阅读说明：本技术 非易失性存储器设备、包括其的存储设备及其操作方法 (Nonvolatile memory device, memory device including the same, and method of operating the same ) 是由 朴周龙 于 2020-02-13 设计创作，主要内容包括：提供了一种非易失性存储器设备,其执行读取操作,在读取操作期间行解码器电路将接通电压施加到从多条地选择线中选择的第一地选择线；将关断电压施加到从所述多条地选择线中选择的至少一条第二地选择线,所述至少一条第二地选择线基于与读取操作相关联的读取地址从所述多条地选择线中被选择；以及在将预脉冲电压施加到所述多条地选择线之中的未被选择的地选择线之后,将关断电压施加到未被选择的地选择线。(A non-volatile memory device is provided which performs a read operation during which a row decoder circuit applies a turn-on voltage to a first ground selection line selected from a plurality of ground selection lines; applying a turn-off voltage to at least one second ground selection line selected from the plurality of ground selection lines, the at least one second ground selection line selected from the plurality of ground selection lines based on a read address associated with a read operation; and applying a turn-off voltage to unselected ground selection lines among the plurality of ground selection lines after applying a pre-pulse voltage to unselected ground selection lines.)

1. A non-volatile memory device, comprising:

a memory cell array including a plurality of cell strings arranged in rows and columns, each of the plurality of cell strings including a ground selection transistor among a plurality of ground selection transistors, one or more memory cells among a plurality of memory cells, and a string selection transistor among a plurality of string selection transistors; and

row decoder circuit of

Connected to the plurality of ground select transistors by a plurality of ground select lines,

connected to the plurality of memory cells by a plurality of word lines, an

Connected to the plurality of string selection transistors by a plurality of string selection lines,

the row decoder circuit is configured to control a voltage supplied to the memory cell array during a read operation to read data from a selected memory cell among the plurality of memory cells by:

applying a turn-on voltage to a first ground selection line selected from the plurality of ground selection lines;

applying a turn-off voltage to at least one second ground select line selected from the plurality of ground select lines, the at least one second ground select line selected from the plurality of ground select lines based on a read address associated with the read operation; and

applying the turn-off voltage to unselected ground selection lines among the plurality of ground selection lines after applying a pre-pulse voltage to the unselected ground selection lines.

2. The non-volatile memory device of claim 1, wherein the first ground select line is selected by the read address and the at least one second ground select line is selected from a group of the plurality of ground select lines that does not include the first ground select line.

3. The non-volatile memory device of claim 1, wherein

Each of the plurality of ground selection lines shares at least two cell strings among the plurality of cell strings with at least two string selection lines among the plurality of string selection lines; and

the row decoder circuit is configured to apply the off voltage to the at least two string selection lines sharing the at least two cell strings with each of the at least one second ground selection line.

4. The non-volatile memory device of claim 1, wherein

Each of the plurality of ground selection lines shares at least two cell strings among the plurality of cell strings with at least two string selection lines among the plurality of string selection lines; and

the row decoder circuit is configured to:

applying the turn-on voltage to a first string selection line selected by the read address from the at least two string selection lines sharing the at least two cell strings with the first ground selection line; and

applying the off voltage to at least one second string selection line that is not selected by the read address from among the at least two string selection lines that share the at least two cell strings with the first ground selection line, after applying the pre-pulse voltage to the at least one second string selection line.

5. The non-volatile memory device of claim 1, wherein

Each of the plurality of ground selection lines shares at least two cell strings among the plurality of cell strings with at least two string selection lines among the plurality of string selection lines; and

the row decoder circuit is configured to apply the off voltage to the at least two string selection lines sharing the at least two cell strings with the unselected ground selection lines after applying the pre-pulse voltage to the at least two string selection lines sharing the at least two cell strings with the unselected ground selection lines.

6. The non-volatile memory device of claim 1, wherein

Each of the plurality of ground selection lines shares at least one cell string among the plurality of cell strings with one of the plurality of string selection lines; and

the row decoder circuit is configured to apply the turn-on voltage to the one of the string selection lines that shares the at least one cell string with the first ground selection line.

7. The non-volatile memory device of claim 1, wherein

Each of the plurality of ground selection lines shares at least one cell string among the plurality of cell strings with one of the plurality of string selection lines; and

the row decoder circuit is configured to apply the off voltage to the one of the string selection lines that shares the at least one cell string with the at least one second ground selection line.

8. The non-volatile memory device of claim 1, wherein

Each of the plurality of ground selection lines shares at least one cell string among the plurality of cell strings with one of the plurality of string selection lines; and

the row decoder circuit is configured to apply the off voltage to the one of the string selection lines that shares the at least one cell string with the unselected ground selection line after applying the pre-pulse voltage to the one of the string selection lines that shares the at least one cell string with the unselected ground selection line.

9. The non-volatile memory device of claim 1, wherein a number of second ground select lines of the at least one second ground select line is selected.

10. The non-volatile memory device of claim 1, wherein the row decoder circuit is configured to apply the pre-pulse voltage to the first ground select line and then the turn-on voltage, and to apply the turn-off voltage to the unselected ground select lines while applying the turn-on voltage to the first ground select line.

11. The non-volatile memory device of claim 1, further comprising:

a random number generator configured to generate a random number, the at least one second ground selection line being selected based on the random number.

12. The non-volatile memory device of claim 1, wherein

The read operation is a first verify read operation; and

the row decoder circuit is configured to apply a first verify voltage to a selected memory cell through a selected word line among the plurality of word lines after applying a program voltage to the selected memory cell through the selected word line.

13. The non-volatile memory device of claim 12, wherein the first verify read operation is performed sequentially at least twice using different first verify voltage levels.

14. The non-volatile memory device of claim 12, wherein the row decoder circuit is configured to control the voltage supplied to the array of memory cells during a second verify read operation performed after the first verify read operation by:

applying a second verify voltage higher than the first verify voltage to the selected memory cell through the selected word line;

applying the turn-on voltage to the first ground select line; and

applying the off voltage to a group of ground selection lines, excluding the first ground selection line, among the plurality of ground selection lines.

15. The non-volatile memory device of claim 1, wherein

The read operation is performed in response to receiving a command;

receiving the read address indicating the first ground select line and a dummy address indicating the at least one second ground select line with the command; and

the dummy address is selected from a group of addresses that does not include the read address.

16. A storage device, comprising:

a nonvolatile memory device including a plurality of memory blocks, each memory block including a plurality of memory cells and a plurality of selection transistors; and

a controller configured to transmit a read command and a read address to the non-volatile memory device, the read address identifying a selected memory block among the plurality of memory blocks and one or more selected memory cells among the plurality of memory cells of the selected memory block,

the non-volatile memory device includes a processing circuit configured to control voltages supplied to the plurality of memory blocks in response to the read command in a first mode by:

applying a turn-on voltage to a plurality of first select transistors associated with the read address among the plurality of select transistors;

applying a turn-off voltage to a plurality of second selection transistors among the plurality of selection transistors, the plurality of second selection transistors being selected based on the read address; and

applying the off-voltage to a plurality of third selection transistors among the plurality of selection transistors after applying a pre-pulse voltage to the plurality of third selection transistors, the plurality of third selection transistors being selected based on the read address.

17. The memory device of claim 16, wherein the processing circuit is configured to control the voltages supplied to the plurality of memory blocks in response to the read command in the second mode by:

applying the turn-on voltage to the plurality of first select transistors, an

After the pre-pulse voltage is applied to a group of selection transistors, which does not include the plurality of first selection transistors, among the plurality of selection transistors, the off-voltage is applied to the group of selection transistors.

