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TWI578318B - 3d nand memory device and operation thereof - Google Patents

3d nand memory device and operation thereof Download PDF

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TWI578318B
TWI578318B TW104125492A TW104125492A TWI578318B TW I578318 B TWI578318 B TW I578318B TW 104125492 A TW104125492 A TW 104125492A TW 104125492 A TW104125492 A TW 104125492A TW I578318 B TWI578318 B TW I578318B
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memory
control voltage
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active layers
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TW104125492A
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TW201706999A (en
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陳士弘
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旺宏電子股份有限公司
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Description

三維反及閘記憶體元件及其操作方法 Three-dimensional anti-gate memory element and its operation method

本發明是有關於一種高密度記憶體元件,特別是有關於具記憶胞之多個平面排列而成一三維元件的一種記憶體元件。 The present invention relates to a high-density memory component, and more particularly to a memory component in which a plurality of planes of memory cells are arranged to form a three-dimensional component.

由於積體電路中元件的臨界尺寸係朝向記憶胞技術之極限縮減,因此設計者往堆疊數層記憶胞平面的技術發展以達到更大的儲存容量,且達到更低的單位位元之成本。舉例來說,薄膜電晶體之技術可應用於電荷捕捉記憶體之技術,例如2006年12月之IEEE期刊所發表之”一多層可堆疊薄膜電晶體反及閘型快閃記憶體”(Lai,et al.,“A Multi-Layer Stackable Thin-Film Transistor(TFT)NAND-Type Flash Memory”,IEEE Int'l Electron Devices Meeting,11-13 Dec.2006),以及2006年12月之IEEE期刊所發表之”三維堆疊反及閘快閃記憶體使用堆疊單晶矽層於內層介電層和超過30nm節點的TANOS(Si-Oxide-SiN-Al2O3-TaN)結構”(Jung et al.,“Three Dimensionally Stacked NAND Flash Memory Technology Using Stacking Single Crystal Si Layers on ILD and TANOS Structure for Beyond 30nm Node”,IEEE Int'l Electron Devices Meeting,11-13 Dec.2006)。 Since the critical dimension of the components in the integrated circuit is reduced towards the limit of the memory cell technology, the designer has developed a technology for stacking several layers of memory cell planes to achieve greater storage capacity and achieve lower cost per unit bit. For example, the technology of thin film transistors can be applied to charge trapping memory technologies, such as the "Multilayer Stackable Thin Film Transistor and Gate Flash Memory" published by the IEEE Journal in December 2006 (Lai , et al., "A Multi-Layer Stackable Thin-Film Transistor (TFT) NAND-Type Flash Memory", IEEE Int'l Electron Devices Meeting, 11-13 Dec. 2006), and the IEEE Journal Institute in December 2006 Published "Three-dimensional stacking and gate flash memory using a stacked single crystal germanium layer on the inner dielectric layer and a TANOS (Si-Oxide-SiN-Al2O3-TaN) structure over 30 nm node" (Jung et al., " Three Dimensionally Stacked NAND Flash Memory Technology Using Stacking Single Crystal Si Layers on ILD and TANOS Structure for Beyond 30 nm Node", IEEE Int'l Electron Devices Meeting, 11-13 Dec. 2006).

再者,交錯式陣列(cross-point array)技術亦應用於反熔絲記憶體(anti-fuse memory),如2003年11月之IEEE期刊所發表之”具三維陣列之二極體/反熔絲記憶胞的512-Mb可程式唯讀記憶體”(Johnson et al.,“512-Mb PROM With a Three-Dimensional Array of Diode/Anti-fuse Memory Cells”IEEE J.of Solid-State Circuits,vol.38,no.11,November 2003),如Johnson發表之設計內容所述,其提出之複數層字元線和位元線係在交錯位置處具有記憶元素(memory elements)。此記憶元素包括一p+型多晶矽陽極連接至一字元線,和一n型多晶矽陰極連接至一位元線,且陽極和陰極以反熔絲材料分隔開來。 Furthermore, the cross-point array technique is also applied to anti-fuse memory, such as the "three-dimensional array of diodes / anti-melting" published by the IEEE Journal in November 2003. "512-Mb PROM With a Three-Dimensional Array of Diode/Anti-fuse Memory Cells" IEEE J. of Solid-State Circuits, vol .38, no. 11, November 2003), as described by Johnson's published design, the proposed multi-layer word line and bit line have memory elements at the interlaced positions. The memory element includes a p+ type polysilicon anode connected to a word line, and an n-type polysilicon cathode connected to a bit line, and the anode and cathode are separated by an antifuse material.

在Lai,et al.、Jung,et al.和Johnson et al所敘述之製程中,每一記憶胞層有數個關鍵的黃光步驟。因此製造3D元件需要的關鍵黃光步驟的總數目還要再乘上記憶胞層的總層數。因此,雖然應用3D陣列可以有高密度之好處,但較高的製造成本限制了此技術之使用。 In the process described by Lai, et al., Jung, et al. and Johnson et al, each memory cell layer has several key yellow light steps. Thus the total number of critical yellow light steps required to fabricate a 3D component is then multiplied by the total number of layers of the memory cell layer. Thus, while the application of 3D arrays can have the benefit of high density, higher manufacturing costs limit the use of this technology.

