U.S. patent application number 16/540170 was filed with the patent office on 2020-12-10 for flash memory cell adapted for low voltage and/or non-volatile performance.
This patent application is currently assigned to Microchip Technology Incorporated. The applicant listed for this patent is Microchip Technology Incorporated. Invention is credited to Bomy Chen, Sonu Daryanani, Matthew Martin.
Application Number | 20200388334 16/540170 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005235144 |
Filed Date | 2020-12-10 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20200388334 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Daryanani; Sonu ; et
al. |
December 10, 2020 |
FLASH MEMORY CELL ADAPTED FOR LOW VOLTAGE AND/OR NON-VOLATILE
PERFORMANCE
Abstract
A memory cell having a structure of a modified flash memory
cell, but configured to operate in a low voltage domain (e.g.,
using voltages of .ltoreq.6V amplitude for program and/or erase
operations) is provided. The disclosed memory cells may be formed
with dielectric layers having reduced thickness(es) as compared
with conventional flash memory cells, which allows for such low
voltage operation. The disclosed memory cells may be compatible
with advanced, high density, low energy data computational
applications. The disclosed memory cells may replace or reduce the
need for RAM (e.g., SRAM or DRAM) in a conventional device, e.g.,
microcontroller or computer, and are thus referred to "RAM Flash"
memory cells. Data retention of RAM Flash memory cells may be
increased (e.g., to days, months, or years) by (a) applying a
static holding voltage at selected nodes of the cell, and/or (b)
periodically refreshing data stored in RAM Flash.
Inventors: |
Daryanani; Sonu; (Tempe,
AZ) ; Chen; Bomy; (Newark, CA) ; Martin;
Matthew; (Gilbert, AZ) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Microchip Technology Incorporated |
Chandler |
AZ |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Microchip Technology
Incorporated
Chandler
AZ
|
Family ID: |
1000005235144 |
Appl. No.: |
16/540170 |
Filed: |
August 14, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62858088 |
Jun 6, 2019 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G11C 16/10 20130101;
G11C 16/14 20130101; H01L 29/42328 20130101; G11C 16/3418 20130101;
G11C 16/08 20130101; G11C 16/0408 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G11C 16/04 20060101
G11C016/04; H01L 29/423 20060101 H01L029/423; G11C 16/10 20060101
G11C016/10; G11C 16/34 20060101 G11C016/34; G11C 16/14 20060101
G11C016/14; G11C 16/08 20060101 G11C016/08 |
Claims
1. A system, comprising: a memory cell configured for low-voltage
operation, the memory cell comprising: a floating gate formed over
a channel region; a first dielectric region formed between the
floating gate and the channel region; a control gate formed over or
adjacent the floating gate; and a second dielectric region formed
between the floating gate and the control gate; wherein a thickness
of at least one of the first dielectric region and the second
dielectric region is selected to allow low voltage program
operations and erase operations on the memory cell; and data
retention control electronics configured to increase data retention
of the memory cell by at least one of: (a) applying a holding
voltage to at least one node on the memory cell; or (b)
periodically refreshing a storage state of the memory cell.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the memory cell comprises a
single transistor (1T) flash memory cell structure.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein the memory cell comprises a
split-gate flash memory cell structure.
4. The system of claim 1, wherein the memory cell comprises a
modified version of a SUPERFLASH memory cell.
5. The system of claim 1, wherein the thickness of the first
dielectric region formed between the floating gate and the channel
region is less than 80 .ANG..
6. The system of claim 1, wherein the thickness of the second
dielectric region formed between the floating gate and the control
gate is less than 100 .ANG..
7. The system of claim 1, further comprising operations control
electronics configured to perform program operations and erase
operations on the memory cell by applying a voltage (.ltoreq.6V) to
respective nodes of the flash memory cell.
8. (canceled)
9. The system of claim 1, wherein the data retention control
electronics are configured to select and/or dynamically adjust the
holding voltage as a function of at least one measured performance
characteristic of the memory cell.
10. (canceled)
11. The system of claim 1, wherein the data retention control
electronics are configured to periodically refresh the storage
state of the memory cell at a frequency of at least one day.
12. The system of claim 1, wherein the memory cell is configured to
replace SRAM or DRAM in the system.
13. The system of claim 1, wherein the thickness of the at least
one of the first dielectric region and the second dielectric region
is selected to allow program operations and erase operations using
voltages having an amplitude of .ltoreq.6V.
14. The system of claim 1, wherein: the memory cell further
includes a word line and a source line; and the system further
comprises operations control electronics coupled to the memory cell
and configured to perform at least one of program operations or
erase operations on the memory cell by applying word line voltages
at the word line, source line voltages at the source line, and
control gate voltages at the control gate, wherein the applied word
line voltages, source line voltages, and control gates voltages
have amplitudes of .ltoreq.6V.
15. The system of claim 14, wherein the operations control
electronics are configured to perform at least one of program
operations or erase operations on the memory cell by applying word
line voltages, source line voltages, and control gates voltages
with amplitudes in the range of 1.5V-6V.
16. The system of claim 14, wherein the operations control
electronics are configured to perform at least one of program
operations or erase operations on the memory cell by applying word
line voltages, source line voltages, and control gates voltages
with amplitudes in the range of 2V-5V.
17. The system of claim 1, wherein: the memory cell further
includes a source region and a drain region; and the system further
comprises operations control electronics coupled to the memory cell
and configured to perform at least one of program operations or
erase operations on the memory cell by applying source voltages at
the source region, drain voltages at the drain region, and control
gate voltages at the control gate, wherein the applied source
voltages, drain voltages, and control gates voltages have
amplitudes of .ltoreq.6V.
18. The system of claim 18, wherein the operations control
electronics are configured to perform at least one of program
operations or erase operations on the memory cell by applying
source voltages, drain voltages, and control gates voltages with
amplitudes in the range of 3V-6V.
19. A method of operating a memory cell configured for low-voltage
operation and including a floating gate formed over a channel
region, a first dielectric layer formed between the floating gate
and the channel region and having a thickness of less than 80
.ANG., a control gate formed over or adjacent the floating gate,
and a second dielectric layer formed between the floating gate and
the control gate and having a thickness of less than 100 .ANG., the
method comprising: performing an erase operation on the memory cell
by applying a set of voltages to the flash memory cell, including:
a source line voltage in the range of 3-6V; a control gate voltage
in the range of -3V to -6V; and wherein the drain is allowed to
float.
