Data modulation for groups of memory cells
AssigneeMicron Technology, Inc.
InventorsZhenlei Shen, William H. Radke
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Methods, devices, and systems for data modulation for groups of memory cells. Data modulation for groups of memory cells can include modulating N units of data to a combination of programmed states. Each memory cell of a group of G number of memory cells can be programmed to one of M number of programmed states, where M is greater than a minimum number of programmed states needed to store N/G units of data in one memory cell, and where the programmed state of each memory cell of the group is one of the combination of programmed states.
Claims18
A method for programming memory cells, comprising:
- modulating N units of data to a combination of programmed states;
- and
- programming each memory cell of a group of G number of memory cells to one of M number of programmed states, where M is equal to a number of programmed states to which control circuitry is configured to program each memory cell of the group, where M is greater than a minimum number of programmed states needed to store N/G units of data in one memory cell, and where the programmed state of each memory cell of the group comprises one of the combination of programmed states.
A memory device, comprising:
- an array of memory cells;
- and
- control circuitry coupled to the array, wherein the control circuitry is configured to:
- assign 2N number of valid combinations out of MG number of possible combinations of programmed states to represent N units of data in a group of G number of memory cells, where each memory cell of the group is programmable to one of M number of programmed states, where M is equal to a number of programmed states to which control circuitry is configured to program each memory cell of the group, and where M is equal to 2ceil(N/G), and where N/G is a non-integer number;
- and
- modulate N units of data to one of the valid combinations of programmed states.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.