in two capacitive coupling up phases, and the control gate voltages
of the second (inner) dummy storage elements are driven, where the
select gate voltages are floated at a start of the continuous ramp
or after a delay from the start of the continuous ramp, and the
control gate voltages of the first (outer) dummy storage elements
are floated after a delay from the start of the continuous
ramp.
[0085] In step 1040, the pre-capacitive coupling up phase, the
voltages are set as follows: Vsgs/sgd_array: drive,
Vwlds0/wldd0_array: drive, Vwlds1/wldd1_array: drive and Vp-well:
increase from 0V to Verase.sub.--1. In step 1042, the first
capacitive coupling up phase, the voltages are set as follows:
Vsgs/sgd_array: float up to Vsgs/sgd.sub.--1, Vwlds0/wldd0_array:
drive, Vwlds1/wldd1_array: drive and Vp-well: increase from
Verase.sub.--1 to higher level (Verase.sub.--2) in a continuous
ramp to provide first source of capacitive coupling up to
Vsgs/sgd_array. In step 1044, the second capacitive coupling up
phase, the voltages are set as follows: Vsgs/sgd_array: float up to
Vsgs/sgd_max, Vwlds0/wldd0_array: float up to Vwlds0/wldd0_max,
Vwlds1/wldd1_array: drive and Vp-well: continue increasing from
Verase.sub.--2 to a peak level (Verase_max) in the continuous ramp
to provide second source of capacitive coupling up to
Vsgs/sgd_array and to provide first source of capacitive coupling
up to Vwlds0/wldd0_array. See FIG. 13 or 14 for further
details.
[0086] FIG. 10E depicts an embodiment of the pre-capacitive
coupling up phase 1004 and the capacitive coupling up phase 1006 of
FIG. 10A, where the select gate voltages, the control gate voltages
of the first (outer) dummy storage elements and the control gate
voltages of the second (inner) dummy storage elements are increased
by capacitive coupling due to step increases in Vp-well in three
capacitive coupling up phases. In step 1050, the pre-capacitive
coupling up phase, the voltages are set as follows: Vsgs/sgd_array:
drive, Vwlds0/wldd0_array: drive, Vwlds1/wldd1_array: drive and
Vp-well: increase from 0V to Verase.sub.--1. In step 1052, the
first capacitive coupling up phase, the voltages are set as
follows: Vsgs/sgd_array: float up to Vsgs/sgd.sub.--1,
Vwlds0/wldd0_array: drive, Vwlds1/wldd1_array: drive and Vp-well:
increase from Verase_1 to a second level (Verase.sub.--2) to
provide first source of capacitive coupling up to Vsgs/sgd_array.
In step 1054, the second capacitive coupling up phase, the voltages
are set as follows: Vsgs/sgd_array: float up to Vsgs/sgd.sub.--2,
Vwlds0/wldd0_array: float up to Vwlds0/wldd0.sub.--1,
Vwlds1/wldd1_array: drive and Vp-well: increase from Verase.sub.--2
to a third level (Verase.sub.--3) to provide second source of
capacitive coupling up to Vsgs/sgd_array and to provide first
source of capacitive coupling up to Vwlds0/wldd0_array. In step
1056, the third capacitive coupling up phase, the voltages are set
as follows: Vsgs/sgd_array: float up to Vsgs/sgd_max,
Vwlds0/wldd0_array: float up to Vwlds0/wldd0_max,
Vwlds1/wldd1_array: float up to Vwlds1/wldd1_max and Vp-well:
increase from Verase.sub.--3 to a peak level (Verase_max) to
provide third source of capacitive coupling up to Vsgs/sgd_array,
second source of capacitive coupling up to Vwlds0/wldd0_array and
first source of capacitive coupling up to Vwlds1/wldd1_array. See
FIG. 15 for further details.
[0087] FIG. 11 depicts waveforms in an example erase iteration
which corresponds to the method of FIG. 10B. In FIGS. 11-15 a
dashed line waveform indicates a floating voltage and a solid line
waveform indicates a driven or fixed voltage. Time points t0, t1, .
. . represent increasing time. The time points are not necessarily
equally spaced or to scale, and the time points in the different
figures are not necessarily corresponding. The starting and ending
levels of the waveforms can be 0 V, in one approach.
