U.S. patent application number 17/168970 was filed with the patent office on 2022-08-11 for power architecture for non-volatile memory.
The applicant listed for this patent is Micron Technology, Inc.. Invention is credited to Jeremy Binfet, Qing Liang, Qisong Lin, Jonathan S. Parry, Michele Piccardi, Shuai Xu.
Application Number | 20220254418 17/168970 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | |
Filed Date | 2022-08-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220254418 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lin; Qisong ; et
al. |
August 11, 2022 |
POWER ARCHITECTURE FOR NON-VOLATILE MEMORY
Abstract
Methods, systems, and devices for power architecture for
non-volatile memory are described. A memory device may be
configured to operate in a first mode and a second mode (e.g., a
low power mode). When operating in the first mode, a voltage may be
supplied from a power source (e.g., a power management integrated
circuit) to a memory array and one or more associated components
via a regulator. When the memory device transitions to operate in
the second mode, some of the components supplied from the power
source may be powered by a charge pump. Control information
associated with the memory array may be stored to the one or more
components (e.g., to a cache) that are powered by a charge
pump.
Inventors: |
Lin; Qisong; (El Dorado
Hills, CA) ; Xu; Shuai; (Santa Clara, CA) ;
Parry; Jonathan S.; (Boise, ID) ; Binfet; Jeremy;
(Boise, ID) ; Piccardi; Michele; (Cupertino,
CA) ; Liang; Qing; (Shanghai, CN) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Micron Technology, Inc. |
Boise |
ID |
US |
|
|
Appl. No.: |
17/168970 |
Filed: |
February 5, 2021 |
International
Class: |
G11C 16/30 20060101
G11C016/30; G06F 3/06 20060101 G06F003/06; G06F 12/0875 20060101
G06F012/0875; G11C 16/10 20060101 G11C016/10 |
Claims
1. An apparatus, comprising: a non-volatile memory array configured
to operate in a first mode associated with a first power state of
the apparatus and a second mode associated with a second power
state of the apparatus, the first power state of the apparatus
being higher than the second power state of the apparatus; a first
voltage source configured to supply a first voltage to the
non-volatile memory array; a regulator configured to receive the
first voltage and supply a second voltage to one or more components
associated with the non-volatile memory array in response to
operating in the first mode and to isolate the one or more
components from the first voltage source in response to operating
in the second mode; a second voltage source configured to supply a
third voltage to one or more input/output (I/O) components
associated with the non-volatile memory array in response to
operating in the first mode or the second mode; and a charge pump
configured to receive the third voltage and supply the second
voltage to the one or more components associated with the
non-volatile memory array in response to operating in the second
mode.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the one or more components
associated with the non-volatile memory array comprise: a cache
configured to store control information and user data when the
non-volatile memory array is operating in the second mode.
3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the non-volatile memory array
is configured to operate using the control information stored in
the cache in response to operating in the first mode, and the user
data is configured to be stored to the non-volatile memory array in
response to the non-volatile memory array operating in the first
mode.
4. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the charge pump is configured
to power the cache when the non-volatile memory array is operating
in the second mode.
5. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a controller
configured to cause the apparatus to apply a control signal to the
regulator in response to operating in the first mode, wherein the
regulator is configured to couple the one or more components
associated with the non-volatile memory array with the first
voltage source in response to the controller applying the control
signal.
6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the controller is configured
to cause the apparatus to: remove the control signal from the
regulator in response to operating in the second mode, wherein the
regulator is configured to isolate the one or more components
associated with the non-volatile memory array from the first
voltage source in response to the controller removing the control
signal; and activate the charge pump in response to removing the
control signal from the regulator.
7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the charge pump is configured
to be activated when the non-volatile memory array is operating in
the second mode.
8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the regulator is configured as
a diode in response to the non-volatile memory array operating in
the second mode.
9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the regulator comprises at
least one n-channel transistor configured to couple the one or more
components associated with the non-volatile memory array with the
first voltage source in response to operating in the first mode and
isolate the one or more components from the first voltage source in
response to operating in the second mode.
10. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing code
comprising instructions which, when executed by a processor of a
memory device, cause the memory device to: receive, at a regulator,
a first voltage from a first voltage source; supply, by the
regulator, a second voltage to a non-volatile memory array and one
or more components associated with the non-volatile memory array in
response to operating in a first mode and receiving the first
voltage; receive, at a charge pump, a third voltage from a second
voltage source that is configured to supply the third voltage to
one or more input/output (I/O) components associated with the
non-volatile memory array in response to operating in the first
mode or a second mode; deactivate the regulator to cease supplying
the second voltage to the non-volatile memory array and the one or
more components in response to operating the non-volatile memory
array in the second mode; and supply, by the charge pump, the
second voltage to the one or more components in response to
operating the non-volatile memory array in the second mode.
11. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 10,
wherein the instructions, when executed by the processor of the
memory device, further cause the memory device to: determine to
operate the non-volatile memory array in the second mode, wherein
the regulator is deactivated in response to determining to operate
the non-volatile memory array in the second mode.
12. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 11,
wherein the one or more components associated with the non-volatile
memory array comprises a cache, and wherein the instructions, when
executed by the processor of the memory device, further cause the
memory device to: write data from the non-volatile memory array to
the cache in response to determining to operate the non-volatile
memory array in the second mode, wherein the cache is configured to
be powered when the non-volatile memory array is operating in the
second mode.
13. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 11,
wherein the instructions, when executed by the processor of the
memory device, further cause the memory device to deactivate the
regulator by: removing a control signal from the regulator in
response to determining to operate the non-volatile memory array in
the second mode, wherein the non-volatile memory array is isolated
from the first voltage source in response to removing the control
signal from the regulator.
14. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 13,
wherein the control signal is removed from the regulator a duration
after supplying the second voltage to the one or more
components.
15. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 11,
wherein the instructions, when executed by the processor of the
memory device, further cause the memory device to supply the second
voltage to the one or more components by: applying a signal to the
charge pump in response to determining to operate the non-volatile
memory array in the second mode, wherein the charge pump is
configured to apply the second voltage to the one or more
components in response to receiving the third voltage from the
second voltage source.
16. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 10,
wherein the instructions, when executed by the processor of the
memory device, further cause the memory device to: determine to
operate the non-volatile memory array in the first mode, wherein
the regulator is activated in response to determining to operate
the non-volatile memory array in the first mode.
17. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 16,
wherein the instructions, when executed by the processor of the
memory device, further cause the memory device to: activate the
regulator in response to determining to operate the non-volatile
memory array in the first mode, wherein the second voltage is
applied to the non-volatile memory array in response to activating
the regulator; and deactivate the charge pump to cease supplying
the second voltage to the one or more components in response to
activating the regulator.
18. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 16,
wherein the one or more components associated with the non-volatile
memory array comprises a cache, and wherein the instructions, when
executed by the processor of the memory device, further cause the
memory device to: write data from the cache to the non-volatile
memory array upon operating the non-volatile memory array in the
first mode.
19. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 10,
wherein the one or more components associated with the non-volatile
memory array comprises a cache, and wherein the instructions, when
executed by the processor of the memory device, further cause the
memory device to: store control information to the cache, wherein
the cache is configured to store the control information when the
non-volatile memory array is operating in the second mode, and
wherein the control information comprises trim settings for
operating the non-volatile memory array.
20. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 10,
wherein the first voltage is greater than the second voltage and
the third voltage.
21. An apparatus, comprising: a non-volatile memory array
configured to operate in a first mode and a second mode; a
regulator coupled with the non-volatile memory array and one or
more components associated with the non-volatile memory array; a
first voltage source coupled with the regulator; a charge pump
coupled with the one or more components associated with the
non-volatile memory array; a second voltage source coupled with the
charge pump; and a controller coupled with at least the regulator
and the charge pump, the controller operable to: determine to
operate the non-volatile memory array and the one or more
components associated with the non-volatile memory array in the
second mode; deactivate the regulator in response to determining to
operate the non-volatile memory array and the one or more
components associated with the non-volatile memory array in the
second mode; and activate the charge pump to supply a second
voltage from the second voltage source to the one or more
components associated with the non-volatile memory array in
response to deactivating the regulator, the one or more components
associated with the non-volatile memory array are configured to be
powered when operating in the second mode.
22. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the one or more components
associated with the non-volatile memory array comprises a cache,
wherein the controller is configured to: write data from the
non-volatile memory array to the cache in response to determining
to operate the non-volatile memory array and the one or more
components associated with the non-volatile memory array in the
second mode.
23. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the controller is configured
to: write data from the cache to the non-volatile memory array in
response to operating the non-volatile memory array and the one or
more components associated with the non-volatile memory array in
the first mode.
24. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the controller is configured
to: store control information to the cache, wherein the cache is
configured to store the control information when the non-volatile
memory array and the one or more components associated with the
non-volatile memory array are operating in the second mode; and
operate the non-volatile memory array according to the control
information stored to the cache when the non-volatile memory array
and the one or more components associated with the non-volatile
memory array are operating in the first mode.
25. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the controller is configured
to: determine to operate the non-volatile memory array and the one
or more components associated with the non-volatile memory array in
the first mode; activate the regulator to apply the second voltage
from the first voltage source to the non-volatile memory array and
the one or more components associated with the non-volatile memory
array in response to determining to operate the non-volatile memory
array and the one or more components associated with the
non-volatile memory array in the first mode; and deactivate the
charge pump in response to activating the regulator.
Description
FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY
[0001] The following relates generally to one or more systems for
memory and more specifically to power architecture for non-volatile
memory.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Memory devices are widely used to store information in
various electronic devices such as computers, wireless
communication devices, cameras, digital displays, and the like.
Information is stored by programing memory cells within a memory
device to various states. For example, binary memory cells may be
programmed to one of two supported states, often corresponding to a
logic 1 or a logic 0. In some examples, a single memory cell may
support more than two possible states, any one of which may be
stored by the memory cell. To access information stored by a memory
device, a component may read, or sense, the state of one or more
memory cells within the memory device. To store information, a
component may write, or program, one or more memory cells within
the memory device to corresponding states.
[0003] Various types of memory devices exist, including magnetic
hard disks, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM),
dynamic RAM (DRAM), synchronous dynamic RAM (SDRAM), ferroelectric
RAM (FeRAM), magnetic RAM (MRAM), resistive RAM (RRAM), flash
memory, phase change memory (PCM), 3-dimensional cross-point memory
(3D cross point), not-or (NOR) and not-and (NAND) memory devices,
and others. Memory devices may be volatile or non-volatile.
Volatile memory cells (e.g., DRAM cells) may lose their programmed
states over time unless they are periodically refreshed by an
external power source. Non-volatile memory cells (e.g., NAND memory
cells) may maintain their programmed states for extended periods of
time even in the absence of an external power source.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0004] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a system that supports
power architecture for non-volatile memory in accordance with
examples as disclosed herein.
[0005] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a memory system that
supports power architecture for non-volatile memory in accordance
with examples as disclosed herein.
[0006] FIG. 3 illustrates an example of a process flow diagram that
supports power architecture for non-volatile memory in accordance
with examples as disclosed herein.
[0007] FIG. 4 shows a block diagram of a memory device that
supports power architecture for non-volatile memory in accordance
with examples as disclosed herein.
[0008] FIG. 5 shows a flowchart illustrating a method or methods
that support power architecture for non-volatile memory in
accordance with examples as disclosed herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0009] To conserve power or other resources, a memory device may at
sometimes operate in a low power mode, which may alternatively be
referred to as a hibernate mode or sleep mode, among other
possibilities. While operating in the low power mode, the memory
device may consume less power relative to another operating mode,
such as another mode in which the memory device may actively
receive and execute commands from a host system. Some aspects of
the memory device may be operated based on control information
stored to memory cells, fuse banks (e.g., fuse arrays), or various
registers. In some examples, the control information may be stored
in volatile memory technology, such that if power is removed from
the volatile memory technology, the information stored in the
volatile memory technology may be erased or lost. When the memory
device enters or exits the low power mode, the control information
may be transferred between volatile memory and non-volatile memory
in order for the memory device to operate as desired. However, in
some instances, transferring control information may take a
duration of time that may cause entering or exiting the low power
mode have a relatively high latency, consume more power, or both.
Thus a memory device configured to store control information to a
portion that is powered when the memory device is in the low power
mode may be desirable.
[0010] A memory device configured to store control information to a
portion that is powered when the memory device is in the low power
mode is described herein. The memory systems described herein may
include non-volatile memory (NVM) devices, and a power management
integrated circuit (PMIC) which produces one or more voltages
(positive or negative) used by the memory devices. Different power
domains may exist in the memory device. For example, components in
a first power domain may be unpowered when the memory device is in
a low power mode, while components in a second power domain may be
powered whether in a low power mode or in a different mode. A
memory device may receive a voltage (e.g., as part of a first power
domain) that is applied, via a regulator, to a memory array and one
or more components associated with the memory array when the memory
device is operated in a first mode (e.g., a non-low-power mode).
The one or more components associated with the memory array may
include memory configured as temporary storage (e.g., a cache) that
is configured to store control information for the memory
array.
[0011] Additionally or alternatively, the memory device may receive
an additional voltage (e.g., a third voltage; part of a second
power domain), from the PMIC. The second voltage may power
components (such as the I/O circuitry) regardless of the mode of
operation of the memory device. The memory device may include a
charge pump coupled with a voltage supply associated with the
second power domain. When the charge pump is activated, the charge
pump may be configured to modify the voltage of the second power
domain to be the voltage of the first domain and supply power to
one or more components in the first power domain (e.g., the cache).
The charge pump may be activated and the regulator may be
deactivated when the memory device is operated in the low power
mode. Deactivating the regulator may isolate the memory array from
a voltage (e.g., a supply voltage), and activating the charge pump
may power the cache. Accordingly, when the memory device exits the
low power mode (e.g., when the memory array regains power), the
memory array may be operated according to the control information
stored to the cache. Because the cache was powered during the low
power mode, the control information may not be transferred to and
from non-volatile storage and otherwise subject the memory device
to undesirably high latency. Thus powering the cache of a memory
device when operating in a low power mode may improve the overall
latency of the memory device.
[0012] Features of the disclosure are initially described in the
context of memory systems as described with reference to FIGS. 1
and 2. Features of the disclosure are described in the context of a
process flow diagram as described with reference to FIG. 3. These
and other features of the disclosure are further illustrated by and
described with reference to an apparatus diagram and a flowchart
that relate to power architecture for non-volatile memory as
described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5.
[0013] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a system 100 that supports
power architecture for non-volatile memory in accordance with
examples as disclosed herein. The system 100 includes a host system
105 coupled with a memory system 110.
[0014] A memory system 110 may be or include any device or
collection of devices, where the device or collection of devices
includes at least one memory array. For example, a memory system
110 may be or include a Universal Flash Storage (UFS) device, an
embedded Multi-Media Controller (eMMC) device, a flash device, a
universal serial bus (USB) flash device, a secure digital (SD)
card, a solid-state drive (SSD), a hard disk drive (HDD), a dual
in-line memory module (DIMM), a small outline DIMM (SO-DIMM), or a
non-volatile DIMM (NVDIMM), among other possibilities.
[0015] The system 100 may be included in a computing device such as
a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a network server, a mobile
device, a vehicle (e.g., airplane, drone, train, automobile, or
other conveyance), an Internet of Things (IoT) enabled device, an
embedded computer (e.g., one included in a vehicle, industrial
equipment, or a networked commercial device), or any other
computing device that includes memory and a processing device.
[0016] The system 100 may include a host system 105, which may be
coupled with the memory system 110. In some examples, this coupling
may include an interface with a host system controller 106, which
may be an example of a control component configured to cause the
host system 105 to perform various operations in accordance with
examples as described herein. The host system 105 may include one
or more devices, and in some cases may include a processor chipset
and a software stack executed by the processor chipset. For
example, the host system 105 may include an application configured
for communicating with the memory system 110 or a device therein.
The processor chipset may include one or more cores, one or more
caches (e.g., memory local to or included in the host system 105),
a memory controller (e.g., NVDIMM controller), and a storage
protocol controller (e.g., peripheral component interconnect
express (PCIe) controller, serial advanced technology attachment
(SATA)controller). The host system 105 may use the memory system
110, for example, to write data to the memory system 110 and read
data from the memory system 110. Although one memory system 110 is
shown in FIG. 1, the host system 105 may be coupled with any
quantity of memory systems 110.