20. (canceled)
21. A method of operating a memory cell configured for low-voltage
operation and including a floating gate formed over a channel
region, a first dielectric layer formed between the floating gate
and the channel region and having a thickness of less than 80
.ANG., a control gate formed over or adjacent the floating gate,
and a second dielectric layer formed between the floating gate and
the control gate and having a thickness of less than 100 .ANG., the
method comprising: performing a program operation on the memory
cell by applying a set of voltages to the memory cell, including: a
source line voltage having an amplitude of .ltoreq.6V; a control
gate voltage in the range of 3-6V; and a drain voltage in the range
of 3-6V.
22. A method of operating a memory cell configured for low-voltage
operation and including a floating gate formed over a channel
region, a first dielectric layer formed between the floating gate
and the channel region and having a thickness of less than 80
.ANG., a control gate formed over or adjacent the floating gate,
and a second dielectric layer formed between the floating gate and
the control gate and having a thickness of less than 100 .ANG., the
method comprising: performing an erase operation on the memory cell
by applying a set of voltages to the memory cell, including: a
source line voltage having an amplitude of .ltoreq.6V; a word line
voltage in the range of 1.5-6.0V; and a control gate voltage in the
range of -1.5V to -1.5V.
23. A method of operating a memory cell configured for low-voltage
operation and including a floating gate formed over a channel
region, a first dielectric layer formed between the floating gate
and the channel region and having a thickness of less than 80
.ANG., a control gate formed over or adjacent the floating gate,
and a second dielectric layer formed between the floating gate and
the control gate and having a thickness of less than 100 .ANG., the
method comprising: performing a program operation on the memory
cell by applying a set of voltages to the memory cell, including: a
source line voltage in the range of 1.5-6.0V; and a control gate
voltage in the range of 1.5-6.0V.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority to commonly owned U.S.
Provisional Patent Application No. 62/858,088 filed Jun. 6, 2019,
the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference
for all purposes.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure relates to integrated circuit memory
devices, and more particularly to modified flash memory adapted for
low-voltage and/or non-volatile performance.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Microcontroller and other computer systems may include any
one or more types of memory to meet various objectives, such as a
target data processing speed, data retention, or cost, depending on
the intended user or application of the respective computer
system.
[0004] Different types of memory vary in a number of different
characteristics, such as speed (e.g., as measured by the time
required for a central processing unit (CPU) to access stored
data), data storage size, data retention (e.g., volatile or
non-volatile), endurance (e.g., a number of program/erase cycles
after which the memory may become degraded or unreliable), power
consumption, physical size, and cost, for example.
[0005] Volatile memory refers to memory that stores data only as
long as it remains connected to a power supply. Examples of
volatile memory include various types of random access memory
(RAM), such as static RAM (SRAM) and Dynamic RAM (DRAM).
Non-volatile memory refers to memory that can store data even when
disconnected from a power supply. Example types of non-volatile
memory include hard drives, flash memory, and EEPROM. FIG. 1 shows
an example taxonomy of various types of conventional volatile and
non-volatile memory.
[0006] Certain advanced process technology systems have strict
design and performance requirements regarding the memory included
in such systems. For example, advanced process technology systems
typically require a very tight metal pitch and can only tolerate
low voltages at minimum design rules. As used herein, "metal pitch"
refers to the distance between two adjacent metal lines, including
the width of the two metal lines. In addition, some systems use
aluminum metallization, typically requiring very low energy, highly
parallel design and fast data transfers.
[0007] Modern advanced systems often incorporate flash, SRAM,
and/or DRAM memory devices. Conventional flash memory cells are
typically small (e.g., 1 transistor (1T) or 1.5 transistors (1.5))
and provide high data retention (e.g., >10 years), but require
high voltages (typically >10V) and have slow data access time.
For example, NOR Flash memory (e.g., Microchip's SuperFlash.TM.
ESF1, ESF3, and ESF4 cells) that are often used for high retention
applications are small (e.g., 1.5T) but typically require >7V
for program/erase operations and have slow access time as compared
to DRAM or SRAM memory. In advanced systems, high voltage memory
devices typically increase the required die size and may be
incompatible with logic rules for minimum metal pitch.
[0008] In contrast, volatile memory cells such as DRAM and SRAM,
for example, are typically large and power hungry. For example,
SRAM is typically fast and designed to operate at low voltage, but
is physically large (typically 6 transistors (6T)) and has high
power consumption.
[0009] Table 1 shows various performance and physical size
characteristics for example types of memory devices, including
SRAM, DRAM, and flash. As shown, volatile memory such as SRAM and
DRAM are much faster, consume less energy per bit, and have a
longer endurance than typical non-volatile flash memory.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Comparison of selected memory types
Memristor PCM STT-RAM DRAM Flash HD Chip area 4 8-16 14-64 6-8 4-8
n/a per bit (F.sup.2) Energy per 0.1-3.sup. 2-100 0.1-1.sup. 2-4
10.sup.1-10.sup.4 10.sup.6-10.sup.7 bit (pJ.sup.2) Read time <10
20-70 10-30 10-50 25,000 5 - 8 .times. 10.sup.6 (ns) Write time
20-30 50-500 13-95 10-50 200,000 5 - 8 .times. 10.sup.6 (ns)
Retention >10 years <10 years Weeks <Second ~10 years ~10
years Endurance ~10.sup.12 10.sup.7-10.sup.8 10.sup.15 ~10.sup.17
10.sup.3-10.sup.6 10.sup.15? (cycles) 3D Yes No No No Yes n/a
capability
[0010] For some systems, there is a need for memory devices (memory
cells) that operate in a low voltage domain and are compatible with
advanced, high density, low energy data computational
applications.
SUMMARY
[0011] Embodiments of the present invention provide memory cells
having a structure generally based on flash memory cell design, but
(unlike conventional flash memory) configured to operate in a low
voltage domain compatible with advanced, high density, low energy
data computational applications. In some embodiments or
applications, these inventive memory cells may replace at least a
portion of the RAM (e.g., SRAM or DRAM) included in a conventional
device (e.g., a microcontroller or other computer device). Thus,
the memory cells according to embodiments of the present invention
are referred to herein as "RAM Flash memory cells" or "RAM Flash
cells."