18. The storage device of claim 17, wherein the controller is configured to:

controlling the non-volatile memory device according to the second mode when a standard value is above a threshold; and

controlling the non-volatile memory device according to the first mode when the criterion value is less than the threshold value, the criterion value including one of a read count, an amount of program and erase cycles, and a bit error rate of the selected memory block.

19. The memory device of claim 16, wherein the controller is configured to send a dummy address indicating a plurality of locations of the plurality of second select transistors, or an amount of the plurality of second select transistors, to the non-volatile memory device along with the read command and the read address.

20. A method of operating a non-volatile memory device including a plurality of memory cells and a plurality of select transistors, the method comprising:

receiving a read command and a read address indicating one or more selected memory cells among the plurality of memory cells; and

performing a read operation in response to the read command, comprising:

applying a turn-on voltage to a plurality of first select transistors associated with the read address among the plurality of select transistors;

applying a turn-off voltage to a plurality of second selection transistors among the plurality of selection transistors, the plurality of second selection transistors being selected based on the read address; and

applying the off-voltage to a plurality of third selection transistors among the plurality of selection transistors after applying a pre-pulse voltage to the plurality of third selection transistors, the plurality of third selection transistors being selected based on the read address.

Technical Field

Example embodiments of the inventive concepts relate to semiconductor circuits, and more particularly, to non-volatile memory devices, storage devices including non-volatile memory devices, and/or methods of operating non-volatile memory devices configured to selectively apply a pre-pulse (pre) voltage to provide a balance between tradeoffs including data reliability, operating speed, and/or power consumption.

Background

Storage devices store data under the control of a host device, such as a computer, smart phone, smart tablet, etc. The storage device includes a magnetic disk such as a Hard Disk Drive (HDD), and/or a semiconductor memory (e.g., a nonvolatile memory) such as a solid state drive or a memory card.

Types of non-volatile memory include Read Only Memory (ROM), Programmable ROM (PROM), Electrically Programmable ROM (EPROM), Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM (EEPROM), flash memory, phase change random access memory (PRAM), Magnetic RAM (MRAM), Resistive RAM (RRAM), Ferroelectric RAM (FRAM), and the like.

With the development of semiconductor manufacturing technology, the integration and capacity of nonvolatile memory devices and memory devices including the same have increased. Due to the high integration of the non-volatile memory device and the storage device including the non-volatile memory device, the production cost thereof has been reduced.

Increased integration of non-volatile memory devices and storage devices has resulted in reduced size and structural variations. In order to suppress a decrease in data reliability of a nonvolatile memory device and a storage device including the nonvolatile memory device, various techniques are applied thereto.

However, various techniques to inhibit a reduction in data reliability of non-volatile memory devices and storage devices including non-volatile memory devices may reduce their operating speed and/or increase their power consumption.

Disclosure of Invention

According to example embodiments of the inventive concepts, a non-volatile memory device may include: a memory cell array including a plurality of cell strings arranged in rows and columns, each of the plurality of cell strings including a ground selection transistor among a plurality of ground selection transistors, one or more memory cells among a plurality of memory cells, and a string selection transistor among a plurality of string selection transistors; and a row decoder circuit connected to the plurality of ground selection transistors through a plurality of ground selection lines, connected to the plurality of memory cells through a plurality of word lines, and connected to the plurality of string selection transistors through a plurality of string selection lines. The row decoder circuit may be configured to control a voltage supplied to the memory cell array during a read operation of reading data from a selected memory cell among the plurality of memory cells by: applying a turn-on voltage to a first ground selection line selected from the plurality of ground selection lines; applying a turn-off voltage to at least one second ground selection line selected from the plurality of ground selection lines, the at least one second ground selection line selected from the plurality of ground selection lines based on a read address associated with a read operation; and applying a turn-off voltage to an unselected ground selection line among the plurality of ground selection lines after applying a pre-pulse voltage to the unselected ground selection line.

According to example embodiments of the inventive concepts, a storage device may include: a nonvolatile memory device including a plurality of memory blocks, each memory block including a plurality of memory cells and a plurality of selection transistors; and a controller configured to transmit a read command and a read address to the non-volatile memory device, the read address identifying a selected memory block among the plurality of memory blocks and one or more selected memory cells among the plurality of memory cells of the selected memory block. The non-volatile memory device may include a processing circuit configured to control voltages supplied to the plurality of memory blocks in response to a read command in a first mode by: applying a turn-on voltage to a plurality of first select transistors associated with a read address among the plurality of select transistors; applying a turn-off voltage to a plurality of second selection transistors among the plurality of selection transistors, the plurality of second selection transistors being selected based on a read address; and applying an off-voltage to a plurality of third selection transistors among the plurality of selection transistors after applying a pre-pulse voltage to the plurality of third selection transistors, the plurality of third selection transistors being selected based on a read address.

According to example embodiments of the inventive concepts, an operating method of a nonvolatile memory device including a plurality of memory cells and a plurality of selection transistors may include: receiving a read command and a read address indicating one or more selected memory cells among the plurality of memory cells; and performing a read operation in response to the read command, including: applying a turn-on voltage to a plurality of first select transistors associated with a read address among the plurality of select transistors; applying a turn-off voltage to a plurality of second selection transistors among the plurality of selection transistors, the plurality of second selection transistors being selected based on a read address; and applying an off-voltage to a plurality of third selection transistors among the plurality of selection transistors after applying a pre-pulse voltage to the plurality of third selection transistors, the plurality of third selection transistors being selected based on a read address.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a block diagram of a nonvolatile memory device according to an example embodiment of the inventive concepts.

Fig. 2 is a circuit diagram illustrating one of the memory blocks of fig. 1 according to an example embodiment of the inventive concepts.

Fig. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of voltages applied to the memory block of fig. 2 during a read operation according to an example embodiment of the inventive concepts.

Fig. 4 illustrates an example of applying the voltage of fig. 3 to a cell string of the second column of the memory block of fig. 2 according to an example embodiment of the inventive concepts.

Fig. 5 illustrates an example of voltages applied to the memory block of fig. 2 during a read operation according to an example embodiment of the inventive concepts.

Fig. 6 illustrates an example of applying the voltage of fig. 5 to a cell string of the second column of the memory block of fig. 2 according to an example embodiment of the inventive concepts.

Fig. 7 illustrates an operation method of a nonvolatile memory device according to an example embodiment of the inventive concepts.

Fig. 8 illustrates an example of voltages applied to the memory block of fig. 2 during a read operation according to the operation method of fig. 7, according to an example embodiment of the inventive concepts.

Fig. 9 illustrates an example of applying the voltage of fig. 8 to a cell string of the second column of the memory block of fig. 2 according to an example embodiment of the inventive concepts.

Fig. 10 illustrates one of the memory blocks of fig. 1 according to an example embodiment of the inventive concepts.

Fig. 11 illustrates an example of voltages applied to the memory block of fig. 10 during a read operation according to the operating method of fig. 7, according to an example embodiment of the inventive concepts.

Fig. 12 illustrates an example of applying the voltage of fig. 11 to a cell string of the second column of the memory block of fig. 10 according to an example embodiment of the inventive concepts.

Fig. 13 illustrates an example of a pre-pulse selector according to an example embodiment of the inventive concepts.

Fig. 14 illustrates an example in which a nonvolatile memory device applies a program voltage during a write operation and then performs a verify read by applying a verify voltage according to an example embodiment of the inventive concepts.

