Patent classifications
G11C11/2253
Active boundary quilt architecture memory
Methods, systems, and apparatus that increase available memory or storage using active boundary areas in quilt architecture are described. A memory array may include memory cells overlying each portion of a substrate layer that includes certain types of support circuitry, such as decoders and sense amplifiers. Active boundary portions, which may be elements of the memory array having a different configuration from other portions of the memory array, may be positioned on two sides of the memory array and may increase available data in a quilt architecture memory. The active boundary portions may include support components to access both memory cells of neighboring memory portions and memory cells overlying the active boundary portions. Address scrambling may produce a uniform increase in number of available data in conjunction with the active boundary portions.
Virtual ground sensing circuitry and related devices, systems, and methods for crosspoint ferroelectric memory
Virtual ground sensing circuits, electrical systems, computing devices, and related methods are disclosed. A virtual ground sensing circuit includes a sense circuit configured to compare a reference voltage potential to a sense node voltage potential, and virtual ground circuitry operably coupled to the sense circuit. The virtual ground circuitry is configured to provide a virtual ground at a first bias voltage potential to a conductive line operably coupled to a selected ferroelectric memory cell, and discharge the conductive line to the sense node responsive to the selected ferroelectric memory cell changing from a first polarization state to a second polarization state. A method includes applying a second bias voltage potential to another conductive line operably coupled to the selected ferroelectric memory cell, and comparing a sense node voltage potential to a reference voltage potential. Electrical systems and computing devices include virtual ground sensing circuits.
Architecture-based power management for a memory device
Methods, systems, and devices for architecture-based power management for a memory device are described. Aspects include operating a first memory bank within a memory device in a first mode and a second memory bank within the memory device in a second mode. The memory device may receive a power down command for the first memory bank while operating the first memory bank in the first mode and the second memory bank in the second mode and switch the first memory bank from the first mode to a first low power mode while maintaining the second memory bank in the second mode. The first low power mode corresponds to less power consumption by the first memory bank than the first mode. In some cases, switching the first memory bank from the first mode to the first low power mode includes deactivating circuitry dedicated to the first memory bank.
Memory with virtual page size
Methods, systems, and devices for memory with a virtual page size are described. Memory cells may be accessed in portions or page sizes that are tailored to a particular use or application. A variable page size may be defined that represents a subset or superset of memory cells in a nominal page size for the array. For example, memory cells associated with a page size of a memory array may be accessed with commands to a memory array. Each command may contain a particular addressing scheme based on the page size of the memory array and may activate one or more sets of memory cells within the array. The addressing scheme may be modified based on the page size of the memory array. Upon activating a desired set of memory cells, one or more individual activated cells may be accessed.
Three-Dimensional Memory Device and Method
In an embodiment, a device includes: a first dielectric layer over a substrate; a word line over the first dielectric layer, the word line including a first main layer and a first glue layer, the first glue layer extending along a bottom surface, a top surface, and a first sidewall of the first main layer; a second dielectric layer over the word line; a first bit line extending through the second dielectric layer and the first dielectric layer; and a data storage strip disposed between the first bit line and the word line, the data storage strip extending along a second sidewall of the word line.
CIRCUITRY BORROWING FOR MEMORY ARRAYS
Methods, systems, and devices for circuitry borrowing in memory arrays are described. In one example, a host device may transmit an access command associated with data for a first memory section to a memory device. The first memory section may be located between a second memory section and a third memory section. A first set of circuitry shared by the first memory section and the second memory section may be operated using drivers associated with the first memory section and drivers associated with the second memory section. A second set of circuitry shared by the first memory section and the third memory section may be operated using drivers associated with the first memory section and drivers associated with the third memory section. An access operation may be performed based on operating the first set of circuitry and the second set of circuitry.
MEMORY WITH VIRTUAL PAGE SIZE
Methods, systems, and devices for memory with a virtual page size are described. Memory cells may be accessed in portions or page sizes that are tailored to a particular use or application. A variable page size may be defined that represents a subset or superset of memory cells in a nominal page size for the array. For example, memory cells associated with a page size of a memory array may be accessed with commands to a memory array. Each command may contain a particular addressing scheme based on the page size of the memory array and may activate one or more sets of memory cells within the array. The addressing scheme may be modified based on the page size of the memory array. Upon activating a desired set of memory cells, one or more individual activated cells may be accessed.
Charge sharing between memory cell plates
Methods, systems, techniques, and devices for operating a ferroelectric memory cell or cells are described. A first ferroelectric memory cell may be used to charge a second ferroelectric memory cell by transferring charge from a plate of first ferroelectric memory cell to a plate of the second ferroelectric memory cell. In some examples, prior to the transfer of charge, the first ferroelectric memory cell may be selected for a first operation in which the first ferroelectric memory cell transitions from a charged state to a discharged state and the second ferroelectric memory cell may be selected for a second operation during which the second ferroelectric memory cell transitions from a discharged state to a charged state. The discharging of the first ferroelectric memory cell may be used to assist in charging the second ferroelectric memory cell.
POWER GATING IN A MEMORY DEVICE
Methods, systems, and devices for power gating in a memory device are described for using one or more memory cells as drivers for load circuits of a memory device. A group of memory cells of the memory device may represent memory cells that include a switching component and that omit a memory storage element. These memory cells may be coupled with respective plate lines that may be coupled with a voltage source having a first supply voltage. Each memory cell of the group may also be coupled with a respective digit line that may be coupled with the load circuits. Respective switching components of the group of memory cells may therefore act as drivers to apply the first supply voltage to one or more load circuits by coupling a digit line with a plate line having the first supply voltage.
Active boundary quilt architecture memory
Methods, systems, and apparatus that increase available memory or storage using active boundary areas in quilt architecture are described. A memory array may include memory cells overlying each portion of a substrate layer that includes certain types of support circuitry, such as decoders and sense amplifiers. Active boundary portions, which may be elements of the memory array having a different configuration from other portions of the memory array, may be positioned on two sides of the memory array and may increase available data in a quilt architecture memory. The active boundary portions may include support components to access both memory cells of neighboring memory portions and memory cells overlying the active boundary portions. Address scrambling may produce a uniform increase in number of available data in conjunction with the active boundary portions.