[0012] As used herein, "low voltage" operation refers to memory
cell operations (e.g., program or erase operations) in which the
voltages applied to the cell have an absolute value, or amplitude,
of .ltoreq.6V. For example, in some embodiments RAM Flash cells are
configured for program and erase operations using a source line
voltage (Vsl), a word line voltage (Vwl), and a control gate
voltage (Vcg) each having a voltage amplitude of .ltoreq.6V. As
discussed below, in some embodiments RAM Flash cells are configured
for program and erase operations using a source line voltage (Vsl),
a word line voltage (Vwl), and a control gate voltage (Vcg) each
having a voltage amplitude in the range of 3-6V, or each having a
voltage amplitude in the range of 1.5-6V, or each having a voltage
amplitude in the range of 2-5V, or each having a voltage amplitude
in the range of 2-4V, or each at an amplitude of 3V or about 3V.
All voltages listed here are in relation to ground, or other common
reference potential.
[0013] As noted in the Background section above, SRAM cells are
typically fast, but physically large (typically 6 transistors (6T))
with high power consumption. DRAM cells on the other hand typically
use a 1T-1C (one transistor, one capacitor) architecture and are
typically not compatible with a standard logic/microcontroller
process flow. In addition, with DRAM cells, a continuous data
refresh cycle must be performed, e.g., every 64 ms, to maintain
data stored in the cells. In contrast, as discussed above, flash
memory cells are typically small, e.g., 1T or 1.5T. Some
embodiments of the present invention provide RAM Flash cells formed
as modified flash memory cells configured to operate in a space
typically assigned to SRAM or DRAM. For example, RAM Flash cells
may be configured for low voltage (.ltoreq.6V) program/erase
operations to operate effectively with high density advanced logic
flows at minimum or small metal pitch rules.
[0014] In some embodiments, RAM Flash cells may provide a flexible,
controllable retention-hold approach to prolong data retention (as
compared with traditional flash memory cells), for example to a
time frame of week(s) or month(s). In some embodiments, data stored
in RAM Flash cells may be restored on a periodic basis (e.g., every
one or more days) from external NAND flash, HDD, or other data
source.
[0015] In some embodiments, RAM Flash cells may be integrated into
the same die as a microcontroller and/or CPU, which may provide (a)
an advantage in bus latency (data transmission delay) over an
external DRAM, and/or (b) an advantage of a much lower data refresh
frequency (e.g., a refresh rate of every N days or months) as
compared with conventional DRAM cells (e.g., a refresh rate of
every 64 ms).
[0016] In some embodiments, the structure of a RAM Flash cell is a
modified version of a conventional flash memory cell, in which at
least one dielectric layer (e.g., oxide layer) has a reduced
thickness as compared with the conventional flash memory cell. The
reduced dielectric layer thickness may allow for low voltage
program and/or erase operations, which may allow the use of an
advanced low-k dielectric metal pitch with minimized or reduced
leakage and reliability concerns.
[0017] In some embodiments, RAM Flash cells may have the basic
structure of any known flash memory cell, e.g., a 1T flash memory
cell or a split gate flash memory cell (e.g., a 1.5T SuperFlash.TM.
memory cell by Microchip Inc.), but with a modified structure
having at least one dielectric layer with a reduced thickness. For
example, in a 1T RAM Flash cell according to some embodiments, one
or both of (a) the dielectric layer separating the floating gate
from the underlying channel and (b) the dielectric layer between
the floating gate and overlying control gate may have a reduced
thickness as compared with conventional 1T flash memory cells. As
another example, in a 1.5T split-gate RAM Flash cell according to
some embodiments (e.g., a 1.5T RAM Flash cell formed as a modified
SuperFlash.TM. memory cell), each of (a) the floating gate
dielectric (e.g., oxide) separating the floating gate from the
underlying channel, and/or (b) the FG-control gate inter-poly
dielectric (e.g., inter-poly oxide) layer between the floating gate
(sidewall) and adjacent control gate, and/or (c) the FG-wordline
inter-poly dielectric (e.g., inter-poly oxide) layer between the
floating gate (sidewall) and adjacent wordline may have a reduced
thickness as compared with corresponding layers of conventional
split-gate flash memory cells.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] Example aspects of the present disclosure are described
below in conjunction with the figures, in which:
[0019] FIG. 1 shows an example taxonomy of various types of
conventional volatile and non-volatile memory;
[0020] FIG. 2 illustrates an example electronic device including
RAM Flash cells according to certain embodiments of the present
invention;
[0021] FIG. 3 illustrates an example 1T RAM Flash cell according to
certain example embodiments;
[0022] FIG. 4 illustrates an example known split-gate flash memory
cell, namely a SuperFlash.TM. (ESF1+) memory cell;
[0023] FIG. 5 illustrates an example split-gate flash memory cell
configured as a RAM Flash cell, according to one example embodiment
of the invention;
[0024] FIG. 6 is a graph illustrating an example technique for
determining a holding voltage to apply to the example split-gate
RAM Flash cell shown in FIG. 5, according to one example embodiment
of the invention;
[0025] FIG. 7 illustrates an example of a conventional controller
(e.g., microcontroller); and
[0026] FIG. 8 illustrates an example controller including RANI
Flash cells, according to one example embodiment of the
invention.
[0027] It should be understood that the reference number for any
illustrated element that appears in multiple different figures has
the same meaning across the multiple figures, and the mention or
discussion herein of any illustrated element in the context of any
particular figure also applies to each other figure, if any, in
which that same illustrated element is shown.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0028] Embodiments of the present invention provide RAM Flash cells
having a structure based on a modified version of a conventional
flash memory cell, but (unlike conventional flash memory)
configured to operate in a low voltage (.ltoreq.6V) domain. In some
embodiments RAM Flash cells are formed with thinner dielectric
region (e.g., oxide layers) as compared with conventional flash
cells. For example, RAM Flash cells may be formed with thinner
floating gate dielectric regions (e.g., floating gate oxide layers)
and/or thinner inter-poly dielectric regions (e.g., inter-poly
oxide layers) as compared with conventional flash memory cells,
which may reduce the required voltages for program and erase
operations as compared with conventional flash cells. As a result
of being configured for low voltage operation, RAM Flash cells
according to the present invention may be compatible with advanced,
high density, low energy data computational applications, and
compatible with advanced logic flows at minimum or small metal
pitch rules.
[0029] In some embodiments, RAM Flash cells may be configured for
improved data retention characteristics. For example, in some
embodiments, data retention of RAM Flash cells can be increased
(e.g., to a time frame of days, months, or years) by (a) applying a
static holding voltage at selected nodes of the cell, and/or (b)
refreshing/restoring data stored in RAM Flash cells on a periodic
basis, e.g., from external memory (e.g., external flash memory or
external DRAM).