另一種結構提供了垂直反及閘記憶胞於一電荷捕捉記憶體之技術,係敘述於2007年6月發表的”以具沖壓和插塞製程之BiCS技術製作超高密度快閃記憶體”(Tanaka et al.,“Bit Cost Scalable(BiCS)Technology with Punch and Plug Process for Ultra High Density Flash Memory,”2007 Symposium on VLSI Technology Digest of Technical Papers;12-14 Jun.2007,pages:14-15)。敘述於Tanaka et al.之結構包括一多閘極場效電晶體,其具有可如一NAND閘極般操作之一垂直通道,使用矽氧氮氧矽(SONOS)電荷捕捉技術以產生一儲存位置於各閘極/垂直通道之 界面。記憶體結構係以半導體材料製得之一柱體設置成多閘極記憶胞之垂直通道,其具有一較低位置之選擇閘極鄰近於基板,和一較高位置之選擇閘極於上方。複數個水平控制閘極係由平面電極層和柱體交錯而形成。用來形成控制閘極的平面電極層並不需要關鍵的黃光製程來製作,因而可降低製作成本。然而,對於各垂直記憶胞仍需要許多關鍵的黃光製程。再者,以此法可以堆疊層置的控制閘極之數目是有限制的,需視垂直通道的導電度、所使用的程式化和抹除程序和其他等各項因素而決定。 Another structure provides a technique for vertical reverse gate memory in a charge trapping memory. It is described in June 2007, "Using BiCS technology with stamping and plugging process to make ultra-high-density flash memory" ( Tanaka et al., "Bit Cost Scalable (BiCS) Technology with Punch and Plug Process for Ultra High Density Flash Memory," 2007 Symposium on VLSI Technology Digest of Technical Papers; 12-14 Jun. 2007, pages: 14-15). The structure described in Tanaka et al. includes a multi-gate field effect transistor having a vertical channel that can operate as a NAND gate, using a SONOS charge trapping technique to generate a storage location. Each gate/vertical channel interface. The memory structure is a vertical channel formed by a semiconductor material and arranged as a multi-gate memory cell having a lower-position selective gate adjacent to the substrate and a higher-position selective gate above. A plurality of horizontal control gates are formed by staggering the planar electrode layer and the pillars. The planar electrode layer used to form the control gate does not require a critical yellow light process to be fabricated, thereby reducing manufacturing costs. However, many critical yellow light processes are still required for each vertical memory cell. Moreover, the number of control gates that can be stacked in this way is limited, depending on various factors such as the conductivity of the vertical channel, the stylization and erasing procedures used, and others.

又一結構中係提供了垂直反及閘記憶胞於一電荷捕捉記憶體之技術,其敘述於2009年發表的”具有16個疊層之管狀BiCS快閃記憶體和超高密度儲存元件之多層記憶胞之操作”(Katsumata,et al.,“Pipe-shaped BiCS Flash Memory with 16 Stacked Layers and Multi-Level-Cell Operation for Ultra High Density Storage Devices,”2009 Symposium on VLSI Technology Digest of Technical Papers,2009)(隨申請檢附)。敘述於Katsumata et al.之結構係包括一類似閘極全環繞(gate-all-around)記憶胞結構如BiCS,但是其為一P-BiCS具有一U型之NAND串列,該串列具有背閘極(back gate),可減少底部之寄生電容。選擇閘極更具有非對稱之源極和汲極結構可降低關閉電流(off-current)。 In another configuration, a technique for vertically translating the gate memory to a charge trapping memory is provided, which is described in 2009. "Multilayer with 16 stacked tubular BiCS flash memory and ultra high density storage elements. Memory cell operation" (Katsumata, et al., "Pipe-shaped BiCS Flash Memory with 16 Stacked Layers and Multi-Level-Cell Operation for Ultra High Density Storage Devices," 2009 Symposium on VLSI Technology Digest of Technical Papers, 2009) (attached with the application). The structure described in Katsumata et al. includes a gate-all-around memory cell structure such as BiCS, but it is a P-BiCS having a U-shaped NAND string with a back A back gate reduces the parasitic capacitance at the bottom. Selecting the gate with a more asymmetric source and drain structure reduces the off-current.

當3D堆疊記憶體結構可以大幅增加記憶體密度的同時,它也引入了值得注意的製程挑戰,例如,包括了需要對很多層進行非常深的蝕刻以形成很深的穿孔,和填入導電材料和多層介電層於深的穿孔中以形成柱體。如此的沖壓和插塞製程(“punch and plug”processes)會使要形成一從上到下具有均勻形 狀或直徑的柱體變得困難。再者,介電電荷捕捉結構的厚度會隨柱體形狀而變化。形狀和介電厚度的改變加強了記憶胞臨界電壓的收尾干擾(tail distribution of threshold voltages),而造成了開關狀況不佳以及記憶胞可靠度變差等情況。再者,當通道電壓應用於非選擇字元線,在徑寬不均勻的柱體上,位於較窄徑寬處之記憶胞不僅有電場強度變強的問題,也會受到通道電壓干擾。 While the 3D stacked memory structure can significantly increase memory density, it also introduces significant process challenges, including, for example, the need to etch very many layers to form deep vias, and fill in conductive materials. And a multilayer dielectric layer in the deep perforations to form a cylinder. Such stamping and plugging processes ("punch and plug" processes) will result in a uniform shape from top to bottom. Columns of a shape or diameter become difficult. Furthermore, the thickness of the dielectric charge trapping structure will vary with the shape of the cylinder. Changes in shape and dielectric thickness enhance the tail distribution of threshold voltages, resulting in poor switching conditions and poor memory cell reliability. Furthermore, when the channel voltage is applied to the non-selected word line, the memory cell located at a narrower diameter and width has a problem that the electric field strength becomes stronger and the channel voltage is disturbed on the column having a non-uniform diameter.

因此,相關業者無不希望能提出一種三維記憶體元件和操作方法,其可以降低元件之不均勻柱體所帶來的負面衝擊,且在製造程序後仍得以變化元件之密度。 Therefore, the related industry has no desire to propose a three-dimensional memory element and an operation method, which can reduce the negative impact caused by the uneven column of the element, and can still change the density of the element after the manufacturing process.