[0088] The correspondence between the waveforms and the voltages is
as follows: 1100: Vpg; 1102: Vsgs/sgd_peri (i.e., Vsgs_peri and/or
Vsgd_peri); 1104: Vsgs/sgd_array (i.e., Vsgs_array and/or
Vsgd_array); 1106: Vwlds0/wldd0 (i.e., Vwlds0_peri=Vwlds0_array
and/or Vwldd0_peri=Vwldd0_array); 1108: Vwlds1/wldd1 (i.e.,
Vwlds1_peri=Vwlds1_array and/or Vwldd1_peri=Vwldd1_array); 1110:
user data word line (Vwl); and 1112: Vp-well. The pre-capacitive
coupling up phase is from t0-t5, the capacitive coupling up phase
is just after t5 and a post-capacitive coupling up phase
follows.
[0089] As an example, assume a decision is made that the optimal
value for Vwlds0/wldd0 is 8V, so these voltages are driven at 8V at
t2. A result of this decision is that Vpg_max is set to, e.g., 10
V, to ensure the associated pass gate transistors are conductive,
to pass the 8V. Throughout the erase iteration, the associated pass
gate is made conductive by setting Vpg_max>(Vwlds0/wldd0+Vt).
For example, the Vt (threshold voltage) of the pass gate transistor
may be only 0.2V. 10V is 2V higher than 8V and provides a
comfortable margin.
[0090] Further, assume a decision is made that a peak level to
which Vsgs/sgd_array will be floated is Vsgs/sgd_max. This level
can be achieved by driving Vsgs/sgd_array to a specified initial
zero or non-zero level, e.g., 2V, then floating Vsgs/sgd_array
while subsequently increasing Vp-well by a specified amount to
provide a specified amount of coupling up to Vsgs/sgd_array.
Assuming Verase_max is at a specified level, Vp-well can be driven
to a level Verase.sub.--1 at t3, then stepped up to Verase_max at
t5. This step up of magnitude .DELTA.1=Verase_max-Verase.sub.--1 is
a first source of capacitive coupling up to the control gates of
the select gate transistors.
[0091] Vsgd/sgd_array is made to float just after t4 by raising
Vsgd/sgd_peri=Vpg_max so that the associated pass gate becomes
non-conductive. In one approach, the step up is the fastest
available rate at which the voltage driving circuitry can increase
the voltage (e.g., Vp-well).
[0092] Vsgd/sgd_array=Vpg_max-Vt just after t4. Vsgd/sgd_array is
coupled up by .DELTA.1'=.DELTA.1*rsg at t5 as Vp-well is increased.
Thus, Vsgs/sgd_max=Vpg_max-Vt+.DELTA.1'. .DELTA.1 and hence A1' and
Vsgs/sgd_max can be adjusted by adjusting Verase.sub.--1, for a
given Verase_max. For example, Vsgs/sgd_max will be higher when
Verase.sub.--1 is lower. The erase pulse is applied at its peak
level Verase_max from t5-t6 and lowered at t6. Vwlds1/wldd1 can be
driven at a low level such as 1.5V and the Vwl (user data WL) can
be driven at a relatively low level such as 0.5V. This level can be
zero or non-zero.
[0093] For the discharge sequence, at t6, Vp-well discharges from
Vera_max to 0V. Once Vp-well discharges, any floating element
(e.g., Vsgs/sgd_array) couples down with the Vp-well until it
reaches Vpg_max-Vt (the level at which it was before the coupling
up phase). At this point, its associated pass gate will become
conductive, and thus the storage element is essentially no more
floating (it is driven). From that point on, its array and
peri-side control lines will be at the same level (e.g.,
Vsgs/sgd_peri=Vsgs/sgd_array). Thus, when Vsgs/sgd_peri drops at
t7, Vsgs/sgd_array follows and drops with it.
[0094] Recall that Verase_max is a peak level within a given erase
iteration of an erase operation. Verase_max can increase step-wise
in successive erase iterations such as depicted in FIG. 8B.
[0095] An advantage of this approach is that the process is highly
controllable since Vwlds0/wldd0 is driven throughout the erase
iteration. A disadvantage is that power is used to drive Vpg and
Vwlds0/wldd0 at a relatively high level such as 8-10V. Also, there
is a size penalty in the memory die since the associated pass gates
must be sized to support the relatively high bias.