[0017] The host system 105 may be coupled with the memory system
110 via at least one physical host interface. The host system 105
and the memory system 110 may in some cases be configured to
communicate via a physical host interface using an associated
protocol (e.g., to exchange or otherwise communicate control,
address, data, and other signals between the memory system 110 and
the host system 105). Examples of a physical host interface may
include, but are not limited to, a SATA interface, a UFS interface,
an eMMC interface, a PCIe interface, a USB interface, a Fiber
Channel interface, a Small Computer System Interface (SCSI), a
Serial Attached SCSI (SAS), a Double Data Rate (DDR) interface, a
DIMM interface (e.g., DIMM socket interface that supports DDR), an
Open NAND Flash Interface (ONFI), and a Low Power Double Data Rate
(LPDDR) interface. In some examples, one or more such interfaces
may be included in or otherwise supported between a host system
controller 106 of the host system 105 and a memory system
controller 115 of the memory system 110. In some examples, the host
system 105 may be coupled with the memory system 110 (e.g., the
host system controller 106 may be coupled with the memory system
controller 115) via a respective physical host interface for each
memory device 130 included in the memory system 110, or via a
respective physical host interface for each type of memory device
130 included in the memory system 110.
[0018] The memory system 110 may include a memory system controller
115 and one or more memory devices 130. A memory device 130 may
include one or more memory arrays of any type of memory cells
(e.g., non-volatile memory cells, volatile memory cells, or any
combination thereof). Although two memory devices 130-a and 130-b
are shown in the example of FIG. 1, the memory system 110 may
include any quantity of memory devices 130. Further, if the memory
system 110 includes more than one memory device 130, different
memory devices 130 within the memory system 110 may include the
same or different types of memory cells.
[0019] The memory system controller 115 may be coupled with and
communicate with the host system 105 (e.g., via the physical host
interface) and may be an example of a control component configured
to cause the memory system 110 to perform various operations in
accordance with examples as described herein. The memory system
controller 115 may also be coupled with and communicate with memory
devices 130 to perform operations such as reading data, writing
data, erasing data, or refreshing data at a memory device
130--among other such operations--which may generically be referred
to as access operations. In some cases, the memory system
controller 115 may receive commands from the host system 105 and
communicate with one or more memory devices 130 to execute such
commands (e.g., at memory arrays within the one or more memory
devices 130). For example, the memory system controller 115 may
receive commands or operations from the host system 105 and may
convert the commands or operations into instructions or appropriate
commands to achieve the desired access of the memory devices 130.
In some cases, the memory system controller 115 may exchange data
with the host system 105 and with one or more memory devices 130
(e.g., in response to or otherwise in association with commands
from the host system 105). For example, the memory system
controller 115 may convert responses (e.g., data packets or other
signals) associated with the memory devices 130 into corresponding
signals for the host system 105.
[0020] The memory system controller 115 may be configured for other
operations associated with the memory devices 130. For example, the
memory system controller 115 may execute or manage operations such
as wear-leveling operations, garbage collection operations, error
control operations such as error-detecting operations or
error-correcting operations, encryption operations, caching
operations, media management operations, background refresh, health
monitoring, and address translations between logical addresses
(e.g., logical block addresses (LBAs)) associated with commands
from the host system 105 and physical addresses (e.g., physical
block addresses) associated with memory cells within the memory
devices 130.
[0021] The memory system controller 115 may include hardware such
as one or more integrated circuits or discrete components, a buffer
memory, or a combination thereof. The hardware may include
circuitry with dedicated (e.g., hard-coded) logic to perform the
operations ascribed herein to the memory system controller 115. The
memory system controller 115 may be or include a microcontroller,
special purpose logic circuitry (e.g., a field programmable gate
array (FPGA), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a
digital signal processor (DSP)), or any other suitable processor or
processing circuitry.
[0022] The memory system controller 115 may also include a local
memory 120. In some cases, the local memory 120 may include
read-only memory (ROM) or other memory that may store operating
code (e.g., executable instructions) executable by the memory
system controller 115 to perform functions ascribed herein to the
memory system controller 115. In some cases, the local memory 120
may additionally or alternatively include static random access
memory (SRAM) or other memory that may be used by the memory system
controller 115 for internal storage or calculations, for example,
related to the functions ascribed herein to the memory system
controller 115.
[0023] A memory device 130 may include one or more arrays of
non-volatile memory cells. For example, a memory device 130 may
include NAND (e.g., NAND flash) memory, ROM, phase change memory
(PCM), self-selecting memory, other chalcogenide-based memories,
ferroelectric random access memory (RAM) (FeRAM), magneto RAM
(MRAM), NOR (e.g., NOR flash) memory, Spin Transfer Torque
(STT)-MRAM, conductive bridging RAM (CBRAM), resistive random
access memory (RRAM), oxide based RRAM (OxRAM), electrically
erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), or any combination thereof.
Additionally or alternatively, a memory device 130 may include one
or more arrays of volatile memory cells. For example, a memory
device 130 may include RAM memory cells, such as dynamic RAM (DRAM)
memory cells and synchronous DRAM (SDRAM) memory cells.
[0024] In some examples, a memory device 130 may include (e.g., on
a same die or within a same package) a local controller 135, which
may execute operations on one or more memory cells of the
respective memory device 130. A local controller 135 may operate in
conjunction with a memory system controller 115 or may perform one
or more functions ascribed herein to the memory system controller
115. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 1, a memory device 130-a
may include a local controller 135-a and a memory device 130-b may
include a local controller 135-b.
[0025] In some cases, a memory device 130 may be or include a NAND
device (e.g., NAND flash device). A memory device 130 may be or
include a memory die 160. For example, in some cases, a memory
device 130 may be a package that includes one or more dies 160. A
die 160 may, in some examples, be a piece of electronics-grade
semiconductor cut from a wafer (e.g., a silicon die cut from a
silicon wafer). Each die 160 may include one or more planes 165,
and each plane 165 may include a respective set of blocks 170,
where each block 170 may include a respective set of pages 175, and
each page 175 may include a set of memory cells.
[0026] In some cases, a NAND memory device 130 may include memory
cells configured to each store one bit of information, which may be
referred to as single level cells (SLCs). Additionally or
alternatively, a NAND memory device 130 may include memory cells
configured to each store multiple bits of information, which may be
referred to as multi-level cells (MLCs) if configured to each store
two bits of information, as tri-level cells (TLCs) if configured to
each store three bits of information, as quad-level cells (QLCs) if
configured to each store four bits of information, or more
generically as multiple-level memory cells. Multiple-level memory
cells may provide greater density of storage relative to SLC memory
cells but may, in some cases, involve narrower read or write
margins or greater complexities for supporting circuitry.
[0027] In some cases, planes 165 may refer to groups of blocks 170,
and in some cases, concurrent operations may take place within
different planes 165. For example, concurrent operations may be
performed on memory cells within different blocks 170 so long as
the different blocks 170 are in different planes 165. In some
cases, performing concurrent operations in different planes 165 may
be subject to one or more restrictions, such as identical
operations being performed on memory cells within different pages
175 that have the same page address within their respective planes
165 (e.g., related to command decoding, page address decoding
circuitry, or other circuitry being shared across planes 165).
[0028] In some cases, a block 170 may include memory cells
organized into rows (pages 175) and columns (e.g., strings, not
shown). For example, memory cells in a same page 175 may share
(e.g., be coupled with) a common word line, and memory cells in a
same string may share (e.g., be coupled with) a common digit line
(which may alternatively be referred to as a bit line).
[0029] For some NAND architectures, memory cells may be read and
programmed (e.g., written) at a first level of granularity (e.g.,
at the page level of granularity) but may be erased at a second
level of granularity (e.g., at the block level of granularity).
That is, a page 175 may be the smallest unit of memory (e.g., set
of memory cells) that may be independently programmed or read
(e.g., programed or read concurrently as part of a single program
or read operation), and a block 170 may be the smallest unit of
memory (e.g., set of memory cells) that may be independently erased
(e.g., erased concurrently as part of a single erase operation).
Further, in some cases, NAND memory cells may be erased before they
can be re-written with new data. Thus, for example, a used page 175
may in some cases not be updated until the entire block 170 that
includes the page 175 has been erased.
[0030] The system 100 may include any quantity of non-transitory
computer readable media that support power architecture for
non-volatile memory. For example, the host system 105, the memory
system controller 115, or a memory device 130 may include or
otherwise may access one or more non-transitory computer readable
media storing instructions (e.g., firmware) for performing the
functions ascribed herein to the host system 105, memory system
controller 115, or memory device 130. For example, such
instructions, if executed by the host system 105 (e.g., by the host
system controller 106), by the memory system controller 115, or by
a memory device 130 (e.g., by a local controller 135), may cause
the host system 105, memory system controller 115, or memory device
130 to perform one or more associated functions as described
herein.