一種記憶體元件,包括複數個水平結構於一基板上,水平結構包括導電材料、或半導體材料或兩者;複數個垂直結構與水平結構正交設置,垂直結構包括導電材料、或半導體材料或兩者;複數個記憶胞位於垂直結構和水平結構之交會處(cross-points);一指示記憶體(an indicator memory),指示水平結構中若有任何水平結構在操作中因為偵測到缺陷會影響到指示層之記憶胞的可靠度而待被排除者;和控制電路耦接至水平結構。其中讀取或程式化記憶體元件時,響應於指示記憶體的控制電路係施加一第一控制電壓至水平結構中之一被選擇之水平結構,施加一第二控制電壓至未被選擇之水平結構,以及施加一第三控制電壓至水平結構中之一被排除之水平結構。 A memory element comprising a plurality of horizontal structures on a substrate, the horizontal structure comprising a conductive material, or a semiconductor material or both; a plurality of vertical structures arranged orthogonally to the horizontal structure, the vertical structure comprising a conductive material, or a semiconductor material or two The plurality of memory cells are located at the intersection of the vertical structure and the horizontal structure; an indicator memory indicates that any horizontal structure in the horizontal structure is affected during operation because the defect is detected. The reliability of the memory cell to the indicator layer is to be excluded; and the control circuit is coupled to the horizontal structure. Where the memory component is read or programmed, a second control voltage is applied to the unselected level in response to the control circuit instructing the memory to apply a first control voltage to a selected one of the horizontal structures. The structure, and a horizontal structure in which one of the third control voltages is applied to the horizontal structure is excluded.

以上描述係提出做為本揭露一些方面的基本理解。此描述並非用以定義本揭露之關鍵或重要元件、或是用以限定本揭露之範圍。以上描述僅是為了以一種簡化形態來呈現本揭露之 概念,並對於下文中更詳細描述的實施方式做一前序。下文的實施例,包括請求項、說明書和圖式之內容,係詳細說明本揭露之上述及其他方面。 The above description is presented as a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosure. This description is not intended to define key or critical elements of the disclosure, or to limit the scope of the disclosure. The above description is only intended to present the disclosure in a simplified form. Concepts and a preface to the implementations described in more detail below. The above and other aspects of the present disclosure are described in detail in the following examples, including the claims, the description and the drawings.

10‧‧‧共同源極線 10‧‧‧Common source line

11、611‧‧‧主動層 11, 611‧‧‧ active layer

12、612‧‧‧串列選擇線 12, 612‧‧‧ tandem selection line

13‧‧‧接地選擇線 13‧‧‧ Grounding selection line

15‧‧‧柱體 15‧‧‧Cylinder

210‧‧‧芯部 210‧‧‧ core

211‧‧‧孔縫 211‧‧‧ hole seam

212‧‧‧第一層氧化矽 212‧‧‧First layer of antimony oxide

213‧‧‧氮化矽層 213‧‧‧ layer of tantalum nitride

214‧‧‧第二層氧化矽 214‧‧‧Second layer of cerium oxide

215‧‧‧絕緣結構 215‧‧‧Insulation structure

20‧‧‧位元線 20‧‧‧ bit line

22‧‧‧接觸 22‧‧‧Contact

26A、26B‧‧‧主動層連接區域 26A, 26B‧‧‧ active layer connection area

28A、28B‧‧‧接地選擇線連接區域 28A, 28B‧‧‧ Ground selection line connection area

111、112、113、168‧‧‧區塊 111, 112, 113, 168‧‧‧ blocks

156‧‧‧位址解碼器 156‧‧‧ address decoder

158‧‧‧層解碼器 158‧‧ layer decoder

160‧‧‧三維記憶體陣列 160‧‧‧Three-dimensional memory array

161‧‧‧列解碼器 161‧‧‧ column decoder

162‧‧‧串列選擇線 162‧‧‧Sequence selection line

163‧‧‧頁緩衝區 163‧‧ ‧ buffer

164‧‧‧位元線 164‧‧‧ bit line

165‧‧‧匯流排線 165‧‧‧ bus bar

166‧‧‧行解碼器 166‧‧‧ row decoder

167‧‧‧資料輸出線 167‧‧‧ data output line

169‧‧‧狀態機 169‧‧‧ state machine

171‧‧‧資料輸入線 171‧‧‧ data input line

174‧‧‧其他電路 174‧‧‧Other circuits

175‧‧‧積體電路 175‧‧‧Integrated circuit

191‧‧‧組態暫存器 191‧‧‧Configuration register

192‧‧‧指示記憶體 192‧‧‧Indicating memory

604‧‧‧記憶胞 604‧‧‧ memory cells

606‧‧‧串列選擇閘極 606‧‧‧Serial selection gate

608‧‧‧接地選擇閘極 608‧‧‧Ground selection gate

615‧‧‧串列 615‧‧‧Listing

T1、T2、T3‧‧‧階段 T1, T2, T3‧‧‧

V’pass、Vpass‧‧‧通道電壓 V'pass, Vpass‧‧‧ channel voltage

第1圖為包括實施例之一積體電路之一簡化晶片方塊圖。 Figure 1 is a simplified block diagram of one of the integrated circuits including an embodiment.

第2圖係為實施例之一行方向上之一記憶胞的水平剖面圖。 Fig. 2 is a horizontal sectional view showing one of the memory cells in the row direction of the embodiment.

第3圖係為一三維垂直通道記憶體元件之立體圖。 Figure 3 is a perspective view of a three-dimensional vertical channel memory component.

第4A、4B圖為製程變異下,第3圖之一部份結構的垂直剖面圖。 4A and 4B are vertical cross-sectional views of a portion of the structure of Fig. 3 under process variation.

第5圖為包括本揭露一記憶體之一區塊的電路示意圖。 Figure 5 is a circuit diagram including a block of a memory of the present disclosure.