Fig. 15 is a block diagram of a storage device according to an example embodiment of the inventive concepts.

Fig. 16 illustrates an example in which a controller controls a pre-pulse selector according to an example embodiment of the inventive concepts.

Fig. 17 illustrates an example in which a controller transmits information associated with a pre-pulse to a non-volatile memory device according to an example embodiment of the inventive concepts.

Detailed Description

Various example embodiments will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings. Like reference numerals may refer to like elements throughout the application.

Fig. 1 is a block diagram of a nonvolatile memory device according to an example embodiment of the inventive concepts.

Referring to fig. 1, a non-volatile memory device 100 may include a memory cell array 110, a row decoder circuit 120 (which may also be referred to as a row decoder and/or a row decoder block), a page buffer circuit 130 (which may also be referred to as a page buffer and/or a page buffer block), a data input/output (I/O) circuit 140 (which may also be referred to as a data input/output block), a pass/fail check circuit 150 (which may also be referred to as a pass/fail check block), and/or a control logic and voltage generation circuit 160 (which may also be referred to as a control logic and voltage generation block).

The memory cell array 110 may include a plurality of memory blocks BLK1 through BLKz (e.g., BLK1, BLK2, BLK3, BLK4, … …, BLKz). Each of the plurality of memory blocks BLK1 to BLKz may include a plurality of memory cells. Each of the plurality of memory blocks BLK1 to BLKz may be connected to the row decoder block 120 through a ground selection line GSL, a word line WL, and/or a string selection line SSL.

Each of the plurality of memory blocks BLK1 through BLKz may be connected to the page buffer block 130 through a plurality of bit lines BL. The plurality of memory blocks BLK1 to BLKz may be commonly connected to the plurality of bit lines BL. The memory cells of the plurality of memory blocks BLK1 BLKz may have the same structure or a similar structure.

As an example, each of the plurality of memory blocks BLK1 to BLKz may be a unit of an erase operation. The memory cells of the memory cell array 110 can be erased in units of one memory block. The memory cells included in a memory block may be erased simultaneously (at the same time) or contemporaneously (at the same time). In further examples, each of the plurality of memory blocks BLK1 BLKz may be divided into a plurality of sub-blocks. Each of the plurality of sub blocks may be a unit of an erase operation.

In some embodiments, each of the plurality of memory blocks BLK 1-BLKz may include a physical memory space identified by a block address. Each word line WL may correspond to a physical memory space identified by a row address. Each bit line BL may correspond to a physical memory space identified by a column address.

In some embodiments, each of the plurality of memory blocks BLK 1-BLKz may include a plurality of physical pages. Each physical page may include a plurality of memory cells. Each physical page may be a unit of a program operation. The memory cells of each physical page may be programmed simultaneously or contemporaneously. Each physical page may include a plurality of logical pages.

The bits programmed in each memory cell of each physical page may each form a logical page. The first bit programmed in the memory cells of each physical page may form a first logical page. The kth bit (where k is a positive integer) programmed in the memory cells of each physical page may form a kth logical page.

The row decoder block 120 may be connected to the memory cell array 110 through a plurality of word lines WL and/or a plurality of string selection lines SSL. The row decoder block 120 may operate according to control logic and control of the voltage generation block 160.

The row decoder block 120 may decode a row address of an address ADDR received from the controller 220 (refer to fig. 15) through a first channel (e.g., input and/or output channels), and may control voltages applied to the string selection line SSL, the word line WL, and/or the ground selection line GSL according to the decoded address.

The page buffer block 130 may be connected to the memory cell array 110 through the plurality of bit lines BL. The page buffer block 130 may be connected to the data input/output block 140 through a plurality of data lines DL. The page buffer block 130 may operate according to control logic and control of the voltage generation block 160.

The page buffer block 130 may decode a column address of the address ADDR and may exchange data with the data input/output block 140 based on the column address. For example, the page buffer block 130 may output data corresponding to a column address among data stored therein to the data input/output block 140. The page buffer block 130 may store data transmitted from the data input/output block 140 at a location corresponding to a column address.

The data input/output block 140 may be connected to the page buffer block 130 through the plurality of data lines DL. The DATA input/output block 140 may output the DATA read by the page buffer block 130 to an external device (e.g., the controller 220 (refer to fig. 15)) through a first channel (e.g., an input and/or output channel), and/or may transmit the DATA received from the controller 220 through the first channel to the page buffer block 130.

The pass/fail check block (PFC)150 may receive a read result from the page buffer block 130 after performing a verify read of a write operation. Based on the received read results, pass/fail check block 150 may determine a pass or fail result for the write operation.

For example, the page buffer block 130 may count the number of on-cells (on-cells) turned on during a verify read of a write operation. If the number of pass cells is equal to or greater than the first threshold, the pass/fail check block 150 may determine a failure. If the number of pass cells is less than a second threshold (e.g., a first threshold), pass/fail check block 150 may determine a pass. According to some example embodiments, the threshold value may be a parameter that is determined depending on the number of error bits correctable by an error correction code, determined through empirical studies, or determined by a request from a manufacturer that manufactures various products using the nonvolatile memory device 100.

The control logic and voltage generation block 160 may receive a command CMD from the controller 220 (refer to fig. 15) through a first channel and receive a control signal from the controller 220 (refer to fig. 15) through a second channel (e.g., a control channel). The control logic and voltage generation block 160 may receive a command CMD received through the first channel in response to a control signal, may route an address ADDR received through the first channel to the row decoder block 120 and the page buffer block 130, and/or may route DATA received through the first channel to the DATA input/output block 140.

The control logic and voltage generation block 160 may be configured to generate various voltages for application to the memory cell array 110 during read, write, and/or erase operations. The control logic and voltage generation block 160 may decode the received command CMD, and may control the nonvolatile memory device 100 according to the decoded command CMD. During a verify read of a write operation, control logic and voltage generation block 160 may receive a pass or fail determination from pass/fail check block 150.

The control logic and voltage generation block 160 may include a pre-pulse selector 170. The pre-pulse selector 170 may be configured to select an object to which a pre-pulse voltage is to be applied during a read operation and/or a verify read. The operation of the pre-pulse selector 170 will be described in detail with reference to fig. 7 to 9. According to some example embodiments, operations described herein as being performed by any or all of non-volatile memory device 100, row decoder circuit 120, page buffer circuit 130, data input/output (I/O) circuit 140, pass/fail check circuit 150, control logic and voltage generation circuit 160, and pre-pulse selector 170 may be performed by processing circuitry. The term "processing circuitry" as used in this disclosure may refer to, for example, hardware comprising logic circuitry; a hardware/software combination, such as a processor executing software; or a combination thereof. For example, the processing circuit may more particularly include, but is not limited to, a Central Processing Unit (CPU), an Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU), a digital signal processor, a microcomputer, a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), a system on a chip (SoC), a programmable logic unit, a microprocessor, an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), and the like.

Fig. 2 is a circuit diagram illustrating one of the memory blocks of fig. 1 according to an example embodiment of the inventive concepts.

Referring to fig. 1 and 2, in one memory block BLKa among the memory blocks BLK1 to BLKz, a plurality of cell strings CS may be arranged in rows and columns on the substrate SUB. The cell strings CS may be commonly connected to a common source line CSL on or in the substrate SUB. To help understand the structure of the memory block BLKa, the position of the substrate SUB is exemplarily shown.