[0096] FIG. 12 depicts waveforms in an example erase iteration
which corresponds to the method of FIG. 10C. The correspondence
between the waveforms and the voltages is as follows: 1200: Vpg;
1202: Vsgs/sgd_peri; 1204: Vsgs/sgd_array; 1206: Vwlds0/wldd0_peri;
1208: Vwlds0/wldd0_array; 1210: Vwlds1/wldd1 (array or peri); 1212:
Vwl; and 1214: Vp-well. The pre-capacitive coupling up phase is
from t0-t5, a first capacitive coupling up phase is just after t5,
a second capacitive coupling up phase is just after t7 and a
post-capacitive coupling up phase follows.
[0097] An advantage of this approach is that Vwlds0/wldd0_array is
floated to its peak level Vwlds0/wldd0_max instead of being driven,
so less power is used and the pass gate can be driven at a lower
level (e.g., 6V instead of 10V, in one approach) and sized
accordingly. Vpg_max could be even lower. For example, the approach
of FIG. 15 uses an even lower Vpg_max (e.g., 2V). Vpg_max need only
be high enough to maintain the pass gate transistors in a
conductive state to pass any driven voltages to the array-side
control lines.
[0098] Vp-well has three steps in this approach. Vp-well is driven
to Verase.sub.--1 at t3, then stepped up in separate increments of
.DELTA.1 and .DELTA.2 just after t5 and t7, respectively, to
provide first and second sources, respectively, of capacitive
coupling. Once Vsgs/sgd_peri is raised to Vpg_max at t4,
Vsgs/sgd_array begins floating just after t4 so that it is coupled
up by the first and second sources of capacitive coupling.
Specifically, Vsgs/sgd_array is coupled up from Vpg_max-Vt to
Vsgs/sgd.sub.--1 (an increase of .DELTA.1''=.DELTA.1*rsg) just
after t5, and from Vsgs/sgd.sub.--1 to Vsgs/sgd_max (an increase of
.DELTA.2''=.DELTA.2*rsg) just after t7. Once Vwlds0/wldd0_peri is
raised to Vpg_max at t6, Vwlds0/wldd0_array begins floating just
after t6 so that it is coupled up by the second source of
capacitive coupling but not the first source of capacitive
coupling. Instead, Vwlds0/wldd0_array is driven at, e.g., 4 V,
during the first source of capacitive coupling. Vwlds0/wldd0_array
is coupled up from Vpg_max-Vt to Vwlds0/wldd0_max (an increase of
.DELTA.2'=A2*rwld) just after t7.
[0099] .DELTA.1 and hence .DELTA.1'' and Vsgs/sgd_max can be
adjusted by adjusting Verase.sub.--1, for a given Verase_max. For
example, Vsgs/sgd_max will be higher when Verase.sub.--1 is lower.
.DELTA.2 and hence .DELTA.2', .DELTA.2'' and Vwlds0/wldd0_max can
be adjusted by adjusting Verase.sub.--2, for a given Verase_max.
For example, Vwlds0/wldd0_max will be higher when Verase.sub.--2 is
lower.
[0100] The increasing of the erase voltage to provide the first
source of capacitive coupling (just after t5) occurs before the
increasing of the erase voltage to provide the second source of
capacitive coupling (just after t7).
[0101] FIG. 13 depicts waveforms in an example erase iteration
which corresponds to one embodiment of the method of FIG. 10D. As
an alternative, Vp-well can be increased more gradually, in a ramp,
rather than as a step. A ramp increase may be an increase which is
at a rate which is less than the fastest rate available at which
the voltage driving circuitry can increase the voltage (e.g.,
Vp-well).
[0102] The correspondence between the waveforms and the voltages is
as follows: 1300: Vpg; 1302: Vsgs/sgd_peri; 1304: Vsgs/sgd_array;
1306: Vwlds0/wldd0_peri; 1308: Vwlds0/wldd0_array; 1310:
Vwlds1/wldd1 (array or peri); 1312: Vwl; and 1314: Vp-well. The
pre-capacitive coupling up phase is from t0-t5, a first capacitive
coupling up phase is from t5-t7, a second capacitive coupling up
phase is from t7 to t8 and a post-capacitive coupling up phase
follows.
[0103] As before, an advantage is that Vwlds0/wldd0_array is
floated to its peak level Vwlds0/wldd0_max instead of being driven,
so less power is used and the pass gate can be driven at a lower
level. Moreover, the amount of coupling up to Vwlds0/wldd0_array is
controllable based on a time delay .DELTA.t.