第6圖為根據一實施例之一程式化操作之一時序圖。 Figure 6 is a timing diagram of one of the stylized operations in accordance with an embodiment.

以下提出之實施例係使技術領域者可製造和使用本揭露,並提出一特別應用和其要求之內容為例做相關敘述。關於所揭露之實施例中對於技術領域者明顯可知的各種修飾變化,以及此揭露內容中所定義之通用規則,在不脫離本揭露之發明精神和範圍內,也可以應用至其他實施例和應用中。因此,本揭露並不限制於實施例所示之內容,而是包括了與此揭露內容之原則和特徵可相符合的最廣範圍。 The embodiments set forth below enable the person skilled in the art to make and use the present disclosure, and to provide a specific application and the content of the requirements as an example. Various modifications and variations of the present invention, which are obvious to those skilled in the art, and the general rules defined in the disclosure may be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. in. Therefore, the disclosure is not to be limited to the details shown in the embodiments, but the broad scope of the principles and features of the disclosure.

第1圖為包括實施例之一積體電路175之一簡化晶片方塊圖。如下所述,積體電路175包括一三維記憶體陣列(3D memory array)160和一指示記憶體(an indicator memory)192,指示記憶體192在元件操作過程中可指示出三維記憶體陣列的層中待 被排除(excluded)者。 1 is a simplified wafer block diagram of an integrated circuit 175 including an embodiment. As described below, the integrated circuit 175 includes a 3D memory array 160 and an indicator memory 192 indicating that the memory 192 can indicate a layer of the three-dimensional memory array during component operation. Waiting Excluded.

一位址解碼器(address decoder)156包括一列解碼器(row decoder)161、行解碼器(column decoder)166和層解碼器(level decoder)158。列解碼器161耦接至多條串列選擇線(SSLs)162,串列選擇線162係沿記憶體陣列160之列方向排列。行解碼器166耦接至多條位元線164以讀取和程式化記憶體陣列160中之記憶胞的資料,位元線164係沿記憶體陣列160之行方向排列。頁緩衝區(page buffers)163藉由線171和167分別耦接至資料輸入電路(data-in circuits)和資料輸出電路(data-out circuits),頁緩衝區163並耦接至沿記憶體陣列160之行方向排列的多條位元線164,以讀取來自記憶體陣列160的資料和寫入資料至記憶體陣列160。位址解碼器156經由匯流排線(bus lines)165提供位址給頁緩衝區163。其他實施例中,頁緩衝區可以整合至行解碼器166。層解碼器158經由字元線連接器(word line connectors)159耦接至記憶體陣列160的多個層。一指示記憶體192耦接至位址解碼器156和/或一控制器(controller),並儲存資訊以指示出被排除層(excluded level(s))。在另外的實施例中,指示記憶體192可以包含在位址解碼器156中。指示記憶體192可以是一遮罩(mask)之形態,可在3D區塊中遮蔽某些層避免用來儲存資料,而指示記憶體192是經由對該些被遮蔽層的偏壓設計來指示出被排除層。 The address decoder 156 includes a row of row decoders 161, a column decoder 166, and a level decoder 158. The column decoder 161 is coupled to a plurality of string select lines (SSLs) 162, and the string select lines 162 are arranged along the column direction of the memory array 160. The row decoder 166 is coupled to the plurality of bit lines 164 to read and program the data of the memory cells in the memory array 160, and the bit lines 164 are arranged along the row direction of the memory array 160. Page buffers 163 are coupled to data-in circuits and data-out circuits by lines 171 and 167, respectively, and are coupled to the memory array. A plurality of bit lines 164 arranged in the row direction of 160 are used to read data from the memory array 160 and write data to the memory array 160. The address decoder 156 provides the address to the page buffer 163 via bus lines 165. In other embodiments, the page buffer can be integrated into row decoder 166. The layer decoder 158 is coupled to a plurality of layers of the memory array 160 via a word line connectors 159. An indicator memory 192 is coupled to the address decoder 156 and/or a controller and stores information to indicate an excluded level (s). In other embodiments, the indication memory 192 can be included in the address decoder 156. The indication memory 192 can be in the form of a mask, which can be masked in the 3D block to avoid storing data, and the indication memory 192 is indicated by the bias design of the masked layers. Excluded layer.

其他電路174可包含於晶片上以支持利用記憶體的任務功能。一控制器(controller),在此實施例中係以一狀態機(state machine)169為例,係提供訊號以控制區塊168之電源供應 所產生或供給電壓的偏壓配置應用,例如控制讀取、抹除、程式化、抹除校驗和程式化校驗等之電壓以執行前述各種操作。一組態暫存器(configuration register)191耦接至狀態機169,以設定應用於程式化、抹除和讀取操作的電壓位準,以及設定應用於被排除層的電壓位準。亦可如技術領域者所知之使用一特殊目的之邏輯電路(special-purpose logic circuitry)做為控制器。在其他實施例中,控制器包括一通用處理器(general-purpose processor),可在相同的積體電路上實行,其執行一電腦程式以控制元件操作。在另外的實施例中,可利用一特殊目的之邏輯電路和一通用處理器的結合而實現控制器。控制器也可能結合了其他電路174功能和狀態機169,以改變區塊168之電源電壓供給的電壓。 Other circuitry 174 may be included on the wafer to support the task function of utilizing the memory. A controller, in this embodiment, is a state machine 169, which provides a signal to control the power supply of the block 168. A bias configuration application that generates or supplies a voltage, such as controlling the voltages of read, erase, program, erase verify, and stylized verify, to perform the various operations described above. A configuration register 191 is coupled to state machine 169 to set the voltage levels applied to the stylized, erase, and read operations, as well as to set the voltage level applied to the excluded layers. A special-purpose logic circuitry can also be used as the controller as is known to those skilled in the art. In other embodiments, the controller includes a general-purpose processor that can be implemented on the same integrated circuit that executes a computer program to control component operation. In other embodiments, the controller can be implemented using a combination of a special purpose logic circuit and a general purpose processor. The controller may also incorporate other circuitry 174 functions and state machine 169 to vary the voltage supplied by the supply voltage of block 168.