Referring to fig. 2, a common source line CSL may be connected to a lower end of the cell string CS. However, it is sufficient that the common source line CSL is electrically connected to the lower ends of the cell strings CS, and the common source line CSL is not limited to be physically located below the lower ends of the cell strings CS. As an example, the cell strings CS may be arranged in a4 × 4 array. In some embodiments, the memory block BLKa may include a greater or lesser number of cell strings CS than cell strings arranged in a4 × 4 array.

The cell strings CS of each row may be commonly connected to the ground selection line GSL1 or GSL 2. For example, the cell strings CS of the first and second rows may be commonly connected to the first ground selection line GSL1, and the cell strings CS of the third and fourth rows may be commonly connected to the second ground selection line GSL 2.

The cell string CS of each row may be connected to a corresponding string selection line of the first to fourth string selection lines SSL1 to SSL 4. The cell string CS of each column may be connected to a corresponding one of first to fourth bit lines BL1 to BL4 (e.g., BL1, BL2, BL3, and BL 4). To reduce the complexity of the drawing, the cell string CS connected to the second string select line SSL2 and the third string select line SSL3 is shown using lighter lines.

Each cell string CS may include at least one ground selection transistor GST connected to a ground selection line GSL1 or GSL2, a plurality of memory cells MC (e.g., MC 1-MC 8) respectively connected to a plurality of word lines WL 1-WL 8, and a string selection transistor SST connected to string selection lines SSL1, SSL2, SSL3, and/or SSL 4.

In each cell string CS, the ground selection transistor GST, the memory cells MC1 through MC8, and the string selection transistor SST may be connected in series in a direction perpendicular to the substrate SUB, and may be sequentially stacked in the vertical direction. In each cell string CS, at least one of the memory cells MC1 to MC8 may be used as a dummy memory cell. The dummy memory cell may not be programmed (e.g., may be inhibited from being programmed), or may be programmed differently than other ones of the memory cells MC 1-MC 8.

In some embodiments, the memory cells of the cell string CS of each row located at the same level (level) may form one physical page. A physical page of memory cells may be connected to a sub-word line. The sub-word lines of the physical page located at the same level may be connected in common to one word line (one of WL1 to WL 8).

In some embodiments, sub-word lines of a physical page located at the same level may be connected to each other at the same level. In some embodiments, the sub-word lines of the physical page located at the same level may be grounded to each other through another layer such as a metal line located at a different level from the sub-word lines.

Fig. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of voltages applied to the memory block of fig. 2 during a read operation according to an example embodiment of the inventive concepts.

Referring to fig. 1 to 3, in a memory block BLKa, a fourth word line WL4 and a second string selection line SSL2 may be selected. In other words, memory cells that collectively correspond to the fourth word line WL4 and the second string select line SSL2 may be selected as objects (e.g., memory cells) that are subjected to a read operation.

The row decoder block 120 may maintain the voltage of the first string selection line SSL1, which is not selected, at an OFF voltage VOFF. The OFF voltage VOFF may turn OFF the string selection transistor SST connected to the first string selection line SSL 1. For example, the level of the OFF voltage VOFF applied to the string selection transistor SST adjacent to the second bit line BL2 may be different from the level of the OFF voltage VOFF applied to the string selection transistor SST adjacent to the eighth memory cell MC 8.

The row decoder block 120 may apply an ON voltage VON to the selected second string selection line SSL 2. The ON voltage VON may turn ON the string selection transistor SST connected to the second string selection line SSL 2. For example, the level of the ON voltage VON applied to the string selection transistor SST adjacent to the second bit line BL2 may be different from the level of the ON voltage VON applied to the string selection transistor SST adjacent to the eighth memory cell MC 8.

Similar to the first string selection line SSL1, the row decoder block 120 may maintain the voltages of the third and fourth string selection lines SSL3 and SSL4, which are not selected, at an OFF voltage. The levels of the OFF voltages applied to the first, third, and fourth string selection lines SSL1, SSL3, and SSL4, which are not selected, may be the same or different.

The row decoder block 120 may apply a read pass voltage VREAD to the unselected first to third word lines WL1 to WL3 and the fifth to eighth word lines WL5 to WL 8. The read pass voltage VREAD may be a voltage higher than threshold voltages of the first to third memory cells MC1 to MC3 and the fifth to eighth memory cells MC5 to MC 8. The levels of the read pass voltages VREAD applied to the unselected first to third word lines WL1 to WL3 and the fifth to eighth word lines WL5 to WL8 may be the same or different.

The row decoder block 120 may apply a read voltage VRD to the fourth word line WL 4. The read voltage VRD may have one of various levels depending on an object to be read as marked by a dotted line. The row decoder block 120 may apply the ON voltage VON to the selected first ground selection line GSL 1. The level of the ON voltage VON applied to the first ground selection line GSL1 may be equal to or different from the level of the ON voltage VON applied to the second string selection line SSL 2.

The row decoder block 120 may maintain the voltage of the second ground selection line GSL2 at the OFF voltage VOFF. A level of the OFF voltage VOFF applied to the second ground selection line GSL2 may be equal to or different from a level of the OFF voltage VOFF applied to the first, third, and fourth string selection lines SSL1, SSL3, and SSL 4.

Fig. 4 illustrates an example of applying the voltage of fig. 3 to a cell string of the second column of the memory block of fig. 2 according to an example embodiment of the inventive concepts.

Referring to fig. 3 and 4, the channels formed in the cell string CS are shown in rectangles filled with dots. For example, when the read voltage VRD is applied to the fourth word line WL4, it is assumed that the fourth memory cell MC4 is turned off.

In other words, a channel may not be formed in the fourth memory cell MC4, and the fourth memory cell MC4 may divide the channel. Hereinafter, a channel (e.g., a channel formed adjacent to the string selection transistor SST) above the fourth memory cell MC4 may refer to an upper channel, and a channel (e.g., a channel formed adjacent to the ground selection transistor GST) below the fourth memory cell MC4 may refer to a lower channel.

When the read pass voltage VREAD is applied to the fifth to eighth word lines WL5 to WL8, the fifth to eighth memory cells MC5 to MC8 may be turned on and channels may be formed. When the OFF voltage VOFF is applied to the first, third, and fourth string selection lines SSL1, SSL3, and SSL4, a channel may not be formed in the string selection transistors SST connected to the first, third, and fourth string selection lines SSL1, SSL3, and SSL 4. Accordingly, upper channels corresponding to the first, third, and fourth string select lines SSL1, SSL3, and SSL4 may be separated from the second bit line BL 2.

When the ON voltage VON is applied to the second string selection line SSL2, a channel may be formed in the string selection transistor SST connected to the second string selection line SSL 2. An upper channel corresponding to the second string selection line SSL2 may be connected to the second bit line BL2 and may be supplied with the bit line voltage VBL from the second bit line BL 2.

When the read pass voltage VREAD is applied to the first to third word lines WL1 to WL3, the first to third memory cells MC1 to MC3 may be turned on and channels may be formed. When the OFF voltage VOFF is applied to the second ground selection line GSL2, a channel may not be formed in the ground selection transistor GST connected to the second ground selection line GSL 2. Accordingly, the lower channel corresponding to the second ground selection line GSL2 may be separated from the common source line CSL.

When the ON voltage VON is applied to the first ground selection line GSL1, a channel may be formed in the ground selection transistor GST connected to the first ground selection line GSL 1. Accordingly, the lower channel corresponding to the first ground selection line GSL1 may be connected to the common source line CSL and may be supplied with the common source line voltage VCSL from the common source line CSL.