[0031] In some examples, the memory system 110 may include or may
be coupled with a PMIC 145 that is configured to power one or more
memory devices 130. The PMIC may include one or more DC-DC
converters, which may be or may include charge pumps or boost
converters, for providing a supply voltage to the memory devices
130. The PMIC 145 may provide multiple supply voltages to a single
memory device 130. For example, the PMIC 145 may be configured to
provide a first voltage (e.g., VCC_EXT) and a third voltage (e.g.,
VCCQ) to a memory device 130, and the respective voltages may be
used to power various components of the respective memory device
130.
[0032] In some cases, a memory system 110 may utilize a memory
system controller 115 to provide a managed memory system that may
include, for example, one or more memory arrays and related
circuitry combined with a local (e.g., on-die or in-package)
controller (e.g., local controller 135). An example of a managed
memory system is a managed NAND (MNAND) system.
[0033] In some examples, a memory device 130 may be configured to
operate in a first mode (e.g., a non-low-power mode) and in a
second mode (e.g., a low power mode, a hibernate mode). The memory
device 130 may include different power domains that are activated
or deactivated based on operating in different modes. For example,
a first power domain may be activated during a first mode, but may
be deactivated during the second mode (e.g., the low power mode).
In contrast, a second power domain may be activated during both the
first mode and the second mode. Some components in the first power
domain (e.g., some caches or volatile storage) may store control
information used to operate the memory device. Thus, when entering
a low power mode, the memory device 130 may cause the control
information stored in the cache into non-volatile memory, which may
take time and power. The memory device 130 may be configured with a
charge pump that converts a voltage level associated with the
second power domain to a voltage level associated with the first
power domain and powers some components in the first power domain
when operating in the low power mode. The memory device 130 may
include temporary storage (e.g., cache storage, not shown) that is
configured to be powered when the memory device 130 is operating in
the second mode. For example, the memory device 130-a may include a
regulator, a charge pump, and one or more components that are
associated with the die 160. The memory device 130-a may be
configured to receive a first voltage and a third voltage from the
PMIC 145.
[0034] When operating in the first mode, a regulator of the memory
device 130-a may be activated to provide a second voltage (e.g., a
voltage different than the first voltage provided by the PMIC 145)
to a first power domain of the die 160. The die 160 may be operated
according to control information (e.g., trim settings) that are
stored to one or more components that are associated with the die
160 (e.g., a cache). When the memory device 130-a enters the second
mode, the regulator may be deactivated and the charge pump may be
activated. The charge pump may, based on receiving the third
voltage, provide a voltage (e.g., the second voltage) to the cache
in order to power the cache while the memory device 130-a is in the
second mode.
[0035] Accordingly, when the memory device 130-a exits the low
power mode (e.g., when the die 160 regains power), the memory
device 130-a may be operated according to the control information
stored to the cache. Because the cache was powered during the low
power mode, the control information may not be transferred from the
non-volatile storage and otherwise subject the memory device 130-a
to undesirably high latency. Thus powering the cache of a memory
device 130 when operating in a low power mode (even though it may
be in a power domain that is deactivated during the low power mode)
may improve the overall latency of the particular memory device
130.
[0036] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a memory system 200 that
supports power architecture for non-volatile memory in accordance
with examples as disclosed herein. The memory system 200 may
include a PMIC 205 that is coupled with a memory device 210. The
PMIC may produce one or more voltages (e.g., positive or negative)
used by the memory device 210 (e.g., by NVMs of the memory device
210). The memory device 210 may include a regulator 225 that is
configured to receive a voltage (e.g., a first voltage) from the
PMIC and provide a voltage (e.g., a second voltage) to a memory
array 240 and one or more components 245 that are associated with
the memory array 240. The memory device 210 may include a charge
pump 230 that is configured to receive a voltage (e.g., a third
voltage) from the PMIC 205. The third voltage may also be supplied
to one or more I/O pads 250.
[0037] The memory device 210 may be configured to operate in
different modes. For example, the memory device 210 may operate in
a first mode where the memory array 240 operates based on receiving
a voltage (e.g., a second voltage) from the regulator 225. In other
examples, the memory device 210 may operate in a second mode (e.g.,
a low power mode, a hibernate mode) where the memory array 240 is
isolated from a voltage (e.g., the second voltage) and the one or
more components 245 associated with the memory array 240 are
powered via the charge pump 230. The first mode may correspond to a
high power mode where some or all of the functionality of the
memory device is possible. The second mode may correspond to a low
power mode where some components are deactivated. Some
battery-powered devices (such as smart phones or other electronic
devices) may enter a low-power mode to preserve battery life. As
part of the low-power mode, some components (e.g., some power
domains) of a memory device may be deactivated to conserve power.
In some cases, some non-volatile memory (e.g., caches or SRAM) may
be deactivated during the low power mode and the information (e.g.,
control information used to operate the memory device) stored
therein may be transferred to non-volatile storage. Then, when
exiting the low power mode, the information may be retrieved form
the non-volatile storage and used for its intended purpose. To
avoid transferring such information to and from non-volatile
storage upon entering or exiting the low power mode, a charge pump
may be coupled with a second power domain that is always powered
and may be configured to supply power to some components of a first
power domain that is deactivated during the low power mode. For
example, the charge pump 230 may provide a voltage (e.g., a third
voltage) to the one or more components 245, which may allow the one
or more components 245 to store control information while the
memory device is in a low power mode. Accordingly, when the memory
device 210 enters (e.g., reenters) the first mode, control
information for operating the memory array 240 may be loaded from
the one or more components 245, which may improve the latency of
the memory system 200.
[0038] In some examples, the PMIC 205 may be configured to provide
one or more supply voltages to the memory device 210. For example,
the PMIC 205 may provide a supply voltage (VCC(i)) to the memory
device 210, where i=1, 2, 3, etc. In some examples, the supply
voltages may be a drain power voltage or a programming power
voltage for the memory device 210, and may be positive or negative
voltages. The PMIC 205 may provide a supply voltage to memory
device 210 that is within a defined voltage range (e.g., as defined
by a standard).
[0039] The PMIC 205 may provide various supply voltages to the
memory device 210 using a respective DC-DC converter. For example,
the PMIC may include a quantity (N) of DC-DC converters that
correspond to the quantity (N) supply voltages of the memory system
200. The supply voltage may be provided by respective charge pumps
or boost converters. In some examples, each DC-DC converter may be
or may include a boost converter, charge pump, step up converter,
buck/boost converter, flyback converter, or any type or combination
of types of DC-DC converters.
[0040] As shown in FIG. 2, the PMIC 205 may provide at least two
voltages (e.g., two supply voltages) to the memory device 210, and
each voltage may be associated with a respective power domain. For
example, the PMIC 205 may provide a first voltage that is
associated with a first power domain that is received at an
interface 215 (e.g., a pad). In some examples, the first voltage
(e.g., VCC_EXT) may be approximately 2.35V. Additionally or
alternatively, the PMIC 205 may provide a third voltage that is
associated with a second power domain that is received at an
interface 220 (e.g., a pad). In some cases, the third voltage
(e.g., VCCQ) may be approximately 1.2V. That is, the charge pump
230 and the I/O pad(s) 250 may continually receive the third
voltage, however the charge pump 230 may be periodically disabled
such that an associated voltage (e.g., a voltage based on the
charge pump 230 receiving the voltage) is not applied to the node
235.
[0041] The memory device 210 may include a regulator 225 that is
configured to receive the first voltage from the PMIC. In some
examples, the regulator 225 may include one or more transistors
that are configured to regulate (e.g., alter, shift) the first
voltage. For example, the regulator 225 may be or may include a
level shifter that is configured to shift (e.g., downshift) the
first voltage to a second voltage. In other examples, the regulator
may include one or more n-channel transistors (e.g., NMOS
transistors) that can be configured as a diode. The regulator 225,
shown in and discussed with reference to FIG. 2, may include a
single n-channel transistor that is configured as a diode when the
memory device 210 is operating in a second mode (e.g., in a low
power mode, a hibernate mode). A gate of the n-channel transistor
of the regulator 225 may be coupled with a signal line (e.g., a
control signal line) that is configured to receive a control signal
for activating or deactivating the transistor. In some examples,
the control signal may be applied or initiated by a memory
controller, such as a memory system controller 115 or a local
controller 135-a as described with reference to FIG. 1.
[0042] In some examples, the regulator 225 may supply a voltage
(e.g., a second voltage) to the memory array 240, via node 235,
when the memory device 210 is operating in a first mode. A first
mode (e.g., a first operational mode) may refer to any mode where
the memory array 240 is not in a low power state (e.g., a hibernate
state). For example, when operated in a first mode, the memory
array 240 may be powered based on receiving the second voltage and
data may be stored to one or more memory cells of the memory array
240. As described herein, the memory array 240 may include one or
more NVM cells, such as NAND flash memory cells.