第2圖係為實施例之一行方向(column)上之一記憶胞的水平剖面圖。記憶胞之結構包括一柱體15具有半導體材料形成之一中央芯部(center core)210,且芯部210垂直地延伸穿過主動層和絕緣結構215交替形成之一堆疊,例如字元線層和絕緣層交替形成之堆疊。芯部210可透過沈積技術而形成一孔縫(seam)211穿過中間。一介電電荷捕捉結構(dielectric charge trapping structure)包括如氧化矽形成的第一層212、氮化矽形成的層213和氧化矽形成的第二層214(即ONO),或是其他多層的介電電荷捕捉結構包圍芯部210。串接的記憶胞係位於柱體和各主動層之交會處(cross-points)。由於柱體在結構之各層的直徑的變異,例如在某些層的記憶胞可能具有超出可接受範圍的性能特性,而使在該層的記憶胞在使用上變得不可靠甚至無法使用。實施例中,這樣的層可藉由程式化指示記憶體(an indicator memory) 來指示出,然後將其排除在資料儲存操作之外。 Figure 2 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of one of the memory cells in one of the columns of the embodiment. The structure of the memory cell includes a pillar 15 having a central core 210 formed of a semiconductor material, and the core 210 extending vertically through the active layer and the insulating structure 215 alternately forming a stack, such as a word line layer A stack formed alternately with the insulating layer. The core 210 can be formed through a deposition technique to form a seam 211 through the middle. A dielectric charge trapping structure includes a first layer 212 formed of yttrium oxide, a layer 213 formed of tantalum nitride, and a second layer 214 formed by yttrium oxide (ie, ONO), or other multilayer layers. An electrical charge trapping structure surrounds the core 210. The cascaded memory cell is located at the intersection of the column and each active layer. Due to variations in the diameter of the columns in the various layers of the structure, for example, memory cells in certain layers may have performance characteristics that are outside the acceptable range, making the memory cells in the layer unreliable or even unusable in use. In an embodiment, such a layer can be programmed by an indicator memory. To indicate and then exclude it from the data storage operation.

第3圖係為一三維垂直通道(vertical channel)記憶體元件之立體圖。記憶體元件包括複數個主動層(active levels)11例如字元線層且分別平行於基板,以及複數個柱體15垂直於基板做延伸,且各柱體15包括複數個串接記憶胞(series-connected memory cells)位於柱體15和主動層11之交會處。複數條串列選擇線(string select lines,SSLs)12係平行於基板延伸並位於主動層11上方,各串列選擇線與柱體15相交而形成一列。一柱體15與一串列選擇線12的各個交會處係定義出柱體之一串列選擇閘極(string select gate,SSG)。記憶體元件之結構亦包括接地選擇線(ground select lines,GSLs)13(有時因為位於一柱體15之低端,亦稱為低端選擇線),係平行於基板延伸並位於主動層11下方。一柱體15與一接地選擇線13的各個交會處係定義出柱體15之一接地選擇閘極(ground select gate,GSG)(有時亦稱為柱體15之一低端選擇閘極(lower select gate,LSG)of the pillar。一共同源極線(common source line,CSL)10係形成於與基板平行的層並位於接地選擇線(GSLs)下方。記憶體元件之結構亦包括複數條位元線20形成於平行於基板的層並位於串列選擇線(SSLs)上方。各條位元線20係疊置在各對應行的柱體15上方,且各柱體15係在位元線20其中之一的下方。柱體15的建構可能是如第2圖所示及敘述。 Figure 3 is a perspective view of a three-dimensional vertical channel memory component. The memory element includes a plurality of active levels 11 such as a word line layer and are respectively parallel to the substrate, and a plurality of columns 15 extend perpendicular to the substrate, and each of the columns 15 includes a plurality of serially connected memory cells (series -connected memory cells) is located at the intersection of the cylinder 15 and the active layer 11. A plurality of string select lines (SSLs) 12 extend parallel to the substrate and above the active layer 11, and the series of select lines intersect the column 15 to form a column. Each of the intersections of a cylinder 15 and a series of select lines 12 defines a string select gate (SSG). The structure of the memory component also includes ground select lines (GSLs) 13 (sometimes because it is located at the lower end of a cylinder 15 , also referred to as a low-end selection line), extending parallel to the substrate and located at the active layer 11 Below. A junction of a cylinder 15 and a ground selection line 13 defines a ground select gate (GSG) of the pillar 15 (sometimes referred to as a low-side selection gate of the pillar 15 ( Lower select gate (LSG) of the pillar. A common source line (CSL) 10 is formed in a layer parallel to the substrate and below the ground selection line (GSLs). The structure of the memory element also includes a plurality of strips. The bit line 20 is formed on a layer parallel to the substrate and above the series select lines (SSLs). Each bit line 20 is stacked above the column 15 of each corresponding row, and each column 15 is in a bit Below one of the lines 20. The construction of the column 15 may be as shown and described in Figure 2.