Referring to fig. 4, an upper channel corresponding to the first string selection line SSL1 may be in a floating state, and a voltage of a lower channel may be maintained at a common source line voltage VCSL. When the read pass voltage VREAD is applied, the voltage of the upper channel can be boosted by coupling (coupling).

Hot Carrier Injection (HCI) may be caused in the fourth memory cell MC4 due to a difference between the voltage of the upper channel and the voltage of the lower channel. The hot carrier injection may cause variation in threshold voltages of adjacent memory cells, thereby causing data degradation.

Likewise, all upper and lower channels corresponding to the third and fourth string select lines SSL3 and SSL4 may be floated. The voltages of the upper and lower channels may be boosted by reading the pass voltage VREAD. The voltage of the upper path and the voltage of the lower path may vary according to an environment in which boosting occurs, and the voltage of the upper path and the voltage of the lower path may also cause degradation of data based on hot carrier injection.

As described above, when a read operation is performed, the reliability of stored data may be deteriorated due to hot carrier injection. This phenomenon may also occur when a verify read is performed during a write operation. For example, verify reading may be performed in the same manner as or similar to that described with reference to fig. 3 and 4 by replacing the read voltage VRD with a verify voltage, and thus degradation of data may occur during verify reading.

Fig. 5 illustrates an example of voltages applied to the memory block of fig. 2 during a read operation according to an example embodiment of the inventive concepts.

Referring to fig. 5, it is assumed that the second string selection line SSL2 and the fourth word line WL4 are selected by the address ADDR, as described with reference to fig. 3.

Compared to the example of fig. 3, after applying the pre-pulse voltage VPRE to the first, third, and fourth string selection lines SSL1, SSL3, and SSL4, the row decoder block 120 may apply an OFF voltage VOFF to the first, third, and fourth string selection lines SSL1, SSL3, and SSL 4. After applying the pre-pulse voltage VPRE to the unselected second ground selection line GSL2, the row decoder block 120 may also apply an OFF voltage VOFF to the unselected second ground selection line GSL 2.

The pre-pulse voltage VPRE may begin to be applied simultaneously or contemporaneously with the read pass voltage VREAD. The pre-pulse voltage VPRE may turn on the string selection transistor SST and the ground selection transistor GST. The pre-pulse voltage VPRE may be lower than the read pass voltage VREAD.

While the read pass voltage VREAD is applied to the first to third word lines WL1 to WL3 and the fifth to eighth word lines WL5 to WL8, the row decoder block 120 may apply the pre-pulse voltage VPRE to the unselected first, third, and fourth string selection lines SSL1, SSL3, and SSL4 and the unselected second ground selection line GSL2, and then may apply the OFF voltage VOFF thereto. The level of the pre-pulse voltage VPRE may vary depending on the location and kind (e.g., type of line) where the pre-pulse voltage is applied.

Fig. 6 illustrates an example of applying the voltage of fig. 5 to a cell string of the second column of the memory block of fig. 2 according to an example embodiment of the inventive concepts.

Referring to fig. 5 and 6, the channels formed in the cell string CS are shown in rectangles filled with dots. For example, when the read voltage VRD is applied to the fourth word line WL4, it is assumed that the fourth memory cell MC4 is turned off.

In fig. 6, an example of timings of voltages applied to the first to fourth string selection lines SSL1 to SSL4 and the first and second ground selection lines GSL1 and GSL2 is shown, compared with the threshold voltages VTH of the string selection transistor SST and the ground selection transistor GST.

While the pre-pulse voltage VPRE is applied to the first, third, and fourth string selection lines SSL1, SSL3, and SSL4, string selection transistors connected to the first, third, and fourth string selection lines SSL1, SSL3, and SSL4 may be turned on. The voltages of the upper channels corresponding to the first, third, and fourth string selection lines SSL1, SSL3, and SSL4 that are not selected may be initialized to the bit line voltage VBL.

When the OFF voltage VOFF is applied to the first, third, and fourth string selection lines SSL1, SSL3, and SSL4, which are not selected, an upper channel corresponding to the string selection transistor SST connected to the first, third, and fourth string selection lines SSL1, SSL3, and SSL4, which are not selected, may be boosted by the read pass voltage VREAD.

Likewise, the ground selection transistor GST connected to the second ground selection line GSL2 may be turned on while the pre-pulse voltage VPRE is applied to the unselected second ground selection line GSL 2. The voltage of the lower channel corresponding to the unselected second ground selection line GSL2 may be initialized to the common source line voltage VCSL.

When the OFF voltage VOFF is applied to the unselected second ground selection line GSL2, the ground selection transistor GST connected to the unselected second ground selection line GSL2 may be turned OFF. Thereafter, the voltage of the lower channel corresponding to the unselected second ground selection line GSL2 may be boosted by the read pass voltage VREAD.

In contrast to the example of fig. 4, the voltages of the upper and lower channels shown in fig. 6 can be initialized by the bit line voltage VBL and the common source line voltage VCSL, respectively. Therefore, by adjusting the bit line voltage VBL and the common source line voltage VCSL, the voltage to which the upper channel is boosted and the voltage to which the lower channel is boosted can be similarly adjusted. In other words, degradation of data caused by hot carrier injection may be prevented and/or reduced.

While the pre-pulse voltage VPRE is applied, the voltage of the upper channel and the voltage of the lower channel may be maintained at the bit line voltage VBL and the common source line voltage VCSL, respectively. Therefore, the upper and lower channels may be applied as parasitic capacitors to the first to eighth word lines WL1 to WL 8.

Since the upper and lower channels serve as parasitic capacitors, the time when the voltages of the first to eighth word lines WL1 to WL8 reach the target level of the read pass voltage VREAD may be delayed and power consumption may increase. In the examples of fig. 5 and 6, although the reliability of data is ensured, the speed of the read operation may be reduced and/or the power consumption may be increased.

Fig. 7 illustrates an operation method of the nonvolatile memory device 100 according to an example embodiment of the inventive concepts.

Referring to fig. 1, 2 and 7, the row decoder block 120 may select a first selection line (e.g., a string selection line and a ground selection line) based on an address ADDR (e.g., a read address) in operation S110. The first selection line may be related to a memory cell that is an object to be subjected to a read operation.

In operation S120, the pre-pulse selector 170 may select a second selection line (e.g., a string selection line and a ground selection line) to disable the pre-pulse. The pre-pulse selector 170 may receive the address ADDR. The pre-pulse selector 170 may select a second selection line among the selection lines other than the first selection line based on the address ADDR.

In operation S130, the row decoder block 120 may apply the ON voltage VON to the selected first selection line. In operation S140, the row decoder block 120 may sequentially apply the pre-pulse voltage VPRE and the OFF voltage VOFF to the non-selected selection lines, for example, remaining selection lines (e.g., a group of selection lines excluding the first selection line and the second selection line) in the memory block other than the selected first selection line and the selected second selection line.

In operation S150, the row decoder block 120 may apply the OFF voltage VOFF to the selected second selection line. In other words, the nonvolatile memory device 100 may distribute a selection line (e.g., an unselected selection line) to which the pre-pulse voltage VPRE is applied and a selection line (e.g., a selected second selection line) to which the pre-pulse voltage VPRE is not applied among remaining selection lines other than the selection line (e.g., a selected first selection line) selected by the address ADDR in the memory block selected by the address ADDR.

Since the pre-pulse voltage VPRE is not applied to some of the selection lines not selected by the address ADDR, parasitic capacitances applied to the first to eighth word lines WL1 to WL8 may be reduced, so that an operation speed may be improved and/or power consumption may be reduced.