[0043] The memory array 240 may include one or more components,
such as pumps (e.g., charge pumps), switches, or other circuitry
that may effectively disable (e.g., power off) the memory array 240
when the memory device 210 is operating in a second mode. For
example, when operating in the second mode, the regulator 225 may
not supply the second voltage to the memory array 240 and/or other
components (such as caches and SRAM). When the memory device
includes the charge pump 230, some components in the power domain
associated with the second voltage may still receive a voltage from
the charge pump 230 despite not receiving a voltage from the
regulator 225. However, when operating in a low power mode, the
pumps, switches, or other circuitry of the memory array 240 may be
disabled such that the memory array 240 is not powered. Conversely,
when operating in a first mode, the pumps, switches, or other
circuitry may be enabled to operate the memory array 240.
[0044] The memory device 210 may include one or more components 245
that are associated with the memory array 240. For example, the
components 245 may include latches, fuses, switches, redundant
rows, or temporary storage (e.g., cache storage) that may store
control information (or other information) for operating the memory
array 240. The control information may include, among other types
of information, trim settings for operating the memory array 240.
Examples of the components 245 may include a cache (e.g., a cache
storage) but may include components other than memory cells
configured as cache storage.
[0045] When operating in the first mode, the memory device 210 may
receive a first voltage from the PMIC 205. The first voltage may be
received at the interface 215 and may be provided to the regulator
225. A control signal may be applied to the regulator 225 (e.g., to
a gate of a n-channel transistor of the regulator 225) such that
the regulator 225 may supply a second voltage to the node 235. In
some examples, the second voltage may be provided to the memory
array 240 and the components 245. By supplying the second voltage
to the memory array 240, the memory array 240 may store user data
to one or more memory cells (e.g., NVM cells).
[0046] The PMIC 205 may provide a third voltage that is received at
the interface 220 and may be configured to power the I/O pads 250.
Because the I/O pads 250 communicate with a controller or a host
system, the I/O pads 250 may be powered during low power mode so
that the memory device can continue to receive commands. The
interface 220 may be coupled with a charge pump 230 that is
configured to receive the third voltage. In some examples, the
charge pump 230 may include any type of DC-DC converter(s), such as
a charge pump boost converter, step up converter, buck/boost
converter, flyback converter, or another type of DC-DC converter.
Upon receiving the third voltage from the interface 220, the charge
pump 230 may provide a voltage to the node 235. In some examples,
the voltage may be the second voltage (e.g., VCCR).
[0047] The charge pump 230 may operate when the memory device 210
is operating in the second mode. For example, the charge pump 230
may be powered upon the memory device 210 transitioning to operate
in the second mode, such that the charge pump 230 may power the
components 245 when the memory array 240 is disabled (e.g., powered
off). By providing power to the components 245, the components 245
may store control information that may be loaded to the memory
array 240 upon the memory device 210 transitioning to operate in
the first mode (e.g., based on the memory device 210 transitioning
out of a low power mode). That is, control information may be
stored to the components 245 before the memory device 210 enters
the low power state, such that the control information may be
readily accessible when the memory array 240 transitions out of the
low power state. Accordingly, overall latency of exiting or
entering the low power mode by the memory device 210 may be
improved.
[0048] FIG. 3 illustrates an example of a process flow diagram 300
that supports power architecture for non-volatile memory in
accordance with examples as disclosed herein. The process flow
diagram 300 may illustrate one or more operations of a PMIC 305,
memory device 310, controller 315, regulator 320, charge pump 325,
memory array 330, and one or more components 335 that are
associated with the memory array 330. In some examples, the PMIC
305, memory device 310, regulator 320, charge pump 325, memory
array 330, and one or more components 335 that are associated with
the memory array 330 may be examples of the same components as
described with reference to FIG. 2. Additionally or alternatively,
the controller 315 may be an example of a memory system controller
115 or a local controller 135-a as described with reference to FIG.
1. The process flow diagram 300 may illustrate operating the memory
device 310 in a first mode and a second mode. Control information
may be stored to the components 335 when operating in the second
mode such that the control information may be loaded to the memory
array 330 upon the memory device 310 entering (e.g., reentering)
the first mode, which may improve the latency of the associated
memory system.
[0049] At 340, it may be determined to operate the memory device
310 in the first mode (e.g., it may be determined by the controller
315). As described herein, the first mode may refer to any mode
where the memory array 330 is not in a low power state (e.g., a
hibernate state). For example, when operated in a first mode, the
memory array 330 may be powered based on receiving a second voltage
from the regulator 320, and data may be stored to one or more
memory cells of the memory array 340. At 342, the charge pump 325
may be powered off based on the controller 315 determining to
operate the memory device 310 in the first mode. In some examples,
the charge pump 325 may continue to receive a voltage (e.g., a
third voltage), but may not provide a voltage (e.g., a second
voltage) to the components 335 associated with the memory array
330.
[0050] At 344, a first voltage may be provided to the regulator 320
(e.g., it may be provided by the PMIC 305). As described herein,
the first voltage may be received at an interface (e.g., a pad) and
may be approximately 2.35V. At 346, the controller 315 may initiate
a control signal being applied to the regulator 320. For example,
the control signal may be applied to a transistor (e.g., a
n-channel transistor) included in the regulator 320. At 348, the
regulator 320 may be enabled (e.g., turned on) based on the control
signal being applied.
[0051] At 350, a second voltage may be applied from the regulator
320 to the memory array 330. In some examples, the second voltage
may be approximately 2.0V and may result from the regulator 320
shifting the first voltage (e.g., 2.35V) to a lower voltage (e.g.,
2.0V). The memory array 330 may operate to store user data based on
the second voltage being applied. As discussed herein, the memory
array 330 may operate based on one or more pumps, switches, or
other circuitry being enabled.
[0052] At 352, the second voltage may be applied from the regulator
320 to the one or more components 335 associated with the memory
array 330. In some examples, the second voltage may be
approximately 2.0V and may result from the regulator 320 shifting
the first voltage (e.g., 2.35V) to a lower voltage (e.g., 2.0V).
The one or more components 335 associated with the memory array 330
may operate to store control information or other data based on the
second voltage being applied.
[0053] At 354, it may be determined to operate the memory device
310 in the second mode (e.g., it may be determined by the
controller 315). As described herein, the second mode may refer to
a low power mode or a hibernate mode where the memory array 330 is
powered down (e.g., placed into a hibernate state). For example,
when operated in the second mode, the memory array 330 may be
disabled (e.g., powered off) by isolating it from the second
voltage (e.g., the second voltage applied at 350).
[0054] At 356, control information may be stored to the one or more
components 335 (e.g., a cache) based on the controller 315
determining to operate the memory device 310 in the second mode. In
some cases, the control information may be moved from components
that may be deactivated during the mode to a storage component that
may remain powered during the low power mode (e.g., the one or more
components 335). For example, control information may be moved from
an SRAM that may be deactivated to a cache that may remain
activated or powered. In some examples, the control information may
be read from the memory array 330 and written to a cache included
in the components 335 in anticipation of the memory array 330
entering the low power mode. The control information may be stored
to the cache included in the components 335 such that, when the
memory array 330 re-enters the first mode, the control information
may be read from the cache, which may reduce the latency that would
otherwise be incurred by reading the control information from the
memory array 330.
[0055] At 358, a control signal may be initiated and applied to the
charge pump 325 to activate the charge pump 325 (e.g., it may be
initiated by the controller 315). In some examples, the controller
315 may apply the control signal in response to the control
information being stored to the cache (e.g., to the components 335
associated with the memory array 330). At 360, the charge pump 325
may be powered on based on the controller 315 applying the control
signal. In some examples, the charge pump 325 may have received a
voltage (e.g., a third voltage) while disabled, thus enabling the
charge pump 325 may allow for the charge pump to provide a voltage
(e.g., a second voltage) to the components 335 relatively
quickly.
[0056] At 362, a control signal may be initiated and applied to or
remove a control signal being applied to the regulator 320 to
deactivate the regulator (e.g., it may be initiated by the
controller 315). For example, the control signal that was applied
at 346 may be removed from the transistor. That is, the control
signal applied at 346 may have been continually applied to the gate
of the transistor and, at 362, may be removed. In other examples, a
control signal may be applied to the regulator 320, which may
disable (e.g., turn off, deactivate) the regulator 320. At 364, the
regulator 320 may be disabled (e.g., turned off) based on the
control signal being applied or removed.