[0104] Vp-well has one step and one continuous ramp in this
approach. Vp-well is driven to Verase.sub.--1 at t3, then ramps up
from t5-t8. A portion of the ramp from t5-t7 which increases by
.DELTA.1 provides a first source of capacitive coupling, and a
portion of the ramp from t7-t8 which increases by .DELTA.2 provides
a second source of capacitive coupling. Once Vsgs/sgd_peri is
raised to Vpg_max at t4, Vsgs/sgd_array begins floating just after
t4 so that it is coupled up by the first and second sources of
capacitive coupling. Specifically, Vsgs/sgd_array is coupled up
from Vpg_max-Vt to Vsgs/sgd.sub.--1 (an increase of
.DELTA.1''=.DELTA.1*rsg) from t5-t7, and from Vsgs/sgd.sub.--1 to
Vsgs-sgd_max (an increase of .DELTA.2''=.DELTA.2*rsg) from t7-t8.
Once Vwlds0/wldd0_peri is raised to Vpg_max between t6 and t7,
Vwlds0/wldd0_array begins floating at t7 so that it is coupled up
by the second source of capacitive coupling but not the first
source of capacitive coupling. Instead, Vwlds0/wldd0_array is
driven at, e.g., 4 V, during the first source of capacitive
coupling. Specifically, Vwlds0/wldd0_array is coupled up from
Vpg_max-Vt to Vwlds0/wldd0_max (an increase of
.DELTA.2'=.DELTA.2*rwld) from t7-t8.
[0105] In this case, the time delay .DELTA.t can be defined as a
time between a start of the continuous ramp of Vp-well and a time
at which Vwlds0/wldd0_array begins floating, e.g.,
.DELTA.t=t7-t5.
[0106] .DELTA.1 and hence .DELTA.1'' and Vsgs/sgd_max can be
adjusted by adjusting Verase.sub.--1, for a given Verase_max. For
example, Vsgs/sgd_max will be higher when Verase.sub.--1 is lower.
.DELTA.2 and hence .DELTA.2', .DELTA.2'' and Vwlds0/wldd0_max can
be adjusted by adjusting .DELTA.t, for a given Verase_max. For
example, Vwlds0/wldd0_max will be higher when .DELTA.t is smaller
(i.e., V_erase2 is lower).
[0107] The increasing of the erase voltage to provide the first
source of capacitive coupling (from t5-t7, in one time period)
occurs before the increasing of the erase voltage to provide the
second source of capacitive coupling (from t7-t8, in another time
period, non-overlapping with the one time period). The increase of
the voltage (Vp-well) of the substrate is continuous throughout a
time period (t5-t8) which comprises the one time period and the
another time period.
[0108] The increase of Vp-well in the one time period comprises a
voltage ramp, and the increase of Vp-well in the another time
period comprises another voltage ramp.
[0109] FIG. 14 depicts waveforms in an example erase iteration
which corresponds to another embodiment of the method of FIG. 10D.
This is a variation of the approach of FIG. 13. Here, one time
delay .DELTA.t1 indicates the time delay between the beginning of
Vp-well ramp and the time at which Vsgs/sgd_array begins floating;
and another time delay .DELTA.t2>.DELTA.t1 indicates the time
delay between the beginning of Vp-well ramp and the time at which
Vslds0/wldd0_array begins floating. These time delays can be
adjusted as desired. In some cases, it may be easier to adjust a
time delay parameter than to adjust a voltage level, to achieve a
desired level of coupling. The correspondence between the waveforms
and the voltages is as follows: 1400: Vpg; 1402: Vsgs/sgd_peri;
1404: Vsgs/sgd_array; 1406: Vwlds0/wldd0_peri; 1408:
Vwlds0/wldd0_array; 1410: Vwlds1/wldd1 (array or peri); 1412: Vwl;
and 1414: Vp-well. The pre-capacitive coupling up phase is from
t0-t6, a first capacitive coupling up phase is from t6-t8, a second
capacitive coupling up phase is from just after t8 to t9 and a
post-capacitive coupling up phase follows.
[0110] As before, an advantage is that Vwlds0/wldd0_array is
floated to its peak level Vwlds0/wldd0_max instead of being driven,
so less power is used and the pass gate can be driven at a lower
level. Moreover, the amount of coupling up to Vwlds0/wldd0_array is
controllable based on a time delay .DELTA.t2.