[0030] Some embodiments provide an electronic device (e.g.,
computer or microcontroller) including RAM Flash cells. RAM Flash
cells may replace or reduce at least a portion of the memory
typically included in a conventional electronic device (e.g.,
conventional flash memory, SRAM, and/or DRAM), to thereby reduce
the size and/or cost of the electronic device, and/or increase the
performance (e.g., increased operational speed and/or battery life)
of the electronic device.
[0031] FIG. 2 illustrates an example electronic device 10 including
RAM Flash cells according to certain embodiments of the present
invention. Electronic device 10 may include a processor (e.g., a
microprocessor) 12, at least one RAM Flash array 14, a power supply
16, RAM Flash control electronics 20, and/or any other hardware,
software, firmware, or other circuitry for providing any
functionality of electronic device 10. Electronic device 10 may be
a computer system (e.g., a server, desktop computer, laptop,
tablet, smartphone, or any other type of computer system), a
microcontroller, or any other type of electronic device that
utilizes data storage. Power supply 16 may comprise at least one
battery, mains power, or any other power source provided in, or
external to, electronic device 10.
[0032] Each RAM Flash array 14 may include any number and type(s)
of RAM Flash cells disclosed herein or otherwise consistent with
the disclosed principles, including but not limited to the example
1T RAM Flash cells 50 discussed below with reference to FIG. 3
and/or the example 1.5T split-gate RAM Flash cells 200 discussed
below with reference to FIG. 5.
[0033] RAM Flash control electronics 20 may include any hardware,
software, firmware, or other circuitry for controlling the
operation of RAM Flash array(s) 14, including controlling voltages
applied to the relevant contacts of RAM Flash cells within RAM
Flash array(s) 14 to perform program, erase, and read operations on
such RAM Flash cells. In some embodiments, RAM Flash control
electronics 20 may include RAM Flash control logic 22, e.g.,
embodied as software or firmware, programmed to perform any of the
functionality disclosed herein, including, for example: (a)
controlling program, erase, and read operations, (b) determining
and/or dynamically adjusting a holding voltage (Vh) to apply to RAM
Flash cells to increase data retention (e.g., as discussed below),
(c) performing and controlling data restoration or refresh
operations, to further increase data retention of RAM Flash cells,
as discussed below, and/or (d) any other functions of or related to
RAM Flash array(s) 14. RAM Flash control electronics 20 may
cooperate with processor 12, or in some embodiments, may include
processor 12.
[0034] FIG. 3 illustrates an example 1T RAM Flash cell 50 according
to certain example embodiments. 1T RAM Flash cell 50 may include a
floating gate 52 and a control gate 54 formed over a substrate 60,
which may include a source region 62 and a drain region 64
separated by a channel region 66. 1T RAM Flash cell 50 may also
include a source contact 70 in contact with the source region 62
and a drain contact 72 in contact with the drain region 64.
[0035] The floating gate 52 may be separated from the substrate 60,
in particular the channel region 66, by a floating gate dielectric
region 80, sometimes referred to as a tunneling layer or region.
Further, the control gate 54 may be separated from the floating
gate 52 by an inter-poly dielectric region 82, sometimes referred
to as an inter-poly dielectric (IPD) layer or region. Each of the
floating gate dielectric region 80 and the inter-poly dielectric
region 82 may consist of a single layer or a multi-layer region
(e.g., in a stacked layer arrangement). Each of the floating gate
dielectric region 80 and the inter-poly dielectric region 82, or
each layer within a multi-layer floating gate dielectric region 80
or a multi-layer inter-poly dielectric region 82, may comprise any
suitable material(s), for example, one or more oxides e.g., thermal
grown or deposited silicon dioxide, and/or one or more nitrides,
e.g., silicon oxy-nitride or silicon nitride.
[0036] In some embodiments, one or both of the floating gate
dielectric region 80 and the inter-poly dielectric region 82 may
have a reduced thickness as compared with corresponding layers of
conventional 1T flash memory cells. For example, the floating gate
dielectric region 80 may have a vertical thickness, defined with
substrate layer 60 as a horizontal base, TFGD of less than 60
.ANG., e.g., in the range of 25-50 .ANG.. As another example, the
inter-poly dielectric region 82 may have a vertical thickness
defined with substrate layer 60 as a horizontal base, T.sub.IGD of
less than 60 .ANG., e.g., in the range of 25-50 .ANG.. In some
embodiments, the floating gate dielectric region 80 may have a
vertical thickness T.sub.FGD of less than 60 .ANG., e.g., in the
range of 25-50 .ANG. and the inter-poly dielectric region 82 may
have a vertical thickness T.sub.IGD of less than 60 .ANG.A, e.g.,
in the range of 25-50 .ANG..
[0037] As noted above, each dielectric region 80 and 82 (e.g.,
oxide layers) may be thermally grown or deposited on the structure,
depending on the particular embodiment. In some embodiments, the
thickness of each dielectric region 80 and 82 may be controlled by
selecting or adjusting parameters related to the growth or
deposition of the respective region 80, 82, for example, time,
temperature, and/or gas flow parameters for each respective
dielectric (e.g., oxide) growth or deposition process.
[0038] In example embodiments, 1T RAM Flash cell 50 may be
programmed and erased by applying defined voltages to one or more
of the following: for a program operation (by hot electron
injection), RAM Flash control electronics 20 may apply, e.g., 3-6V
to the control gate 54, with the drain contact 72 at 3-6V and the
source contact 70 at 0V for a defined time, to thereby create a
cell current Ir0 that corresponds with a programmed state ("off"
state) of the cell 50. For an erase operation (by Fowler-Nordheim
tunneling), RAM Flash control electronics 20 may apply a negative
voltage, e.g., -3 to -6V to the control gate 54 with the source
contact 70 at 3-6V and the drain contact 72 is allowed to float, to
thereby create a cell current Irl that corresponds with an erased
state ("on" state) of the RAM flash cell 50. In addition, RAM Flash
control electronics 20 may read the programmed/erased status of the
RAM Flash cell 50 by applying a defined read voltage, e.g. 1.8V, to
the control gate 54, a defined bitline voltage, e.g., 1.8V to the
drain contact 72, and holding the source contact 70 at 0V.