When performing a read operation, pre-pulse selector 170 may select a different select line as the second select line. The position of the second selection line to which the pre-pulse voltage VPRE is not applied may be dynamically changed. Accordingly, deterioration of data occurring due to non-application of the pre-pulse voltage VPRE may be distributed over all cell strings in the memory block BLKa, and reliability may be improved.

Fig. 8 illustrates an example of voltages applied to the memory block of fig. 2 during a read operation according to the operation method of fig. 7, according to an example embodiment of the inventive concepts. As described with reference to fig. 5, it is assumed that the second string selection line SSL2 and the fourth word line WL4 are selected by the address ADDR.

Referring to fig. 1, 2, and 8, for example, in the structure of fig. 2 in which the cell strings CS of two rows are connected to one ground selection line GSL1 or GSL2, the selection of the second selection line may be performed in units of ground selection lines. For example, when the first ground selection line GSL1 is selected by the address ADDR, another ground selection line (e.g., the second ground selection line GSL2) may be selected as an object to which the pre-pulse voltage VPRE is not applied.

Although four rows of the cell strings CS are shown in fig. 2, the number of rows of the cell strings CS included in one memory block BLKa is not limited thereto. For example, three or more select lines may be located in one memory block. One ground select line may be selected by the address ADDR as an object to be read. The pre-pulse selector 170 may select at least one ground selection line as an object to which the pre-pulse voltage VPRE is not applied. The pre-pulse voltage VPRE may be applied to at least one ground selection line.

In contrast to the example of fig. 5, after the pre-pulse voltage VPRE is applied to the first string selection line SSL1 that is not selected, the row decoder block 120 may apply an OFF voltage VOFF to the first string selection line SSL1 that may share the cell string CS with the first ground selection line GSL1 selected by the address ADDR and that is not selected by the address ADDR.

The row decoder block 120 may supply the OFF voltage VOFF to the second ground selection line GSL2 selected by the pre-pulse selector 170. The row decoder block 120 may supply the OFF voltage VOFF to the third string selection line SSL3 and the fourth string selection line SSL4 that share the cell string CS with the second ground selection line GSL2 selected by the pre-pulse selector 170.

In some embodiments, as shown in fig. 9, it is assumed that an additional selection line GSL3 and string selection lines SSL5 and SSL6 sharing a cell string CS with the additional selection line GSL3 are provided to the memory block BLKa. The pre-pulse selector 170 may not select the additional selection line GSL 3.

The row decoder block 120 may apply the OFF voltage VOFF to the additional selection line GSL3 after applying the pre-pulse voltage VPRE to the additional selection line GSL 3. The row decoder block 120 may apply the pre-pulse voltage VPRE to the string selection lines SSL5 and SSL6 that share the cell string CS with the additional selection line GSL3, and may then apply the OFF voltage VOFF to the string selection lines SS5 and SS 6.

Fig. 9 illustrates an example of applying the voltage of fig. 8 to a cell string of the second column of the memory block of fig. 2 according to an example embodiment of the inventive concepts.

Referring to fig. 2, 8, and 9, the channels formed in the cell string CS are shown in rectangles filled with dots. For example, assume that the fourth memory cell MC4 is turned off when the read voltage VRD is applied to the fourth word line WL 4.

Compared to the example of fig. 6, the memory block BLKa may further include cell strings CS corresponding to the third ground selection line GSL3 and the fifth and sixth string selection lines SSL5 and SSL 6. The upper and lower channels of the cell string CS corresponding to the first ground selection line GSL1 selected by the address ADDR may be controlled as described with reference to fig. 6. In other words, voltages of upper and lower channels corresponding to the first ground selection line GSL1 may be boosted after being initialized to the bit line voltage VBL and the common source line voltage VCSL, respectively. Accordingly, degradation of data due to hot carrier injection may be prevented and/or reduced.

The cell strings CS corresponding to the second ground selection line GSL2 not selected by the address ADDR and selected by the pre-pulse selector 170 may be controlled as described with reference to fig. 4. In other words, voltages of upper and lower channels corresponding to the second ground selection line GSL2 may be boosted in a floating state. Therefore, the capacitances of the parasitic capacitors applied to the first to eighth word lines WL1 to WL8 may be reduced as compared with the example of fig. 6.

The cell strings CS corresponding to the third ground selection line GSL3 not selected by the address ADDR and not selected by the pre-pulse selector 170 may be controlled as described with reference to fig. 6. In other words, voltages of upper and lower channels corresponding to the third ground selection line GSL3 may be boosted after being initialized to the bit line voltage VBL and the common source line voltage VCSL, respectively. Accordingly, degradation of data due to hot carrier injection may be prevented and/or reduced.

By applying the pre-pulse voltage VPRE to some of the selection lines not selected by the address ADDR, the nonvolatile memory device 100 according to example embodiments of the inventive concepts may prevent and/or reduce degradation of data and may secure and/or improve data reliability. In addition, by not applying the pre-pulse voltage VPRE to the remaining selection lines among the selection lines not selected by the address ADDR, the nonvolatile memory device 100 may increase its operation speed and/or may reduce its power consumption.

The nonvolatile memory device 100 can distribute the degradation of data over all the cell strings CS by dynamically changing the position of the cell string CS to which the pre-pulse is applied (e.g., whenever a read operation is performed). Accordingly, concentration of degradation of data can be prevented and/or reduced, and data reliability can be ensured and/or improved.

The non-volatile memory device 100 can dynamically control the number of select lines to which the pre-pulse voltage VPRE is or is not applied. Accordingly, the nonvolatile memory device 100 may support tuning according to usage in consideration of trade-offs between reliability, operation speed, and/or power consumption.

Fig. 10 illustrates one of the memory blocks of fig. 1 according to an example embodiment of the inventive concepts.

Referring to fig. 10, a memory block BLKb includes rows of cell strings CS connected to different select lines, as compared to the memory block BLKa of fig. 2. In other words, four rows of cell strings CS may be connected to different first to fourth selection lines GSL1 to GSL4 (e.g., GSL1, GSL2, GSL3, and GSL4), respectively.

Fig. 11 illustrates an example of voltages applied to the memory block of fig. 10 during a read operation according to the operating method of fig. 7, according to an example embodiment of the inventive concepts.

As described with reference to fig. 8, it is assumed that the second string selection line SSL2 and the fourth word line WL4 are selected by the address ADDR.

Referring to fig. 1, 10, and 11, as an example, in the structure of fig. 10 in which the cell strings CS of one row are connected to one ground selection line, the selection of the second selection line may be performed in units of ground selection lines. For example, when the first ground selection line GSL1 is selected by the address ADDR, another ground selection line, for example, the third ground selection line GSL3 may be selected as an object to which the pre-pulse voltage VPRE is not applied.

In contrast to the example of fig. 5, the row decoder block 120 may apply the ON voltage VON to the second ground selection line GSL2 and the second string selection line SSL2 selected by the address ADDR. The row decoder block 120 may apply the OFF voltage VOFF to the third ground selection line GSL3 selected by the pre-pulse selector 170. The row decoder block 120 may supply the OFF voltage VOFF to a third string selection line SSL3 that shares the cell string CS with the third ground selection line GSL 3.

The row decoder block 120 may apply the pre-pulse voltage VPRE to the first and fourth ground selection lines GSL1 and GSL4 that are not selected by the pre-pulse selector 170, and then may supply the OFF voltage VOFF to the first and fourth ground selection lines GSL1 and GSL4 that are not selected. The row decoder block 120 may apply the pre-pulse voltage VPRE to the first and fourth string selection lines SSL1 and SSL4 of the cell string CS, which are shared with the first and fourth ground selection lines GSL1 and GSL4 that are not selected by the pre-pulse selector 170, and may supply the OFF voltage VOFF thereto.