[0111] Vp-well has no step and one continuous ramp in this
approach. Vp-well ramps up from t4-t9. A portion of the ramp from
t6-t8 which increases by .DELTA.1 provides a first source of
capacitive coupling, and a portion of the ramp from t8-t9 which
increases by .DELTA.2 provides a second source of capacitive
coupling.
[0112] Once Vsgs/sgd_peri is raised to Vpg_max between t5 and t6,
Vsgs/sgd_array begins floating at t6 so that it is coupled up by
the first and second sources of capacitive coupling. Specifically,
Vsgs/sgd_array is coupled up from Vpg_max-Vt to Vsgs/sgd.sub.--1
(an increase of .DELTA.1''=.DELTA.1*rsg) from t6-t8, and from
Vsgs/sgd.sub.--1 to Vsgs-sgd_max (an increase of
.DELTA.2''=.DELTA.2*rsg) from t8-t9. Once Vwlds0/wldd0_peri is
raised to Vpg_max between t7 and t8, Vwlds0/wldd0_array begins
floating at t8 so that it is coupled up by the second source of
capacitive coupling but not the first source of capacitive
coupling. Instead, Vwlds0/wldd0_array is driven at, e.g., 4 V,
during the first source of capacitive coupling. Specifically,
Vwlds0/wldd0_array is coupled up from Vpg_max-Vt to
Vwlds0/wldd0_max (an increase of .DELTA.2'=.DELTA.2*rwld) from
t8-t9.
[0113] In this case, the time delay .DELTA.t1 can be defined as a
time between a start of the continuous ramp of Vp-well at t4 and a
time at which Vsgs/sgd_array begins floating, e.g.,
.DELTA.t1=t6-t4. Also, the time delay .DELTA.t2 can be defined as a
time between a start of the continuous ramp of Vp-well at t4 and a
time that Vwlds0/wldd0_array begins floating, e.g.,
.DELTA.t2=t8-t4.
[0114] .DELTA.1 and hence .DELTA.1'' and Vsgs/sgd_max can be
adjusted by adjusting .DELTA.t1, for a given Verase_max. For
example, Vsgs/sgd_max will be higher when .DELTA.t1 is less (i.e.,
Verase.sub.--1 is lower). .DELTA.2 and hence .DELTA.2', .DELTA.2''
and Vwlds0/wldd0_max can be adjusted by adjusting .DELTA.t2, for a
given Verase_max. For example, Vwlds0/wldd0_max will be higher when
.DELTA.t2>.DELTA.t1 is smaller (i.e., V_erase2 is lower).
[0115] The increasing of the erase voltage to provide the first
source of capacitive coupling (from t6-t8) occurs before the
increasing of the erase voltage to provide the second source of
capacitive coupling (from t8-t9).
[0116] The increase of Vp-well is continuous throughout a time
period (t6-t9) which comprises one time period (t6-t8) and another
time period (t8-t9). The increase of Vp-well in the one time period
comprises one voltage ramp, and the increase of Vp-well in the
another time period comprises another voltage ramp.
[0117] The floating the voltage (Vsgs/sgd_array) of the control
gate of the select gate transistor during the increasing the erase
voltage of the substrate to provide the first source of capacitive
coupling, is initiated at one specified time (t6) after initiating
the continuous increasing of the erase voltage of the substrate at
t4. This time delay is t6-t4. The floating the voltage
Vwlds0/wldd0_array of the control gate of the first dummy
non-volatile storage element during the increasing the erase
voltage of the substrate to provide the second source of capacitive
coupling is initiated at another specified time t8 after the
initiating the continuous increasing of the erase voltage of the
substrate. This time delay is t8-t4. The another specified time is
after the one specified time.
[0118] FIG. 15 depicts waveforms in an example erase iteration
which corresponds to the method of FIG. 10E. In previous examples,
the inner dummy storage element has been driven at a relatively low
level such as Vwlds1/wldd1=1.5V. Here, Vwlds1/wldd1 is coupled up
to a desired level.