[0039] Accordingly, Table 2 shows example voltages that may be
applied to the various contacts of 1T RAM Flash cell 50 shown in
FIG. 3, e.g., by RAM Flash control electronics 20 shown in FIG. 2,
to perform program, erase, and read functions, according to example
embodiments of the present invention.
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Example bias conditions for operation of 1T
RAM Flash cell 50 (FIG. 3). Vcg (54) Vsl (70) Vd (72) Program 3-6 V
0 V 3-6 V Erase -3 to -6 V .sup. 3-6 V.sup. float Read 1-2 V 0 V
1-2 V
[0040] The example voltages of 3-6V for program and erase
operations of the 1T RAM Flash cell 50 compare favorably with
required voltages in the 10-15V range for a conventional 1T flash
memory cell. Thus, 1T RAM Flash cell 50 according to the present
invention may substantially reduce the required operational
voltages, as compared with conventional flash memory cells.
[0041] FIG. 4 illustrates side cross-sectional view of a known 1.5T
split-gate flash memory cell 100. The example split-gate flash
memory cell 100 may be a SuperFlash.TM. memory cell (e.g., a
SuperFlash.TM. ESF1+ cell) available from Microchip Technology
Inc., Chandler, Ariz.
[0042] Flash memory cell 100 includes a pair of floating gates 102A
and 102B formed over a substrate 104, word line terminals 106A and
106B extending over floating gates 102A and 102B, respectively, and
a control gate 110 extending over both floating gates 102A and
102B. An oxide region 108A, 108B is respectively formed over each
floating gate 102A, 102B. Word line terminals 106A and 106B may
couple, for example, to an odd row word line and an even row word
line 106B. A doped source region or junction 124 may be formed in
substrate 104 below the control gate 110 and extending partially
below each floating gate 102A and 102B, and a pair of doped bit
line regions or junctions 124A and 124B may be formed in substrate
104 respectively adjacent word line terminals 106A and 106B.
[0043] Split-gate flash memory cell 100 may also include
electrically conductive contact regions in contact with word line
terminals 106A and 106B, control gate 110, source region 124, and
bit line regions 124A and 124B, for applying voltages to the
various cell components to provide various memory cell functions,
e.g., program, erase, and read functions. As shown, these contacts
may include word line contacts 130A and 130B coupled to word line
voltages Vwl Odd and Vwl even, respectively, a control gate contact
132 coupled to control gate voltage Vcg, a source contact 134, and
respective bit line contacts 136A and 136B. The source contact 134
may be located into or out of the page relative to the illustrated
cross-section, e.g., at a location of a break in the control gate
110.
[0044] Each floating gate 102A, 102B is spaced apart from the
underlying channel region 124 by a floating gate oxide layer 140.
In addition, each floating gate 102A, 102B is spaced apart from the
shared control gate 110 by an inter-poly oxide region 142A, and
each floating gate 102A, 102B is spaced apart from a respective
wordline terminal 106A, 106B by an inter-poly oxide region
142B.
[0045] Floating gate oxide layer 140 and inter-poly oxide regions
142A and 142B are formed with thicknesses that allow for the
conventional operation of the split-gate flash memory cell 100
(e.g., SuperFlash.TM. memory cell) as a non-volatile, high-voltage
cell. For example, each floating gate oxide layer 140 may have a
thickness of about 100 .ANG., while each inter-poly oxide region
142A and 142B may each have a thickness of about 130 .ANG..
[0046] Split-gate flash memory cell 100 may be programmed and
erased by applying defined voltages to one or more of the
following: a selected word line contact 130A or 130B (coupled
respectively to word line voltages V.sub.WLOdd and V.sub.WL Even,
the control gate contact 132 (coupled to control gate voltage
V.sub.CG), the source contact 134 (coupled to source line voltage
V.sub.SL), and/or a selected bit line contact 136A or 136B (coupled
to bit line voltages V.sub.BL) for a defined time to provide either
(a) a cell current Ir0 that corresponds with a programmed state
("off" state) of the cell or (b) a cell current Ir1 that
corresponds with an erased state ("on" state) of the cell. In
addition, the programmed/erased status of the cell may be read by
applying defined voltages to a selected word line contact 130A or
130B (V.sub.WL) and the adjacent bit line contact 136A or 136B
(V.sub.BL).
[0047] Table 3 shows example voltages that may be applied to the
various contacts of the split-gate flash memory cell 100 shown in
FIG. 4 to perform program, erase, and read functions, according to
a conventional cell operation. As shown, a read function is
performed via the word line 106A or 106B and associated bit line
124A or 124B, by applying a defined V.sub.WL and V.sub.BL to a
selected word line contact 130A or 130B and associated bit line
contact 136A or 136B, with no voltage applied to the source contact
134 (V.sub.SL=0) or control gate contact 132 (V.sub.CG=0).
TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 Example bias conditions for operation of
conventional split-gate flash memory cell. Vwl Vsl Vbl Vcg Program
1.5 V 9-15 V .sup. ~0.6 V 9-15 V Erase 9-15 V 0 V .sup. 0 V -9 V to
-15 V Read 1.8 V 0 V 1.8 V .sup. 0 V
[0048] FIG. 5 illustrates an example 1.5T split-gate RAM Flash cell
200 (e.g., a modified SuperFlash.TM. memory cell) according to
example embodiments of the present invention. Split-gate RAM Flash
memory cell 200 includes a pair of floating gates 202A and 202B
formed over a substrate 204, word line terminals 206A and 206B
extending over floating gates 202A and 202B, respectively, and a
control gate 210 extending over both floating gates 202A and 202B.
An oxide region 208A, 208B is respectively formed over each
floating gate 202A, 202B. Word line terminals 206A and 206B may
couple, for example, to an odd row word line and an even row word
line. A doped source region or junction 224 may be formed in
substrate 204 below the control gate 210 and extending partially
below each floating gate 202A and 202B, and a pair of doped bit
line regions or junctions 224A and 224B may be formed in substrate
204 respectively adjacent word line terminals 206A and 206B.
[0049] Split-gate RAM Flash cell 200 may also include electrically
conductive contact regions in contact with word line terminals 206A
and 206B, control gate 210, source region 224, and bit line regions
224A and 224B, for applying voltages to the various cell components
to provide various memory cell functions, e.g., program, erase, and
read functions. As shown, these contacts may include word line
contacts 230A and 230B coupled to word line voltages Vwl Odd and
Vwl even, respectively, a control gate contact 232 coupled to
control gate voltage Vcg, a source contact 234, and respective bit
line contacts 236A and 236B. The source contact 234 may be located
into or out of the page relative to the illustrated cross-section,
e.g., at a location of a break in the control gate 210.
