Utilizing NAND strings in dummy blocks for faster bit line precharge

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United States of America Patent

PATENT NO 9595338
APP PUB NO 20160086671A1
SERIAL NO

14495283

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Abstract

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In NAND Flash memory, bit line precharge/discharge times can be a main component in determining program, erase and read performance. In a conventional arrangement bit line levels are set by the sense amps and bit lines are discharged to a source line level is through the sense amplifier path. Under this arrangement, precharge/discharge times are dominated by the far-side (relative to the sense amps) based on the bit lines' RC constant. Reduction of bit line precharge/discharge times, therefore, improves NAND Flash performance and subsequently the overall system performance. To addresses this, an additional path is introduced between bit lines to the common source level through the use of dummy NAND strings. In an exemplary 3D-NAND (BiCS) based embodiment, the dummy NAND strings are taken from dummy blocks, where the dummy blocks can be placed throughout the array to evenly distribute the discharging current.

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Patent Owner(s)

  • SANDISK TECHNOLOGIES LLC

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Inventor(s)

Inventor Name Address # of filed Patents Total Citations
Kuo, Tien-chien Sunnyvale, US 41 482
Lee, Juan Carlos Sunnyvale, US 5 39
Mizutani, Yuki San Jose, US 28 893
Mui, Man Fremont, US 40 634
Nguyen, Hao San Jose, US 23 242

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