[0119] The correspondence between the waveforms and the voltages is
as follows: 1500: Vpg; 1502: Vsgs/sgd_peri; 1504: Vsgs/sgd_array;
1505: Vwlds0/wldd0_peri; 1506: Vwlds1/wldd1_peri; 1508:
Vwlds0/wldd0_array; 1510: Vwlds1/wldd1_array; 1512: user data word
line (WL); and 1514: Vp-well. The pre-capacitive coupling up phase
is from t0-t5, a first capacitive coupling up phase is just after
t5, a second capacitive coupling up phase is just after t7, a third
capacitive coupling up phase is just after t9 and a post-capacitive
coupling up phase follows.
[0120] An advantage of this approach is that Vwlds1/wldd1 array is
floated to its peak level Vwlds1/wldd1_max instead of being driven,
so less power is used and the pass gate can be driven at a low
level (e.g., 3V) and sized accordingly. A disadvantage is that
additional time is needed to couple up Vwlds1/wldd1_array.
[0121] Vp-well has four steps in this approach. Vp-well is driven
to Verase.sub.--1 at t3, then stepped up in separate increments of
.DELTA.1, .DELTA.2 and .DELTA.3 just after t5, t7 and t9,
respectively, to provide first, second and third sources,
respectively, of capacitive coupling. Once Vsgs/sgd_peri is raised
to Vpg_max at t4, Vsgs/sgd_array begins floating just after t4 so
that it is coupled up by the first, second and third sources of
capacitive coupling. Specifically, Vsgs/sgd_array is coupled up
from Vpg_max-Vt to Vsgs/sgd.sub.--1 (an increase of
.DELTA.1'''=.DELTA.1*rsg) just after t5, from Vsgs/sgd.sub.--1 to
Vsgs/sgd.sub.--2 (an increase of .DELTA.2'''=.DELTA.2*rsg) just
after t7, and from Vsgs/sgd.sub.--2 to Vsgs-sgd_max (an increase of
.DELTA.3'''=.DELTA.3*rsg) just after t9. Once Vwlds0/wldd0_peri is
raised to Vpg_max at t6, Vwlds0/wldd0_array begins floating just
after t6 so that it is coupled up by the second and third sources
of capacitive coupling but not the first source of capacitive
coupling. Instead, Vwlds0/wldd0_array is driven at, e.g., 0.5 V,
during the first source of capacitive coupling. Specifically,
Vwlds0/wldd0_array is coupled up from Vpg_max-Vt to
Vwlds0/wldd0.sub.--1 (an increase of .DELTA.2''=.DELTA.2*rwld) just
after t7, and from Vwlds0/wldd0.sub.--1 to Vwlds0/wldd0_max (an
increase of .DELTA.3''=.DELTA.3*rwld) just after t9.
[0122] Once Vwlds1/wldd1_peri is raised to Vpg_max at t8,
Vwlds1/wldd1 array begins floating just after t8 so that it is
coupled up by the third source of capacitive coupling but not the
first and second sources of capacitive coupling. Instead,
Vwlds1/wldd1 array is driven at, e.g., 0.5 V, during the first and
second sources of capacitive coupling. Specifically,
Vwlds1/wldd1_array is coupled up from Vpg_max-Vt to
Vwlds1/wldd1_max (an increase of .DELTA.3'=.DELTA.3*rwld) just
after t9.
[0123] .DELTA.1 and hence .DELTA.1''' and Vsgs/sgd_max can be
adjusted by adjusting Verase.sub.--1, for a given Verase_max. For
example, Vsgs/sgd_max will be higher when Verase.sub.--1 is lower.
.DELTA.2 and hence .DELTA.2'', .DELTA.2''' and Vwlds0/wldd0_max can
be adjusted by adjusting Verase.sub.--2, for a given Verase_max.
For example, Vwlds0/wldd0_max will be higher when Verase2 is lower.
.DELTA.3 and hence .DELTA.3', .DELTA.3'', .DELTA.3''' and
Vwlds1/wldd1_max can be adjusted by adjusting Verase.sub.--3, for a
given Verase_max. For example, Vwlds1/wldd1_max will be higher when
Verase.sub.--3 is lower.
[0124] The increasing of the erase voltage to provide the first
source of capacitive coupling (just after t5) occurs before the
increasing of the erase voltage to provide the second source of
capacitive coupling (just after t7), and before the increasing of
the erase voltage to provide the third source of capacitive
coupling (just after t9).