[0050] Each floating gate 202A, 202B is spaced apart from the
underlaying channel region 224 by a floating gate dielectric region
(e.g., floating gate oxide layer) 240. In addition, each floating
gate 202A, 202B is spaced apart from the shared control gate 210 by
an inter-poly dielectric region 242A, and spaced apart from a
respective wordline terminal 206A, 206B by an inter-poly dielectric
region 242B.
[0051] In some embodiments, floating gate dielectric region 240 and
inter-poly dielectric regions 242A and/or 242B are formed with
respective thicknesses that allow split-gate RAM Flash cell 200 to
be operated (e.g., including program, erase, and read functions) in
a low voltage (.ltoreq.6V) domain compatible with advanced, high
density, low energy data computational applications. In some
embodiments, one, some, or all floating gate dielectric region 240
and inter-poly dielectric regions 242A and/or 242B have a reduced
thickness as compared with respective dielectric layers/regions of
conventional split-gate flash memory cells (e.g. oxide
layers/regions 140, 142A, and 142B of the conventional split-gate
flash memory cell 100 shown in FIG. 4). For example, the respective
floating gate dielectric region 240 between each floating gate
202A, 202B and the underlying channel region 124 may have a
thickness of less than 80 .ANG., or less than 60 .ANG. e.g., in the
range of 40-60 .ANG.. As another example, the respective inter-poly
dielectric region 242A between each floating gate 202A, 202B and
the respective word line terminal 206A, 206B and between the shared
control gate 210 may have a thickness of less than 100 .ANG., or
less than 50 .ANG., e.g., in the range of 25-50 .ANG.. As another
example, the respective inter-poly dielectric region 242B between
each floating gate 202A, 202B and its adjacent wordline terminal
206A, 206B may have a thickness of less than 100 .ANG., or less
than 50 .ANG., e.g., in the range of 25-50 .ANG.. In some
embodiments, (a) each floating gate dielectric region 240 has a
thickness of less than 80 .ANG., or less than 60 .ANG. e.g., in the
range of 40-60 .ANG., and (b) each inter-poly dielectric region
242A and 242B has a thickness of less than 100 .ANG., or less than
50 .ANG., e.g., in the range of 25-50 .ANG..
[0052] Each dielectric region (e.g., oxide layer or region),
including floating gate dielectric region 240, inter-poly
dielectric region 242A, and/or inter-poly dielectric region 242B,
may be thermally grown or deposited on the structure, depending on
the particular embodiment. In some embodiments, the thickness of
each dielectric region 240, 242A, and 242B may be controlled by
selecting or adjusting parameters related to the growth or
deposition of the respective region 240, 242A, 242B, for example,
time, temperature, and/or gas flow parameters for each respective
dielectric (e.g., oxide) growth or deposition process.
[0053] Split-gate flash memory cell 200 may be programmed and
erased, e.g., by RAM Flash control electronics 20 shown in FIG. 2,
by applying defined voltages for a defined time to one or more of
the following: a selected word line contact 230A or 230B (coupled
respectively to word line voltages V.sub.WLOdd and V.sub.WL Even),
the control gate contact 232 (coupled to control gate voltage
V.sub.CG), the source contact 234 (coupled to source line voltage
V.sub.SL), and/or a selected bit line contact 236A or 236B (coupled
to bit line voltages V.sub.BL), to thereby provide either (a) a
cell current Ir0 corresponding with a programmed state ("off"
state) of the cell or (b) a cell current Ir1 corresponding with an
erased state ("on" state) of the cell. In addition, the
programmed/erased status of the cell may be read by applying
defined voltages to a selected word line contact 230A or 230B
(V.sub.WL) and adjacent bit line contact 236A or 236B
(V.sub.BL).
[0054] Due to the reduced thickness of dielectric regions 240,
242A, and/or 242B (as compared with conventional flash memory
cells), program and erase functions on the RAM Flash cell 200 may
be performed using lower voltages than conventional flash memory
cells, such as split-gate flash memory cell 100. For example, in
some implementations of RAM Flash cell 200: (a) programming is
performed by source-side hot electron injection; thus, a reduced
thickness of the floating gate dielectric region (e.g., floating
gate oxide layer) 240 creates a higher field; and (b) erase is
performed through Fowler-Nordheim tunneling between an upper tip of
floating gate 202A, 202B and the adjacent wordline 206A, 206B;
thus, a reduced thickness of the respective inter-poly oxide region
242B creates a higher field. Further, low voltage (.ltoreq.6V)
program or erase operations may allow for advanced low-k dielectric
metal pitch to be used without leakage and reliability
concerns.
[0055] For a respective RAM flash cell, the thickness of dielectric
regions 240, 242A, and 242B, the voltages applied during erase and
program voltages, and data retention of the cell are all
interrelated to each other. For example, decreasing the thickness
of dielectric regions 240, 242A, and 242B may allow for
lower-voltage program and erase functions, but may reduce the data
retention of the cell, and vice versa. As another example, for a
cell with particular dielectric region thicknesses, reducing the
operational voltages for program and erase functions generally
reduces the data retention of the cell, and vice versa. Thus, for
any particular RAM flash cell or array of RAM flash cells, the
various factors discussed above (e.g., dielectric region
thicknesses, program and erase voltages, and data retention) may be
selected or tuned to provide the desired functionality of the
cell(s), e.g., depending on the particular application, device, or
product in which the cell(s) are provided.
[0056] Tables 4A-4D below show example voltages that may be applied
to the various contacts of the example RAM Flash cell 200 shown in
FIG. 5, e.g., by RAM Flash control electronics 20 shown in FIG. 2,
for performing program, erase, and read functions, according to
four example embodiments. The example embodiments of Tables 4A-4D
may correspond with cells having selected thicknesses of dielectric
regions 240, 242A, and 242B, for desired data retention
characteristics of the respective cells. As shown, a read function
is performed via the word line 206A or 206B and associated bit line
224A or 224B, by applying a defined V.sub.WL and V.sub.BL to a
selected word line contact 230A or 230B and associated bit line
contact 236A or 236B, with no voltage applied to the source contact
234 (V.sub.SL=0) or control gate contact 232 (V.sub.CG=0).