第3圖中,記憶體元件包括一階梯式接觸結構(stairstep contact structure)到主動層。對以深度蝕刻穿入該結構而形成接觸(contacts)22以連結主動層連接區域(active level connecting regions)26A、26B與上方之金屬內連接(metal interconnects)24。各主動層連接區域26A或26B係定義出記憶胞之一區塊。亦製作各個接地選擇線連接區域(GSL connecting regions)28A、28B。因此,為了從記憶體之一特定區塊讀取資料,控制電路(control circuitry)係觸發一主動層連接區域26A或26B,以選擇記憶胞之一區塊和堆疊之一特定層,並且更觸發一串列選擇線12以選擇一特定列(a particular row)。亦一併觸發一接地選擇閘極。然後,一列記憶胞之資料透過位元線20係被平行地讀取到一頁緩衝區(未顯示)(文中所提到的"觸發(Activate)"是指施加一特定偏壓而產生連接記憶胞或開關的效果,偏壓值可能高或低,視記憶體之設計而定)。根據產品的規格與設計,頁緩衝區可能控制兩列或更多列的資料,因此一個完整的頁讀取操作可能包括了兩條或更多條串列選擇線12的成功觸發。 In Figure 3, the memory component includes a stepped step contact structure to the active layer. Contactes 22 are formed by deep etching into the structure to connect active layer connection regions (active level Connecting regions 26A, 26B are connected to metal interconnects 24 above. Each active layer connection region 26A or 26B defines one of the memory cells. GSL connecting regions 28A and 28B are also formed. Therefore, in order to read data from a particular block of memory, control circuitry triggers an active layer connection region 26A or 26B to select one of the memory cells and a particular layer of the stack, and is more triggered. A series of select lines 12 is selected to select a particular row. A ground selection gate is also triggered. Then, the data of one column of memory cells is read in parallel to the one-page buffer (not shown) through the bit line 20 (the "Activate" mentioned in the text refers to the application of a specific bias to generate the connection memory. The effect of the cell or switch, the bias value may be high or low, depending on the design of the memory). Depending on the specification and design of the product, the page buffer may control two or more columns of data, so a full page read operation may include successful triggering of two or more string select lines 12.

利用沖壓穿孔和插塞製程,柱體係垂直延伸於所有半導體層之間,包括多個主動層11、多條串列選擇線12和多條接地選擇線13。形成從上到下具有均勻寬度的柱體是很重要的。柱體的寬深比(aspect ratio)越高,柱體寬度的均勻度就越差。柱體寬度的改變會造成臨界電壓(threshold voltages)的變異。半導體層的最底層是接地選擇線,而一柱體與接地選擇線的交會處是一接地選擇閘極,其做為一開關可用以選擇對應之柱體。在接地選擇線上方是主動層,在一柱體與主動層的交會處是記憶胞。位於最底層的接地選擇線可能具有最小柱體寬度,但由於所有的接地選擇閘極都在相同層,接地選擇閘極的臨界電壓之分佈並不會受到柱體寬度變化而被嚴重影響。但相反的,記憶胞位於不同層, 其臨界電壓會受到柱體寬度、直徑或其他特徵之變化的影響。 Using a stamped via and plug process, the pillar system extends vertically between all of the semiconductor layers, including a plurality of active layers 11, a plurality of string select lines 12, and a plurality of ground select lines 13. It is important to form a cylinder having a uniform width from top to bottom. The higher the aspect ratio of the cylinder, the worse the uniformity of the column width. A change in the width of the cylinder causes a variation in threshold voltages. The bottom layer of the semiconductor layer is the ground selection line, and the intersection of a pillar and the ground selection line is a ground selection gate, which can be used as a switch to select the corresponding cylinder. Above the ground selection line is the active layer, where the intersection of a cylinder and the active layer is a memory cell. The ground selection line at the lowest level may have the smallest column width, but since all the ground selection gates are in the same layer, the distribution of the threshold voltage of the ground selection gate is not seriously affected by the variation of the column width. But on the contrary, the memory cells are in different layers. Its threshold voltage is affected by changes in the width, diameter or other characteristics of the cylinder.

隨著柱體變化,臨界電壓之分佈可能變得更寬而產生收尾位元(tail bits)。一般而言,陣列中之記憶胞會因製程變異,而使臨界電壓的分佈為高斯分佈(Gaussian distribution)或常態分佈(normal distribution)之形式。沒有依循常態分佈的記憶胞,會造成程式化和抹除臨界電壓分佈的收尾。這些位元稱為收尾位元,他們的存在會影響記憶體的可靠度(reliability)。 As the cylinder changes, the distribution of the threshold voltage may become wider to produce tail bits. In general, the memory cells in the array may have a distribution of threshold voltages in the form of a Gaussian distribution or a normal distribution due to process variation. Memory cells that do not follow the normal distribution will cause stylization and erase the end of the critical voltage distribution. These bits are called ending bits and their presence affects the reliability of the memory.

第4A、4B圖為製程變異下,第3圖之一部份結構的垂直剖面圖。第4A圖中,柱體15之寬度在對應下層的主動層11處有劇烈下降,特別是在區塊111處。由於區塊111處的較窄柱體寬度,可能會產生具有較高臨界電壓的收尾位元。為了避免收尾位元影響記憶體的可靠度,係指示區塊111處的主動層11予以排除。記憶體元件中,柱體與主動層中之排除者交會處之寬度,可能小於柱體與被選擇(selected)和未被選擇(non-selected)之主動層相交會之寬度,在操作特性上可能產生變異而造成收尾位元的問題。 4A and 4B are vertical cross-sectional views of a portion of the structure of Fig. 3 under process variation. In Fig. 4A, the width of the cylinder 15 is drastically lowered at the active layer 11 corresponding to the lower layer, particularly at the block 111. Due to the narrower column width at block 111, a finishing bit with a higher threshold voltage may be generated. In order to prevent the end bit from affecting the reliability of the memory, the active layer 11 at the block 111 is excluded. In the memory component, the width of the intersection of the pillar and the excluded layer in the active layer may be smaller than the width of the cylinder intersecting the selected and non-selected active layers, in terms of operational characteristics. There may be problems with the variability that causes the finishing bit.