[0057] At 368, the second voltage (e.g., 2.0V) may be applied to
the one or more components 335 associated with the memory array 330
(e.g., it may be applied by the charge pump 325). For example, the
second voltage may be applied to a cache in order to power the
cache while the memory device 310 is in the low power mode (e.g.,
the second mode). Powering the cache while the memory device 310 is
in the low power mode may allow for the control information (stored
at 356) to be loaded relatively quickly when the memory array 330
enters (e.g., re-enters) the first mode. As described herein, the
charge pump may include one or more boost converters or level
shifters that increases the third voltage (e.g., 1.2V) to the
second voltage (e.g., 2.0V).
[0058] At 370, it may be determined to operate the memory device
310 in the first mode for a second time (e.g., it may be determined
by the controller 315). For example, the memory device 310 may
reenter operating in the first mode. At 372, the PMIC 305 may
provide a first voltage to the regulator 320. As described herein,
the first voltage may be received at an interface (e.g., a pad) and
may be approximately 2.35V. At 374, the controller 315 may initiate
a control signal being applied to the regulator 320. For example,
the control signal may be applied to a transistor (e.g., a
n-channel transistor) included in the regulator 320. At 376, the
regulator 320 may be enabled (e.g., turned on) based on the control
signal being applied.
[0059] At 378, a second voltage may be applied from the regulator
320 to the memory array 330. In some examples, the second voltage
may be approximately 2.0V and may result from the regulator 320
shifting the first voltage (e.g., 2.35V) to a lower voltage (e.g.,
2.0V). At 380, the second voltage may be applied from the regulator
320 to the one or more components 335 associated with the memory
array 330. In some examples, the second voltage may be
approximately 2.0V and may result from the regulator 320 shifting
the first voltage (e.g., 2.35V) to a lower voltage (e.g.,
2.0V).
[0060] At 382, a control signal may be initiated and applied to the
charge pump 325 to deactivate the charge pump 325 (e.g., it may be
initiated by the controller 315). In some examples, the controller
315 may apply the control signal in response to the components 335
being powered independent from the charge pump 325. That is, the
charge pump 325 may be deactivated at a time other than the time
illustrated by FIG. 3, such that the components 335 are being
powered (e.g., by the second voltage applied by the regulator 320)
when the charge pump 325 is deactivated. At 384, the charge pump
325 may be powered off based on the control signal being applied
(e.g., at 372). In some examples, the charge pump 325 may continue
to receive a voltage (e.g., a third voltage), but may not provide a
voltage (e.g., a second voltage) to the components 335 associated
with the memory array 330.
[0061] At 386, the control information may be loaded from the one
or more components 335 associated with the memory array 330 (e.g.,
from the cache) into the components associated with the control
information. In some examples, the memory array 330 may be operated
according to the control information, which may include trim
settings for operating the memory array 330. As described herein,
by loading the control information from the components 335 (e.g.,
operating the memory array 330 according to the control
information), the control information may not be loaded from the
memory array 330. Accordingly loading the control information from
the components 335 may reduce the overall latency of the memory
device 310 because loading from a cache may be faster than loading
from a non-volatile storage (such as NAND).
[0062] FIG. 4 shows a block diagram 400 of a device 420 that
supports power architecture for non-volatile memory in accordance
with examples as disclosed herein. The device 420 may be an example
of aspects of a memory system or a memory device as described with
reference to FIGS. 1 through 3. The device 420, or various
components thereof, may be an example of means for performing
various aspects of power architecture for non-volatile memory as
described herein. For example, the device 420 may include a
regulator 425, a charge pump 430, a control component 435, a write
component 440, or any combination thereof. Each of these components
may communicate, directly or indirectly, with one another (e.g.,
via one or more buses).
[0063] The regulator 425 may be configured as or otherwise support
a means for receiving a first voltage from a first voltage source.
In some examples, the regulator 425 may be configured as or
otherwise support a means for supplying a second voltage to a
non-volatile memory array and one or more components associated
with the non-volatile memory array in response to operating in a
first mode and receiving the first voltage.
[0064] The charge pump 430 may be configured as or otherwise
support a means for receiving a third voltage from a second voltage
source that is configured to supply the third voltage to one or
more I/O components associated with the non-volatile memory array
in response to operating in the first mode or a second mode. In
some examples, the charge pump 430 may be configured as or
otherwise support a means for supplying the second voltage to the
one or more components in response to operating the non-volatile
memory array in the second mode.
[0065] The control component 435 may be configured as or otherwise
support a means for deactivating the regulator to cease supplying
the second voltage to the non-volatile memory array and the one or
more components in response to operating the non-volatile memory
array in the second mode. In some examples, the control component
435 may be configured as or otherwise support a means for
determining to operate the non-volatile memory array in the second
mode, where the regulator is deactivated in response to determining
to operate the non-volatile memory array in the second mode.
[0066] In some examples, to support deactivating the regulator, the
control component 435 may be configured as or otherwise support a
means for removing a control signal from the regulator in response
to determining to operate the non-volatile memory array in the
second mode, where the non-volatile memory array is isolated from
the first voltage source in response to removing the control signal
from the regulator. In some examples, to support supplying the
second voltage to the one or more components, the control component
435 may be configured as or otherwise support a means for applying
a signal to the charge pump in response to determining to operate
the non-volatile memory array in the second mode, where the charge
pump is configured to apply the second voltage to the one or more
components in response to receiving the third voltage from the
second voltage source.
[0067] In some examples, the control component 435 may be
configured as or otherwise support a means for determining to
operate the non-volatile memory array in the first mode, where the
regulator is activated in response to determining to operate the
non-volatile memory array in the first mode.
[0068] In some examples, the control component 435 may be
configured as or otherwise support a means for activating the
regulator in response to determining to operate the non-volatile
memory array in the first mode, where the second voltage is applied
to the non-volatile memory array in response to activating the
regulator. In some examples, the control component 435 may be
configured as or otherwise support a means for deactivating the
charge pump to cease supplying the second voltage to the one or
more components in response to activating the regulator.
[0069] In some examples, the one or more components associated with
the non-volatile memory array includes a cache, and the write
component 440 may be configured as or otherwise support a means for
writing data from the non-volatile memory array to the cache in
response to determining to operate the non-volatile memory array in
the second mode, where the cache is configured to be powered when
the non-volatile memory array is operating in the second mode.
[0070] In some examples, the one or more components associated with
the non-volatile memory array includes a cache, and the write
component 440 may be configured as or otherwise support a means for
writing data from the cache to the non-volatile memory array upon
operating the non-volatile memory array in the first mode. In some
examples, the one or more components associated with the
non-volatile memory array includes a cache, and the write component
440 may be configured as or otherwise support a means for storing
control information to the cache, where the cache is configured to
store the control information when the non-volatile memory array is
operating in the second mode, and where the control information
includes trim settings for operating the non-volatile memory
array.
[0071] In some examples, the control signal is removed from the
regulator a duration after supplying the second voltage to the one
or more components. In some examples, the first voltage is greater
than the second voltage and the third voltage.
[0072] FIG. 5 shows a flowchart illustrating a method 500 that
supports power architecture for non-volatile memory in accordance
with examples as disclosed herein. The operations of method 500 may
be implemented by a memory system or a memory device or its
components as described herein. For example, the operations of
method 500 may be performed by a memory system or a memory device
as described with reference to FIGS. 1 through 4. In some examples,
a memory system or a memory device may execute a set of
instructions to control the functional elements of the device to
perform the described functions. Additionally or alternatively, the
memory system or the memory device may perform aspects of the
described functions using special-purpose hardware.
[0073] At 505, the method may include receiving, at a regulator, a
first voltage from a first voltage source. The operations of 505
may be performed in accordance with examples as disclosed herein.
In some examples, aspects of the operations of 505 may be performed
by a regulator 425 as described with reference to FIG. 4.
[0074] At 510, the method may include supplying, by the regulator,
a second voltage to a non-volatile memory array and one or more
components associated with the non-volatile memory array in
response to operating in a first mode and receiving the first
voltage. The operations of 510 may be performed in accordance with
examples as disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the
operations of 510 may be performed by a regulator 425 as described
with reference to FIG. 4.
[0075] At 515, the method may include receiving, at a charge pump,
a third voltage from a second voltage source that is configured to
supply the third voltage to one or more I/O components associated
with the non-volatile memory array in response to operating in the
first mode or a second mode. The operations of 515 may be performed
in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. In some examples,
aspects of the operations of 515 may be performed by a charge pump
430 as described with reference to FIG. 4.