TABLE-US-00004 TABLE 4A Example bias conditions for operation of
split-gate RAM Flash cell 200 (FIG. 5), example embodiment A. Vwl
Vsl Vbl Vcg Program 1.5 V 1.5-6.0 V .sup. ~0.6 V 1.5-6.0 V Erase
1.5-6.0 V .sup. 0 V .sup. 0 V -1.5 V to -6.0 V Read 1.8 V 0 V 1.8 V
.sup. 0 V
TABLE-US-00005 TABLE 4B Example bias conditions for operation of
split-gate RAM Flash cell 200 (FIG. 5), example embodiment B. Vwl
Vsl Vbl Vcg Program 1.5 V 2.0-5.0 V .sup. ~0.6 V 2.0-5.0 V Erase
2.0-5.0 V .sup. 0 V .sup. 0 V -2.0 V to -5.0 V Read 1.8 V 0 V 1.8 V
.sup. 0 V
TABLE-US-00006 TABLE 4C Example bias conditions for operation of
split-gate RAM Flash cell 200 (FIG. 5), example embodiment C. Vwl
Vsl Vbl Vcg Program 1.5 V 2.0-4.0 V .sup. ~0.6 V 2.0-4.0 V Erase
2.0-4.0 V .sup. 0 V .sup. 0 V -2.0 V to -4.0 V Read 1.8 V 0 V 1.8 V
.sup. 0 V
TABLE-US-00007 TABLE 4D Example bias conditions for operation of
split-gate RAM Flash cell 200 (FIG. 5), example embodiment D. Vwl
Vsl Vbl Vcg Program 1.5 V 3.0 V.sup. ~0.6 V 3.0 V Erase 3.0 V 0 V
.sup. 0 V -3.0 V Read 1.8 V 0 V 1.8 V .sup. 0 V
[0057] In some embodiments, RAM Flash control electronics 20 may
select the voltages or range of voltages to apply for effective
program and erase operations in the cell 200 based at least on the
thickness of floating gate dielectric region 240 and inter-poly
dielectric regions 242A and/or 242B, e.g., wherein the applied
voltages can be decreased for decreased dielectric thicknesses. As
shown by comparison of Tables 4A-4D (example operation of the
split-gate RAM Flash cell 200) with Table 3 (example operation of
conventional split-gate flash memory cell 100, the example
split-gate RAM Flash cell 200 shown in FIG. 5 allows for
significantly lower program and erase voltages than the
conventional split-gate flash memory cell 100.
[0058] In addition to the inventive structure of RAM Flash cells
that allows for low voltage operation, another aspect of the
invention provides methods of operating RAM Flash cells (e.g.,
example 1T RAM Flash cell 50 or example split-gate RAM Flash cell
200 described above) to improve retention characteristics in a
customizable and/or dynamically controllable or tunable manner
based on critical paths for retention loss. As discussed below, in
some embodiments, data retention of RAM Flash cells can be
increased (e.g., to a time frame of days, months, or years) by (a)
applying a static holding voltage at selected nodes of the cell,
and/or (b) refreshing/restoring data stored in RAM Flash cells on a
periodic basis, e.g., from external memory (e.g., external flash
memory or external DRAM).
[0059] Table 5 shows one example method for increasing the storage
retention of the example split-gate RAM Flash cell 200 shown in
FIG. 5, according to one example embodiment. As shown in Table 5,
suitable control electronics, e.g., RAM Flash control electronics
20 shown in FIG. 2, may apply a non-zero static holding voltage Vh
to the word line terminals 206A, 206B and control gate (CG) 210 to
lower the field across the dielectrics regions surrounding the
floating gate (FG) 202A, 202B, and thereby improve retention. In
some embodiments, a low static current is drawn under such hold
condition, which may create a low field across the floating gate
oxide to the adjacent poly region (e.g., poly2 region). Table 5
shows example bias conditions for applying a static holding voltage
Vh to RAM Flash cell 200.
TABLE-US-00008 TABLE 5 Example bias conditions for improved
retention for split-gate RAM Flash (FIG. 5). Vwl Vsl Vbl Vcg Static
hold Vh 0 V 0 V Vh
[0060] In some embodiments, RAM Flash control electronics 20 may be
configured to select and/or dynamically adjust (or "tune") the
holding voltage Vh, for example, based on particular cell operation
and/or performance characteristics determined or monitored over
time. FIG. 6 is a graph illustrating one example method for
selecting a holding voltage Vh based on the performance of an
example RAM Flash cell, according to example embodiments. In the
example shown in FIG. 6, the voltage threshold of the cell during
an erased state is +x V, while the voltage threshold of the cell in
the programmed state is -y V, which voltages may be measured by any
suitable electronics (e.g., provided on the same microcontroller or
computer as the RAM Flash cell) and averaged over a number of
cycles, for example. In some embodiments, a holding voltage Vh to
be applied to the RAM Flash cell may be determined as a
mathematical function of the erase state voltage threshold (+x V)
and program state voltage threshold (-y V). For example, the
holding voltage Vh may be selected as the midpoint between the
erase state voltage threshold (+x V) and program state voltage
threshold (-y V), which may be expressed as |x+y|/2 as shown in
FIG. 6, and which may be referred to as the "erased
state/programmed state midpoint voltage."
[0061] In some embodiments, the retention charge loss of a RAM
Flash cell or group of RAM Flash cells in a given state (erased
state and/or programmed state) can be characterized at the time of
manufacture, either during a product testing or product
characterization process, and the weaker state (program or erase)
can be compensated for by applying an appropriate holding voltage
Vh. For example, if it is determined for a particular RAM Flash
cell that the erase state retention charge loss is dominant (as
compared with the program state retention charge loss), RAM Flash
control electronics 20 may apply a positive Vh (e.g., using a value
determined as described above) on all nodes surrounding the
floating gate. Conversely, RAM Flash control electronics 20 may
apply a negative Vh to enhance retention in the programmed state,
e.g., for a RAM Flash cell in which the programmed state retention
charge loss is dominant.
[0062] In addition, for RAM Flash cells in which the erase state
retention charge loss is dominant, RAM Flash control electronics 20
may also apply a positive voltage to the source line (e.g., in
addition to the holding voltage Vh applied to the word line (WL)
and control gate (CG)) to further improve data retention in the
cells. The positive voltage applied to the source line may be the
same, less than, or greater than the holding voltage Vh, depending
on the particular implementation.