Fig. 12 illustrates an example of applying the voltage of fig. 11 to a cell string of the second column of the memory block of fig. 10 according to an example embodiment of the inventive concepts.

Referring to fig. 10, 11, and 12, the channels formed in the cell string CS are shown in rectangles filled with dots. For example, assume that the fourth memory cell MC4 is turned off when the read voltage VRD is applied to the fourth word line WL 4.

In contrast to the example of fig. 6, the upper and lower channels of the cell string CS corresponding to the second ground selection line GSL2 selected by the address ADDR may be controlled as described with reference to fig. 6. In other words, voltages of upper and lower channels corresponding to the second ground selection line GSL2 may be boosted after being initialized to the bit line voltage VBL and the common source line voltage VCSL, respectively. Accordingly, degradation of data due to hot carrier injection may be prevented and/or reduced.

The cell strings CS corresponding to the third ground selection line GSL3 not selected by the address ADDR and selected by the pre-pulse selector 170 may be controlled as described with reference to fig. 4. In other words, voltages of upper and lower channels corresponding to the third ground selection line GSL3 may be boosted in a floating state. Therefore, the capacitances of the parasitic capacitors applied to the first to eighth word lines WL1 to WL8 may be reduced as compared with the example of fig. 6.

The cell strings CS corresponding to the first and fourth ground selection lines GSL1 and GSL4 that are not selected by the address ADDR and are not selected by the pre-pulse selector 170 may be controlled as described with reference to fig. 6. In other words, voltages of upper and lower channels corresponding to the first and fourth ground selection lines GSL1 and GSL4 may be boosted after being initialized to the bit line voltage VBL and the common source line voltage VCSL, respectively. Accordingly, degradation of data due to hot carrier injection may be prevented and/or reduced.

Fig. 13 illustrates an example of a pre-pulse selector according to an example embodiment of the inventive concepts.

Referring to fig. 1 and 13, the pre-pulse selector 170 may include a random number generator 171 and/or a selection logic block 176. Random number generator 171 may be configured to generate a random number R [1:3 ]. The random number generator 171 may include first to third flip-flops (flipflops) 172 to 174 (e.g., a flip-flop 172, a flip-flop 173, and a flip-flop 174) and a logic gate 175. According to some example embodiments, the operations described herein as being performed by the pre-pulse selector 170 may be performed by processing circuitry.

The first to third flip-flops 172 to 174 may operate in response to a clock signal CLK. The clock signal CLK may be generated in the nonvolatile memory device 100 and/or may be received from the external controller 220 (refer to fig. 15).

The first to third flip-flops 172 to 174 may be connected in series. The outputs of the first through third flip-flops 172-174 may be the first bit R1, the second bit R2, and the third bit R3, respectively, of the random number R [1:3 ]. The second bit R2 and the third bit R3 may be input to the logic gate 175. Logic gate 175 may perform an exclusive-or (XOR) operation on second bit R2 and third bit R3. The output of the logic gate 175 may be input to the first flip-flop 172.

The selection logic block 176 may receive a random number R [1:3], a partial address ADDRs, and setting information SET. The partial addresses ADDRs may be a part of the address ADDR. For example, the partial addresses ADDRs may include a portion of the addresses ADDR that points to a ground select line.

The SET information SET may include information about the condition under which the selection logic block 176 selects the second selection line. For example, the setting information SET may include the number (e.g., amount) of selection lines selected as the second selection lines (e.g., the number of ground selection lines). The setting information SET may separately include a condition on the read operation and a condition on the verify read (e.g., verify read operation).

The selection logic 176 may select a second selection line to which the pre-pulse voltage VPRE is not applied among the remaining selection lines except the first selection line indicating the part address ADDRs. The selection logic 176 may select the second select line by calculating (e.g., based on) a random number R [1:3] and a partial address ADDRs.

For example, the setting information SET may be received from the controller 220 (refer to fig. 15) in the form of setting information. The setting information SET may be received together with a command for a read operation or a write operation. The SET information SET may be stored in a meta area of the memory cell array 110 and may be read when power is turned on (e.g., when power is supplied to the memory cell array 110).

Fig. 14 illustrates an example in which a nonvolatile memory device applies a program voltage during a write operation and then performs a verify read by applying a verify voltage according to an example embodiment of the inventive concepts. In fig. 14, the horizontal axis indicates time T, and the vertical axis indicates a voltage applied to the selected word line WL 4.

Referring to fig. 1, 2 and 14, the row decoder block 120 may apply a program voltage VPGM to the selected word line WL 4. Thereafter, the row decoder block 120 may sequentially apply the verification voltage VFY to the selected word line WL 4. When each verification voltage VFY is applied, verification reading may be performed as described with reference to fig. 8 and 9. For example, each verification voltage VFY may be applied to the selected word line WL4 instead of the read voltage VRD.

The verification voltage VFY may have different levels. The verification voltages VFY may respectively correspond to logic states formed in the memory cells MC4 (e.g., refer to fig. 4). Each logic state may be a range of threshold voltages of the memory cell. By setting the threshold voltage of the memory cell MC4 within a certain range, a certain logic state can be written in the memory cell MC 4. The verify read may be used to detect that the threshold voltage of memory cell MC4 is within a particular range.

Data written to the memory cell MC4 may be encoded so that the number of logic states of the memory cell MC4 may become uniform or the like. Accordingly, the number of logic states corresponding to respective ones of the verify voltages VFY may be uniform or similar.

A memory cell in a logic state corresponding to a relatively low verify voltage may turn on when a relatively high verify voltage is applied thereto. A memory cell in a logic state corresponding to a relatively high verify voltage may be turned off when a relatively low verify voltage is applied thereto. As a higher level of verify voltage is applied, the number of turned-on memory cells among the selected memory cells MC4 may increase.

When the selected memory cell is turned on, the upper and lower channels may not be separated as described with reference to fig. 4, 6, 9 and 12. Therefore, hot carriers may not be injected and degradation of data may not occur.

When the nonvolatile memory device 100 according to the example embodiment of the inventive concepts performs the verify read using the verify voltage of the relatively low level, the pre-pulse of the pre-pulse selector 170 may be activated. The pre-pulse voltage VPRE may be applied to some of the selection lines not selected by the address ADDR, and the pre-pulse voltage VPRE may not be applied to the remaining selection lines of the selection lines not selected by the address ADDR.

When performing a verify read using a relatively high level of verify voltage, the non-volatile memory device 100 may deactivate (e.g., not activate or deactivate) the pre-pulse. As described with reference to fig. 3 and 4, the nonvolatile memory device 100 may not apply the pre-pulse voltage VPRE to the unselected selection lines, and may apply the OFF voltage VOFF to the unselected selection lines.

Fig. 15 is a block diagram of a storage device according to an example embodiment of the inventive concepts.

Referring to fig. 15, the storage device 200 may include a nonvolatile memory device 210 and/or a controller 220. The non-volatile memory device 210 may include the non-volatile memory device 100 described with reference to fig. 1. The non-volatile memory device 210 may include a pre-pulse selector 211. The pre-pulse selector 211 may include the pre-pulse selector 170 described with reference to fig. 1.

