Abstract:
Apparatuses and methods associated with shaping codes for memory are provided. One example apparatus comprises an array of memory cells and a shaping component coupled to the array and configured to encode each of a number of received digit patterns according to a mapping of received digit patterns to shaping digit patterns. The mapping of received digit patterns to shaping digit patterns obeys a shaping constraint that limits, to an uppermost amount, an amount of consecutive digits of the shaping digit patterns allowed to have a particular digit value.
Abstract:
The invention concerns a method for determining a frequency for performing self-refresh and self-correction operations in a Dynamic Random Access Memory, DRAM, array. The method comprises measuring an operating temperature; determining an optimal frequency that minimizes the number of errors detected by an error correcting code, ECC, decoder based on the measured operating temperature; and setting the frequency for performing self-refresh and self-correction operations at the determined optimal frequency.
Abstract:
Embodiments of a memory are disclosed that may reduce the likelihood of a miss-read while reading a weak data storage cell. The memory may include a number of data storage cells, a column multiplexer, a first sense amplifier and a second sense amplifier, and an output circuit. The gain level of the first sense amplifier may be higher than the gain level of the second sense amplifier. The output circuit may include a multiplexer and the multiplexer may be operable to controllably select one of the outputs of the first and second sense amplifiers and pass the value of the selected sense amplifier. The output circuit may include a node that couples the outputs of the first and second sense amplifiers and the outputs of the first and second sense amplifiers may be able to be set to a high impedance state.
Abstract:
A method of decreasing the test time to determine data retention of a memory cell having a floating gate for the storage of charges thereon to determine if the memory cell has a leakage current from the floating gate. The memory cell is characterized by the leakage current having a rate of leakage which is dependent upon the absolute value of the voltage of the floating gate. The memory cell is further characterized by a first erase voltage and a first programming voltage applied during normal operation, and a first read current detected during normal operation. The method applies a voltage greater than the first erase voltage to over erase the floating gate. The memory cell including the floating gate is subject to a single high temperature bake. The memory cell is then tested for data retention of the floating gate based on the single high temperature bake.
Abstract:
The invention concerns a method for determining a frequency for performing self-refresh and self-correction operations in a Dynamic Random Access Memory, DRAM, array. The method comprises measuring an operating temperature; determining an optimal frequency that minimizes the number of errors detected by an error correcting code, ECC, decoder based on the measured operating temperature; and setting the frequency for performing self-refresh and self-correction operations at the determined optimal frequency.
Abstract:
The present invention relates a method for controlling a loss of reliability of a non-volatile memory (NVM) included in an Integrated Circuit Card (ICC). The method comprises the steps of -determining whether the NVM is reliable or not at the Operative System (OS) side of said ICC, and -generating an event associated with the reliability of the NVM at the OS side for an application of said ICC, if the NVM is determined to be unreliable.
Abstract:
Apparatuses and methods for low power combined self-refresh and self-correction of a Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM) array. During a self-refresh cycle, a first portion of a first row of the DRAM array is accessed and analyzed for one or more errors, wherein a bit width of the first portion is less than a bit width of the first row. If one or more errors are detected, the one or more errors are corrected to form a corrected first portion. The corrected first portion is selectively written back to the first row. If no errors are detected in the first portion, a write back of the first portion to the first row is prevented.
Abstract:
The disclosed embodiments provide a dynamic memory device, comprising a set of dynamic memory cells and a set of replacement dynamic memory cells. The set of replacement dynamic memory cells includes data cells which contain replacement data bits for predetermined faulty cells in the set of dynamic memory cells, and address cells which contain address bits identifying the faulty cells, wherein each data cell is associated with a group of address cells that identify an associated faulty cell in the set of dynamic memory cells. The dynamic memory device also includes a remapping circuit, which remaps a faulty cell in the set of dynamic memory cells to an associated replacement cell in the set of replacement cells.