[0063] In some embodiments, the erased state voltage and/or
programmed state voltage of a RAM Flash cell may change over time
(e.g., after N program/erase cycles), and thus RAM Flash control
electronics 20 may recalculate and dynamically adjust the holding
voltage Vh accordingly, e.g., by recalculating and dynamically
adjusting the erased state/programmed state midpoint voltage on at
a defined recurring frequency.
[0064] In some embodiments, RAM Flash cells may experience
significantly less variability than certain conventional memory
cells, e.g., filament-based resistive RAM, due to larger
variability inherent in a filament formation process as compared
with the dielectric storage-based RAM Flash cells. Thus, in some
embodiments, tight control of manufacturing and operating variables
may enable RAM Flash control electronics 20 to apply a common
holding voltage Vh for an array of RAM Flash cells, rather than
applying a different holding voltage Vh to different cells within
an array. In addition, the holding mode may allow a lower current
draw compared with resistive memories, thus permitting low overall
power draw in a dense application.
[0065] In some embodiments, RAM Flash control electronics 20 may be
configured to further increase data storage retention in RAM Flash
cells by implementing a controlled data restoration/refresh
protocol. The expected retention for a RAM Flash cell as disclosed
herein may be days to months, depending on the particular RAM Flash
cell structure, applied voltages, and the process used for forming
the relevant dielectric layers (e.g., the specific processes used
to form the floating gate dielectric region(s) and/or inter-poly
dielectric region(s)). In some embodiments, RAM Flash control
electronics 20 may be programmed to restore data stored in RAM
Flash cells on a periodic basis (e.g., after every N hours or days)
from external data storage (e.g., from DRAM, NAND, or HDD external
to the relevant RAM Flash array) to further increase the data
retention of the RAM Flash cells, e.g., to a retention period of
years. RAM Flash control electronics 20 may be programmed to
perform a data refresh on a RAM Flash cell or group of RAM Flash
cells, for example, by first reading the contents of the RAM Flash
cell(s) to other memory (e.g., SRAM, DRAM, or other flash memory)
and then re-erasing or re-programming each RAM Flash cell.
[0066] In some embodiments, RAM Flash configured for extended data
retention (e.g., by applying a holding voltage Vh and/or by
implementing a data refresh protocol, e.g., as discussed above) can
be used in applications requiring extended data retention and a low
data refresh rate, e.g., as compared with conventional DRAM (which
typically requires a refresh frequency of 64 ms) or other
conventional memory cells. The reduced refresh rate may extend
battery life for the respective electronic device 10 (e.g.,
computer or microcontroller).
[0067] Further, as discussed above, in some embodiments, RAM Flash
data retention can be extended by providing a holding voltage Vh at
selected nodes, e.g., at the word line (WL) and control gate (CG)
electrodes in a split-gate RAM Flash cell. In some embodiments, a
value of the holding voltage Vh can be determined and/or
dynamically tuned as a function of retention loss characteristics
of each respective RAM Flash cell or RAM Flash array, such as
whether the RAM Flash cell(s) exhibit greater retention charge loss
in the erase state or the programmed state.
[0068] The concepts disclosed herein can be applied to any suitable
types of flash memory cells, by forming RAM Flash cells having a
modified structure of various types of conventional flash memory
cells (e.g., by reducing the thickness of floating gate dielectric
region(s) and/or inter-poly dielectric region(s) of such flash
memory cells), including single-transistor (1T) flash memory cells
and multiple-transistor flash memory cells (e.g., 1.5T split-gate
flash cells), including for example a range of NOR flash memory
cells such as SuperFlash.TM. ESF1, ESF2, ESF3, or ESF4 cells
covering a wide range of process geometries.
[0069] As mentioned above, RAM Flash cells as disclosed herein may
be configured for low voltage (.ltoreq.6V) program/erase
operations. Thus, RAM Flash cells may be compatible with high
density advanced logic flows at minimum or small metal pitch rules.
FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate a comparison between an example of a
conventional microcontroller (e.g., a controller for an Internet of
things (IOT) application) using conventional memory devices (FIG.
7), and a corresponding controller incorporating RAM Flash memory
according to the present invention (FIG. 8), which may reduce or
replace SRAM, DRAM, and/or conventional flash memory needed in the
conventional controller.
[0070] The example conventional controller 300 shown in FIG. 7
includes a chip 302 including a CPU 304, SRAM 306, conventional
flash memory 308, logic/analog devices 310, and/or other various
electronics. The chip 302 is powered by a battery 312, and
interfaces with SRAM 316, DRAM 318, external sensor(s), and
communication protocols (e.g., WiFi, Ethernet, etc.). The flash
memory 308 is a high retention memory (typically >10 years) and
requires high voltage (e.g., >10V) for program/erase operations,
and executes such program/erase operations at low speed. As shown
in FIG. 7, for advanced node applications, the CPU 304, SRAM 306,
and logic/analog devices 310 on chip 302 may be low voltage devices
and thus compatible with small metal pitch structure, while the
flash memory 308 requires a much larger metal pitch due to the high
voltage (>10 V) operational requirements.
[0071] In contrast, the example controller 400 shown in FIG. 8,
according to one example embodiment of the present invention,
includes a chip 402 including a CPU 404, SRAM 406, RAM Flash memory
420, conventional flash memory (optional) 408, logic/analog devices
410, and/or other various electronics. The chip 402 may be powered
by a battery 412, and may interface with external sensor(s) and
communication protocols (e.g., WiFi, Ethernet, etc.) as with the
conventional chip 302, and may (optionally) interface with external
SRAM 416 and/or DRAM 418. As shown, the inclusion of the RAM Flash
420 on chip 402 may reduce or eliminate the need for one or more
other types of memory in the controller 400, as compared with a
conventional controller, e.g., controller 300 discussed above. For
example, the RAM Flash 420 may (a) allow the on-chip SRAM 406 to be
reduced, (b) allow the on-chip conventional flash memory 408 to be
reduced or eliminated, and/or (c) allow the external SRAM 416
and/or DRAM 418 to be reduced or eliminated. The RAM Flash 420 may
utilize chip footprint space typically used by SRAM or DRAM in a
conventional controller, may use less power and space (because
flash memory is smaller than SRAM, for example), and with increased
speed, because the operational speed is defined by the RAM Flash
access time instead of obtaining data from external DRAM as in the
conventional controller 300. Also, because the RAM Flash 420 is
configured to low voltage operation, it may be produced with small
metal pitch, e.g. pitch used by the chip CPU 404, SRAM 406, and
logic/analog devices 408, thus reducing the required footprint on
the chip 402.
* * * * *