The controller 220 may transmit a command CMD and an address ADDR to the nonvolatile memory device 210 through the first channel and may exchange DATA with the nonvolatile memory device 210. The controller 220 may transmit a control signal to the nonvolatile memory device 210 through the second channel.

The controller 220 may include an error corrector 221 and a pre-pulse manager 222. The error corrector 221 may drive an error correction code ECC. The error corrector 221 may detect an error from the DATA read from the nonvolatile memory device 210 and may correct the error. According to some example embodiments, operations described herein as being performed by any or all of the controller 220, the error corrector 221, and the pre-pulse manager 222 may be performed by processing circuitry.

The pre-pulse manager 222 may control operations related to pre-pulsing of the non-volatile memory device 210. The pre-pulse manager 222 may generate the setting information SET (refer to fig. 13). The setting information SET may be transmitted to the nonvolatile memory device 210 in the form of a command CMD, an address ADDR, or DATA.

The pre-pulse manager 222 may control whether the pre-pulse selector 211 is activated. When the pre-pulse manager 222 activates the pre-pulse selector 211, the pre-pulse selector 211 may select the second selection line to which the pre-pulse voltage VPRE is not applied among the non-selected selection lines as described with reference to fig. 8 and 9 and/or fig. 11 and 12.

When the pre-pulse manager 222 deactivates (e.g., does not activate or deactivate) the pre-pulse selector 211, the non-volatile memory device 210 may perform a read operation or verify read as described with reference to fig. 3 and 4 and/or fig. 5 and 6.

For example, the pre-pulse selector 211 may include the selection logic block 176 (refer to fig. 13). The random number generator 171 (refer to fig. 13) may be included in the pre-pulse manager 222. The controller 220 may provide the random number R [1:3] (refer to FIG. 13) to the nonvolatile memory device 210 in the form of a command CMD, an address ADDR, or DATA DATA.

Fig. 16 illustrates an example in which a controller controls a pre-pulse selector according to an example embodiment of the inventive concepts.

In fig. 16, the horizontal axis indicates a standard value, and the vertical axis indicates a pre-pulse scheme.

Referring to fig. 15 and 16, the controller 220 may control the pre-pulse selector 211 depending on a standard value.

For example, the standard value may include the number (e.g., amount) of read operations performed after writing data in the memory block selected by the address ADDR. The standard value may include the number (e.g., amount) of write operations and erase operations (or program and erase cycles (P/E cycles)) performed in the memory block selected by the address ADDR (e.g., the amount of program cycles, the amount of erase cycles, and/or the amount of cycles to perform both program operations and erase operations). The standard value may include a Bit Error Rate (BER) of data previously read in the memory block selected by the address ADDR.

When the standard value is within the lowest first range (e.g., when the standard value is less than the first threshold), the memory block or data of the memory block selected by the address ADDR may be most robust (e.g., least degraded). The controller 220 may control the pre-pulse selector 211 in the first mode. For example, in the first mode, the pre-pulse selector 211 may select a first number (e.g., amount) of selection lines as the second selection lines to which the pre-pulse voltage VPRE is not applied.

When the standard value is within a second range higher than the first range (for example, when the standard value is higher than the first threshold and lower than the second threshold), the memory block selected by the address ADDR or the data of the memory block may be in a degraded state. The controller 220 may control the pre-pulse selector 211 in the second mode. For example, in the second mode, the pre-pulse selector 211 may select a second number of selection lines as second selection lines to which the pre-pulse voltage VPRE is not applied. The second number may be less than the first number.

When the standard value is within a third range higher than the second range (for example, when the standard value is higher than the second threshold), the memory block selected by the address ADDR or the data of the memory block may be in the most deteriorated state. The controller 220 may control the pre-pulse selector 211 in the third mode. For example, in the third mode, the pre-pulse selector 211 may not select the second selection line to which the pre-pulse voltage VPRE is not applied. The non-volatile memory device 210 may perform a read operation and a verify read as described with reference to fig. 5 and 6. According to some example embodiments, the first threshold value and/or the second threshold value may be parameters determined by empirical studies or determined depending on process characteristics, design characteristics, or use environments.

In other words, as the deterioration of the data of or written to the memory block progresses, the number of second selection lines to which the pre-pulse voltage VPRE is not applied may be gradually reduced. Accordingly, the reliability of data can be improved.

In fig. 16, it is shown that the relationship between the standard value and the pre-pulse scheme is linear, but the inventive concept is not limited thereto. For example, the standard value and the pre-pulse scheme may have an exponential or logarithmic scaling relationship.

Fig. 17 illustrates an example in which a controller transmits information associated with a pre-pulse to a non-volatile memory device according to an example embodiment of the inventive concepts.

Referring to fig. 15 and 17, the controller 220 may send information associated with the pre-pulse to the non-volatile memory device 210 as part of a general command sequence.

The controller 220 may send a first command C1 to the non-volatile memory device 210 according to a command sequence for controlling the non-volatile memory device 210. The first command C1 may include information about the type of command (e.g., read operation, read verify operation, etc.). Thereafter, the controller 220 may transmit the first to fourth addresses A1-A4 (e.g., addresses A1, A2, A3, and A4) to the nonvolatile memory device 210. The first to fourth addresses a 1-a 4 may include a row address and a column address.

Thereafter, the controller 220 may send the dummy address DA to the non-volatile memory device 210. The dummy address DA may include information associated with the pre-pulse. The non-volatile memory device 210 may retrieve information associated with the pre-pulse from the dummy address DA.

Thereafter, the controller 220 may send a second command C2 to the non-volatile memory device 210. The second command C2 may be an acknowledgement command requesting execution of the command. The second command C2 may include additional information associated with the first command C1. Thereafter, the first to nth data D1 to Dn (e.g., data D1, D2, D3, … …, Dn) may be exchanged between the nonvolatile memory device 210 and the controller 220 according to the types of the first and second commands C1 and C2.

According to some example embodiments, the dummy address DA may include setting information SET (refer to fig. 13). According to some example embodiments, the dummy address DA may include a random number R [1:3] (refer to fig. 13). According to some example embodiments, the dummy address DA may include information indicating activation or deactivation of the pre-pulse selector 211. According to some example embodiments, the dummy address DA may include an address of the second selection line indicating that the pre-pulse voltage VPRE is not (e.g., should not) applied.

As an example, the controller 220 may be changed (e.g., configured) to send information associated with the pre-pulse to the non-volatile memory device 210 in the form of a dummy command or dummy data instead of the dummy address DA.

As described above, the nonvolatile memory device 100 and the memory device 200 according to example embodiments of the inventive concepts may dynamically control the position and/or number of select lines to which the pre-pulse voltage VPRE is not applied during a read operation or a verify read. Accordingly, reliability of data can be ensured and/or improved, a speed of a read operation and/or a verify read can be increased, and power consumption can be reduced.

As described above, the components of the nonvolatile memory device 100 and the storage device 200 have been described using terms such as first, second, and third. However, terms such as first, second, and third, etc. are used to distinguish components from each other, but the inventive concept is not limited thereto. For example, terms like first, second, third, etc. do not encompass sequential or any type of numerical meaning.

In the above description, components according to example embodiments of the inventive concept are referenced using blocks. The blocks may be implemented as various hardware devices such as Integrated Circuits (ICs), application specific ICs (asics), Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), Complex Programmable Logic Devices (CPLDs), firmware driven in hardware devices, software as an application, or a combination of software and hardware devices. In addition, a block may include a circuit composed of an IC or a semiconductor device in Intellectual Property (IP).

While the present inventive concept has been shown and described with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present inventive concept as set forth in the following claims.