另一個實施例,如第4B圖所示,柱體寬度從上到下可能是逐漸下降。因此,柱體在對應上層主動層和下層主動層的不同寬度(請參照區塊112和113)會使臨界電壓的分佈變寬,而產生具有較高臨界電壓的收尾位元。相似地,為了避免產生收尾位元,其因寬廣臨界電壓分佈而發生在較窄或較寬的柱體寬度,係指示區塊112和113處的主動層11予以排除。 In another embodiment, as shown in Fig. 4B, the width of the cylinder may gradually decrease from top to bottom. Therefore, the different widths of the column corresponding to the upper active layer and the lower active layer (please refer to blocks 112 and 113) will widen the distribution of the threshold voltage, and produce a finishing bit with a higher threshold voltage. Similarly, in order to avoid the occurrence of a tailing bit, which occurs at a narrower or wider column width due to a broad threshold voltage distribution, the active layer 11 at blocks 112 and 113 is indicated to be excluded.

第5圖為包括本揭露一記憶體之一區塊的電路示意圖。如圖所示,記憶體之區塊包括串列(string)615之數目為NN×P 的串接記憶胞604。各串列615具有數目為NM的記憶胞604。各記憶胞604之結構如第1圖所示,且電性上包括一源極、一汲極和一控制閘極。由於許多電晶體的源極和汲極在電性上可相互交換,此兩終端有時亦共同地被稱之為「電流路徑終端」(current path terminals)。 Figure 5 is a circuit diagram including a block of a memory of the present disclosure. As shown, the block of memory includes a tandem memory cell 604 having a number N IX of strings 615. Each string 615 has a number of memory cells 604 of N M . Each memory cell 604 has a structure as shown in FIG. 1 and electrically includes a source, a drain, and a control gate. Since the source and drain of many transistors are electrically interchangeable, the two terminals are sometimes collectively referred to as "current path terminals."

各串列615亦包括一串列選擇閘極(string select gate)606和一接地選擇閘極(ground select gate)608分別串連於該串列之兩相對側之記憶胞604。串列選擇閘極606係做為串列選擇,而接地選擇閘極608則避免記憶胞電流在一程式化操作時穿過串列。再者,各串列選擇閘極606和接地選擇閘極608係做為的串列的電流路徑終端之控制閘極電極。 Each of the strings 615 also includes a string select gate 606 and a ground select gate 608 connected in series to the memory cells 604 on opposite sides of the string. The series select gate 606 is selected as a series, and the ground select gate 608 prevents the memory cell current from passing through the series during a stylized operation. Furthermore, each of the serial selection gate 606 and the ground selection gate 608 serves as a control gate electrode of the series current path termination.

記憶體元件之區塊包括NWL個分開的主動層611,各主動層611在一串列615中係對應一個記憶胞604。在區塊的所有串列615中,各主動層611於對應該層之記憶胞604則如同控制閘極電極之作用。主動層係耦接至可響應於指示記憶體(indicator memory)的控制器,指示記憶體可指示出欲排除之主動層。實施例所述之記憶體元件包括一指示記憶體,其可程式化以指示哪些主動層待被排除。指示記憶體可辨識出在記憶體元件的所有區塊中相同的被排除層,或是辨識出在記憶體元件的各區塊中不同的被排除層。 The block of memory elements includes N WL separate active layers 611, each active layer 611 corresponding to a memory cell 604 in a series 615. In all of the series 615 of blocks, each active layer 611 acts as a control gate electrode in the corresponding memory cell 604. The active layer is coupled to a controller responsive to the indicator memory, indicating that the memory can indicate the active layer to be excluded. The memory component of the embodiment includes an indicator memory that can be programmed to indicate which active layers are to be excluded. The indicator memory can identify the same excluded layer in all blocks of the memory element or identify different excluded layers in each block of the memory element.

記憶體元件的區塊包括NSSL條分開的串列選擇線(string select lines)612主動層611耦接至一串列選擇線解碼器(SSL decoder),串列選擇線612對於相應之串列選擇閘極606則如同控制閘極電極之作用。 The block of memory elements includes N SSL strip separated string select lines 612 active layer 611 coupled to a string of select decoders (SSL decoders), and tandem select lines 612 for corresponding arrays Selecting the gate 606 acts as a control gate electrode.

記憶體元件的區塊包括NBL條分開的位元線,且該些位元線係分別耦接至對應串列選擇閘極606的電流路徑終端之其中之一。 The block of the memory component includes NBL strips of bit lines, and the bit lines are respectively coupled to one of the current path terminals of the corresponding serial select gate 606.

記憶體元件之區塊包括一接地選擇線(ground select line,GSL)。接地選擇線係為區塊中所有接地選擇閘極608之控制閘極電極。 The block of the memory component includes a ground select line (GSL). The ground selection line is the control gate electrode of all ground selection gates 608 in the block.

另一實施例中,記憶體元件之區塊可包括超過一條的接地選擇線,且記憶體元件之接地選擇閘極608係區分為數目NGSL>1的可區別的非零子集合(distinct non-null subsets)之接地選擇閘極608。例如,當NGSL=2,接地選擇閘極608的各子集合包括串列615中一半的接地選擇閘極608。在接地選擇閘極608之一相應的子集合中,NGSL條接地選擇線分別為所有接地選擇閘極的控制閘極電極。 In another embodiment, the block of memory elements can include more than one ground select line, and the ground select gate 608 of the memory element is differentiated into a distinguishable non-zero subset of numbers N GSL >1 (distinct non -null subsets) ground selection gate 608. For example, when N GSL = 2, each subset of ground selection gates 608 includes half of the ground selection gates 608 in series 615. In a corresponding subset of one of the ground selection gates 608, the N GSL strip ground selection lines are the control gate electrodes of all ground selection gates, respectively.