[0125] In FIGS. 11-15, the various voltages such as Verase.sub.--1,
Verase.sub.--2, Verase.sub.--3, Verase_max and Vpg_max, as well the
time delays such as .DELTA.t, .DELTA.t1 and .DELTA.t2 can be set by
ROM fuse parameters in the memory device. These parameters can be
optimized on a chip to achieve maximum W/E endurance. Recall also
that these values and voltages and others such as .DELTA.1,
.DELTA.2, .DELTA.1', .DELTA.2', .DELTA.1'' and .DELTA.2'' are not
necessarily the same in the different figures.
[0126] In one embodiment, a method is provided for performing an
erase iteration (860, 862 and 864) of an erase operation (852) for
a set (200, 300) of non-volatile storage elements which is formed
on a substrate (140, 600, 900). The set of non-volatile storage
elements comprises a string (201, 301) of series-connected
non-volatile storage elements between first and second select
transistors (202, 216, 302, 318), and the series-connected
non-volatile storage elements comprise a first non-user data
non-volatile storage element (204, 214, 304, 316) adjacent to the
first select transistor (202, 302). The method comprises: (a)
increasing an erase voltage (Vp-well) of the substrate to provide a
first source of capacitive coupling to a control gate (941, 949) of
the first select gate transistor (e.g., a SGD transistor and/or a
SGS transistor), while floating a voltage (Vsgs/sgd_array) of the
control gate of the first select gate transistor, but not floating
a voltage (Vwldd0/wlds0_array) of a control gate (942, 948) of the
first non-user data non-volatile storage element; and (b)
increasing the erase voltage of the substrate to provide a second
source of capacitive coupling up to the control gate of first
select gate transistor and to the control gate of the first
non-user data non-volatile storage element, while floating the
voltage of the control gate of the first select gate transistor and
the voltage of the control gate of the first non-user data
non-volatile storage element.
[0127] In another embodiment, a non-volatile storage system
comprises: (a) a set (200, 300) of non-volatile storage elements
which is formed on a substrate (140, 600, 900), the set of
non-volatile storage elements comprises a string (201, 301) of
series-connected non-volatile storage elements between first and
second select gate transistors (202, 216, 302, 318), the
series-connected non-volatile storage elements comprise a first
non-volatile storage element (204, 214, 304, 316) adjacent to the
first select gate transistor (202, 302), the first non-volatile
storage element comprises a control gate (942, 948) and the first
select gate transistor comprises a control gate (941, 949); and (b)
a control circuit (510, 512, 514, 516, 530, 550, 560, 565), the
control circuit, to perform an erase iteration (860, 862 and 864)
of an erase operation (852) for the set of non-volatile storage
elements: throughout one time period (t5-t7), provides capacitive
coupling from the substrate to the control gate of the first select
gate transistor (e.g., a SGD transistor and/or a SGS transistor)
and prevents capacitive from the substrate to the control gate of
the first non-volatile storage element, and throughout another time
period (t7-t8), non-overlapping with the one time period, provides
capacitive coupling from the substrate to the control gate of the
first select gate transistor and to the control gate of the first
non-volatile storage element.
[0128] In another embodiment, a method is provided for performing
an erase iteration (860, 862 and 864) of an erase operation (852)
for a NAND string (201, 301) of non-volatile storage elements which
is formed on a substrate (140, 600, 900). The NAND string comprises
a string of series-connected non-volatile storage elements between
first and second select transistors (202, 216, 302, 318). The
series-connected non-volatile storage elements comprise a first
non-volatile storage element (204, 214, 304, 316) adjacent to the
first select transistor (202, 302). The method comprises: (a)
increasing an erase voltage (Vp-well) of the substrate while
floating a voltage (Vsgs/sgd_array) of a control gate of the first
select gate transistor, and while driving a voltage of the control
gate of the first non-volatile storage element; and (b) further
increasing the erase voltage of the substrate while floating the
voltage of the control gate of the first select gate transistor and
the voltage of the control gate of the first non-volatile storage
element.
[0129] Corresponding methods, systems and computer- or
processor-readable storage devices which have executable code for
performing the methods provided herein may also be provided.
[0130] The foregoing detailed description of the invention has been
presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not
intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise
form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in
light of the above teaching. The described embodiments were chosen
in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its
practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art
to best utilize the invention in various embodiments and with
various modifications as are suited to the particular use
contemplated. It is intended that the scope of the invention be
defined by the claims appended hereto.
* * * * *