[0076] At 520, the method may include deactivating the regulator to
cease supplying the second voltage to the non-volatile memory array
and the one or more components in response to operating the
non-volatile memory array in the second mode. The operations of 520
may be performed in accordance with examples as disclosed herein.
In some examples, aspects of the operations of 520 may be performed
by a control component 435 as described with reference to FIG.
4.
[0077] At 525, the method may include supplying, by the charge
pump, the second voltage to the one or more components in response
to operating the non-volatile memory array in the second mode. The
operations of 525 may be performed in accordance with examples as
disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of
525 may be performed by a charge pump 430 as described with
reference to FIG. 4.
[0078] In some examples, an apparatus as described herein may
perform a method or methods, such as the method 500. The apparatus
may include, features, circuitry, logic, means, or instructions
(e.g., a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing
instructions executable by a processor) for receiving, at a
regulator, a first voltage from a first voltage source, supplying,
by the regulator, a second voltage to a non-volatile memory array
and one or more components associated with the non-volatile memory
array in response to operating in a first mode and receiving the
first voltage, receiving, at a charge pump, a third voltage from a
second voltage source that is configured to supply the third
voltage to one or more I/O components associated with the
non-volatile memory array in response to operating in the first
mode or a second mode, deactivating the regulator to cease
supplying the second voltage to the non-volatile memory array and
the one or more components in response to operating the
non-volatile memory array in the second mode, and supplying, by the
charge pump, the second voltage to the one or more components in
response to operating the non-volatile memory array in the second
mode.
[0079] Some examples of the method 500 and the apparatus described
herein may further include operations, features, circuitry, logic,
means, or instructions for determining to operate the non-volatile
memory array in the second mode, where the regulator may be
deactivated in response to determining to operate the non-volatile
memory array in the second mode.
[0080] In some examples of the method 500 and the apparatus
described herein, the one or more components associated with the
non-volatile memory array includes a cache and the method,
apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable medium may
include further operations, features, circuitry, logic, means, or
instructions for writing data from the non-volatile memory array to
the cache in response to determining to operate the non-volatile
memory array in the second mode, where the cache may be configured
to be powered when the non-volatile memory array may be operating
in the second mode.
[0081] In some examples of the method 500 and the apparatus
described herein, deactivating the regulator may include
operations, features, circuitry, logic, means, or instructions for
removing a control signal from the regulator in response to
determining to operate the non-volatile memory array in the second
mode, where the non-volatile memory array may be isolated from the
first voltage source in response to removing the control signal
from the regulator.
[0082] In some examples of the method 500 and the apparatus
described herein, the control signal may be removed from the
regulator a duration after supplying the second voltage to the one
or more components.
[0083] In some examples of the method 500 and the apparatus
described herein, supplying the second voltage to the one or more
components may include operations, features, circuitry, logic,
means, or instructions for applying a signal to the charge pump in
response to determining to operate the non-volatile memory array in
the second mode, where the charge pump may be configured to apply
the second voltage to the one or more components in response to
receiving the third voltage from the second voltage source.
[0084] Some examples of the method 500 and the apparatus described
herein may further include operations, features, circuitry, logic,
means, or instructions for determining to operate the non-volatile
memory array in the first mode, where the regulator may be
activated in response to determining to operate the non-volatile
memory array in the first mode.
[0085] Some examples of the method 500 and the apparatus described
herein may further include operations, features, circuitry, logic,
means, or instructions for activating the regulator in response to
determining to operate the non-volatile memory array in the first
mode, where the second voltage may be applied to the non-volatile
memory array in response to activating the regulator and
deactivating the charge pump to cease supplying the second voltage
to the one or more components in response to activating the
regulator.
[0086] In some examples of the method 500 and the apparatus
described herein, the one or more components associated with the
non-volatile memory array includes a cache and the method,
apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable medium may
include further operations, features, circuitry, logic, means, or
instructions for writing data from the cache to the non-volatile
memory array upon operating the non-volatile memory array in the
first mode.
[0087] In some examples of the method 500 and the apparatus
described herein, the one or more components associated with the
non-volatile memory array includes a cache and the method,
apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable medium may
include further operations, features, circuitry, logic, means, or
instructions for storing control information to the cache, where
the cache may be configured to store the control information when
the non-volatile memory array may be operating in the second mode,
and where the control information includes trim settings for
operating the non-volatile memory array.
[0088] In some examples of the method 500 and the apparatus
described herein, the first voltage may be greater than the second
voltage and the third voltage.
[0089] It should be noted that the methods described above describe
possible implementations, and that the operations and the steps may
be rearranged or otherwise modified and that other implementations
are possible. Further, portions from two or more of the methods may
be combined.
[0090] An apparatus is described. The apparatus may include a
non-volatile memory array configured to operate in a first mode
associated with a first power state of the apparatus and a second
mode associated with a second power state of the apparatus, the
first power state of the apparatus being higher than the second
power state of the apparatus, a first voltage source configured to
supply a first voltage to the non-volatile memory array, a
regulator configured to receive the first voltage and supply a
second voltage to one or more components associated with the
non-volatile memory array in response to operating in the first
mode and to isolate the one or more components from the first
voltage source in response to operating in the second mode, a
second voltage source configured to supply a third voltage to one
or more I/O components associated with the non-volatile memory
array in response to operating in the first mode or the second
mode, and a charge pump configured to receive the third voltage and
supply the second voltage to the one or more components associated
with the non-volatile memory array in response to operating in the
second mode
[0091] In some examples of the apparatus, the one or more
components associated with the non-volatile memory array include a
cache configured to store control information and user data when
the non-volatile memory array may be operating in the second
mode.
[0092] In some examples of the apparatus, the non-volatile memory
array may be configured to operate using the control information
stored in the cache in response to operating in the first mode, and
the user data may be configured to be stored to the non-volatile
memory array in response to the non-volatile memory array operating
in the first mode.
[0093] In some examples of the apparatus, the charge pump may be
configured to power the cache when the non-volatile memory array
may be operating in the second mode.
[0094] In some examples, the apparatus may include a controller
configured to cause the apparatus to apply a control signal to the
regulator in response to operating in the first mode, where the
regulator may be configured to couple the one or more components
associated with the non-volatile memory array with the first
voltage source in response to the controller applying the control
signal.
[0095] In some examples, the apparatus may include remove the
control signal from the regulator in response to operating in the
second mode, where the regulator may be configured to isolate the
one or more components associated with the non-volatile memory
array from the first voltage source in response to the controller
removing the control signal and activate the charge pump in
response to removing the control signal from the regulator.
[0096] In some examples of the apparatus, the charge pump may be
configured to be activated when the non-volatile memory array may
be operating in the second mode.
[0097] In some examples of the apparatus, the regulator may be
configured as a diode in response to the non-volatile memory array
operating in the second mode.
[0098] In some examples of the apparatus, the regulator includes at
least one n-channel transistor configured to couple the one or more
components associated with the non-volatile memory array with the
first voltage source in response to operating in the first mode and
isolate the one or more components from the first voltage source in
response to operating in the second mode.
[0099] Another apparatus is described. The apparatus may include a
non-volatile memory array configured to operate in a first mode and
a second mode, a regulator coupled with the non-volatile memory
array and one or more components associated with the non-volatile
memory array, a first voltage source coupled with the regulator, a
charge pump coupled with the one or more components associated with
the non-volatile memory array, a second voltage source coupled with
the charge pump, a controller coupled with at least the regulator
and the charge pump, the controller operable to, determine to
operate the non-volatile memory array and the one or more
components associated with the non-volatile memory array in the
second mode, deactivate the regulator in response to determining to
operate the non-volatile memory array and the one or more
components associated with the non-volatile memory array in the
second mode, and activate the charge pump to supply a second
voltage from the second voltage source to the one or more
components associated with the non-volatile memory array in
response to deactivating the regulator, the one or more components
associated with the non-volatile memory array are configured to be
powered when operating in the second mode
[0100] In some examples, the apparatus may include write data from
the non-volatile memory array to the cache in response to
determining to operate the non-volatile memory array and the one or
more components associated with the non-volatile memory array in
the second mode.
[0101] In some examples, the apparatus may include write data from
the cache to the non-volatile memory array in response to operating
the non-volatile memory array and the one or more components
associated with the non-volatile memory array in the first
mode.
[0102] In some examples, the apparatus may include store control
information to the cache, where the cache may be configured to
store the control information when the non-volatile memory array
and the one or more components associated with the non-volatile
memory array may be operating in the second mode and operate the
non-volatile memory array according to the control information
stored to the cache when the non-volatile memory array and the one
or more components associated with the non-volatile memory array
may be operating in the first mode.
[0103] In some examples, the apparatus may include determine to
operate the non-volatile memory array and the one or more
components associated with the non-volatile memory array in the
first mode, activate the regulator to apply the second voltage from
the first voltage source to the non-volatile memory array and the
one or more components associated with the non-volatile memory
array in response to determining to operate the non-volatile memory
array and the one or more components associated with the
non-volatile memory array in the first mode, and deactivate the
charge pump in response to activating the regulator.
[0104] Information and signals described herein may be represented
using any of a variety of different technologies and techniques.
For example, data, instructions, commands, information, signals,
bits, symbols, and chips that may be referenced throughout the
above description may be represented by voltages, currents,
electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or particles, optical fields
or particles, or any combination thereof. Some drawings may
illustrate signals as a single signal; however, the signal may
represent a bus of signals, where the bus may have a variety of bit
widths.
[0105] The terms "electronic communication," "conductive contact,"
"connected," and "coupled" may refer to a relationship between
components that supports the flow of signals between the
components. Components are considered in electronic communication
with (or in conductive contact with or connected with or coupled
with) one another if there is any conductive path between the
components that can, at any time, support the flow of signals
between the components. At any given time, the conductive path
between components that are in electronic communication with each
other (or in conductive contact with or connected with or coupled
with) may be an open circuit or a closed circuit based on the
operation of the device that includes the connected components. The
conductive path between connected components may be a direct
conductive path between the components or the conductive path
between connected components may be an indirect conductive path
that may include intermediate components, such as switches,
transistors, or other components. In some examples, the flow of
signals between the connected components may be interrupted for a
time, for example, using one or more intermediate components such
as switches or transistors.
[0106] The term "coupling" refers to a condition of moving from an
open-circuit relationship between components in which signals are
not presently capable of being communicated between the components
over a conductive path to a closed-circuit relationship between
components in which signals are capable of being communicated
between components over the conductive path. If a component, such
as a controller, couples other components together, the component
initiates a change that allows signals to flow between the other
components over a conductive path that previously did not permit
signals to flow.
[0107] The term "isolated" refers to a relationship between
components in which signals are not presently capable of flowing
between the components. Components are isolated from each other if
there is an open circuit between them. For example, two components
separated by a switch that is positioned between the components are
isolated from each other if the switch is open. If a controller
isolates two components, the controller affects a change that
prevents signals from flowing between the components using a
conductive path that previously permitted signals to flow.
[0108] The terms "if," "when," "based on," "based at least in part
on," and "in response to," may be used interchangeably. In some
examples, if the terms "if," "when," "based on," "based at least in
part on," and "in response to," are used to describe a conditional
action or connection between portions of a process, the terms may
be interchangeable. In some examples, if used to describe a
conditional action or process, the terms "if," "when," "based on,"
"based at least in part on," and "in response to" may be
interchangeable.
[0109] The devices discussed herein, including a memory array, may
be formed on a semiconductor substrate, such as silicon, germanium,
silicon-germanium alloy, gallium arsenide, gallium nitride, etc. In
some examples, the substrate is a semiconductor wafer. In some
other examples, the substrate may be a silicon-on-insulator (SOI)
substrate, such as silicon-on-glass (SOG) or silicon-on-sapphire
(SOP), or epitaxial layers of semiconductor materials on another
substrate. The conductivity of the substrate, or sub-regions of the
substrate, may be controlled through doping using various chemical
species including, but not limited to, phosphorous, boron, or
arsenic. Doping may be performed during the initial formation or
growth of the substrate, by ion-implantation, or by any other
doping means.
[0110] A switching component or a transistor discussed herein may
represent a field-effect transistor (FET) and comprise a three
terminal device including a source, drain, and gate. The terminals
may be connected to other electronic elements through conductive
materials, e.g., metals. The source and drain may be conductive and
may comprise a heavily-doped, e.g., degenerate, semiconductor
region. The source and drain may be separated by a lightly-doped
semiconductor region or channel. If the channel is n-type (i.e.,
majority carriers are electrons), then the FET may be referred to
as an n-type FET. If the channel is p-type (i.e., majority carriers
are holes), then the FET may be referred to as a p-type FET. The
channel may be capped by an insulating gate oxide. The channel
conductivity may be controlled by applying a voltage to the gate.
For example, applying a positive voltage or negative voltage to an
n-type FET or a p-type FET, respectively, may result in the channel
becoming conductive. A transistor may be "on" or "activated" if a
voltage greater than or equal to the transistor's threshold voltage
is applied to the transistor gate. The transistor may be "off" or
"deactivated" if a voltage less than the transistor's threshold
voltage is applied to the transistor gate.
[0111] The description set forth herein, in connection with the
appended drawings, describes example configurations and does not
represent all the examples that may be implemented or that are
within the scope of the claims. The term "exemplary" used herein
means "serving as an example, instance, or illustration" and not
"preferred" or "advantageous over other examples." The detailed
description includes specific details to providing an understanding
of the described techniques. These techniques, however, may be
practiced without these specific details. In some instances,
well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form
to avoid obscuring the concepts of the described examples.
[0112] In the appended figures, similar components or features may
have the same reference label. Further, various components of the
same type may be distinguished by following the reference label by
a hyphen and a second label that distinguishes among the similar
components. If just the first reference label is used in the
specification, the description is applicable to any one of the
similar components having the same first reference label
irrespective of the second reference label.
[0113] The functions described herein may be implemented in
hardware, software executed by a processor, firmware, or any
combination thereof. If implemented in software executed by a
processor, the functions may be stored on or transmitted over, as
one or more instructions or code, a computer-readable medium. Other
examples and implementations are within the scope of the disclosure
and appended claims. For example, due to the nature of software,
functions described above can be implemented using software
executed by a processor, hardware, firmware, hardwiring, or
combinations of any of these. Features implementing functions may
also be physically located at various positions, including being
distributed such that portions of functions are implemented at
different physical locations.
[0114] For example, the various illustrative blocks and components
described in connection with the disclosure herein may be
implemented or performed with a general-purpose processor, a DSP,
an ASIC, an FPGA or other programmable logic device, discrete gate
or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any
combination thereof designed to perform the functions described
herein. A general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but in
the alternative, the processor may be any processor, controller,
microcontroller, or state machine. A processor may be implemented
as a combination of computing devices (e.g., a combination of a DSP
and a microprocessor, multiple microprocessors, one or more
microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other such
configuration).
[0115] As used herein, including in the claims, "or" as used in a
list of items (for example, a list of items prefaced by a phrase
such as "at least one of" or "one or more of") indicates an
inclusive list such that, for example, a list of at least one of A,
B, or C means A or B or C or AB or AC or BC or ABC (i.e., A and B
and C). Also, as used herein, the phrase "based on" shall not be
construed as a reference to a closed set of conditions. For
example, an exemplary step that is described as "based on condition
A" may be based on both a condition A and a condition B without
departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In other words,
as used herein, the phrase "based on" shall be construed in the
same manner as the phrase "based at least in part on."
[0116] Computer-readable media includes both non-transitory
computer storage media and communication media including any medium
that facilitates transfer of a computer program from one place to
another. A non-transitory storage medium may be any available
medium that can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose
computer. By way of example, and not limitation, non-transitory
computer-readable media can comprise RAM, ROM, electrically
erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), compact disk (CD)
ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other
magnetic storage devices, or any other non-transitory medium that
can be used to carry or store desired program code means in the
form of instructions or data structures and that can be accessed by
a general-purpose or special-purpose computer, or a general-purpose
or special-purpose processor. Also, any connection is properly
termed a computer-readable medium. For example, if the software is
transmitted from a website, server, or other remote source using a
coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, digital subscriber
line (DSL), or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and
microwave, then the coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair,
DSL, or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and
microwave are included in the definition of medium. Disk and disc,
as used herein, include CD, laser disc, optical disc, digital
versatile disc (DVD), floppy disk, and Blu-ray disc, where disks
usually reproduce data magnetically, while discs reproduce data
optically with lasers. Combinations of the above are also included
within the scope of computer-readable media.
[0117] The description herein is provided to enable a person
skilled in the art to make or use the disclosure. Various
modifications to the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled
in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be
applied to other variations without departing from the scope of the
disclosure. Thus, the disclosure is not limited to the examples and
designs described herein but is to be accorded the broadest scope
consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed
herein.
* * * * *