第5圖中,一頁緩衝係由NBL×NSSL個位元組成,而一區塊係由NBL×NSSL×NWL個位元組成。當指示記憶體指示出排除WLM,記憶體元件之區塊辨識出待排除之一主動層WLM,區塊的位元數則降至NBL×NSSL×(NWL-1)。當指示記憶體指示出排除WLM和WLM-1,記憶體元件之區塊辨識出待排除之兩主動層WLM和WLM-1,區塊的位元數則降至NBL×NSSL×(NWL-2)。區塊之密度可藉由定義待排除主動層的數目而調整。排除之主動層並不一定必須是位於較下層之主動層,可以是任何位置之主動層。當一記憶體元件定義所有區塊中有NEX個待排除主動層,記憶體元件之密度係為NBL×NSSL×(NWL-NEX)×NBLOCK當NEX 2,待排除主動層可以是串連設置,或是無規地設置。 In Fig. 5, one page buffer is composed of N BL × N SSL bits, and one block is composed of N BL × N SSL × N WL bits. When the indication memory indicates that the W LM is excluded, the block of the memory component recognizes one of the active layers W LM to be excluded, and the number of bits of the block is reduced to N BL ×N SSL ×(N WL-1 ). When the indication memory indicates that W LM and W LM-1 are excluded, the memory element block identifies the two active layers W LM and W LM-1 to be excluded, and the number of bits in the block is reduced to N BL ×N. SSL × (N WL-2 ). The density of the blocks can be adjusted by defining the number of active layers to be excluded. The active layer excluded does not necessarily have to be the active layer located in the lower layer, and may be the active layer at any position. When a memory component defines all the blocks with N EX active layers to be excluded, the density of the memory components is N BL × N SSL × (N WL - N EX ) × N BLOCK when N EX 2. The active layer to be excluded can be set in series or randomly set.

又一實施例中,指示記憶體可以指示出1/2、1/4或1/8的主動層欲予以排除。 In yet another embodiment, the indicator memory can indicate that the active layer of 1/2, 1/4 or 1/8 is intended to be excluded.

指示記憶體包括一電編程熔絲(electrically programmed fuse,eFuse)記憶體、一快閃記憶體、一唯讀記憶體(ROM)、一隨機存取記憶體(RAM)、或類似物。 The indicator memory includes an electrically programmable fuse (eFuse) memory, a flash memory, a read only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), or the like.

控制電路(control circuitry)耦接至主動層。在讀取或程式化半導體元件的操作中,控制電路,響應於指示記憶體,係施加一第一控制電壓至主動層其中之一被選擇之主動層,施加一第二控制電壓至未被選擇之主動層,以及施加一第三控制電壓至主動層中之一被排除之主動層。 Control circuitry is coupled to the active layer. In the operation of reading or staging the semiconductor device, the control circuit applies a first control voltage to the active layer selected by one of the active layers in response to the indication memory, applying a second control voltage to the unselected The active layer, and an active layer that is applied to one of the active layers by applying a third control voltage.

第一、第二和第三控制電壓皆不相同。第一控制電壓係為程式化或讀取電壓施加至選擇之主動層。第二控制電壓係為導通電壓(Vpass)施加至未被選擇之主動層。第三控制電壓係為另一導通電壓(V’pass)施加至被排除層。 The first, second and third control voltages are all different. The first control voltage is a stylized or read voltage applied to the selected active layer. The second control voltage is applied to the unselected active layer by a turn-on voltage (Vpass). The third control voltage is applied to the excluded layer for another turn-on voltage (V'pass).

第三控制電壓可根據持續時間或圈數而做相應調整,視儲存於組態暫存器(configuration register)之操作時間或圈數的資訊而定。例如,在操作記憶體例如一年或1K圈數後,狀態機可接收來自組態暫存器的訊號和改變第三控制電壓。 The third control voltage can be adjusted according to the duration or number of turns, depending on the information stored in the configuration register or the number of turns of the configuration register. For example, after operating a memory such as one year or 1K laps, the state machine can receive a signal from the configuration register and change the third control voltage.

記憶體元件包括複數個水平結構(horizontal structures)於一基板上,複數個垂直結構(vertical structures)與水平結構正交設置,複數個記憶胞位於垂直結構和水平結構之交會處(cross-points),一指示記憶體(an indicator memory),指示該些水平結構中若有任何水平結構待被排除,以及一控制電路(control circuitry)耦接至水平結構,其中讀取或程式化記憶體元件時,響 應於指示記憶體的控制電路係施加一第一控制電壓至該些水平結構其中之一被選擇之水平結構,施加一第二控制電壓至未被選擇之水平結構,以及施加一第三控制電壓至水平結構中之一被排除之水平結構。 The memory component includes a plurality of horizontal structures on a substrate, a plurality of vertical structures are orthogonal to the horizontal structure, and a plurality of memory cells are located at a cross-point of the vertical structure and the horizontal structure. An indicator memory indicating that any horizontal structures in the horizontal structures are to be excluded, and a control circuitry is coupled to the horizontal structure in which the memory elements are read or programmed ,ring Applying a first control voltage to a horizontal structure in which one of the horizontal structures is selected, applying a second control voltage to the unselected horizontal structure, and applying a third control voltage to the control circuit of the indication memory A horizontal structure that is excluded from one of the horizontal structures.

指示記憶體亦可用來抹除記憶體元件。 The indicator memory can also be used to erase the memory components.

於一示例中,例如是一3D垂直通道結構(3D vertical channel structure),複數個水平結構包括導電材料、半導體材料或兩者,這些水平結構可能是主動層,例如字元線。複數個垂直結構包括導電材料、半導體材料或兩者,這些垂直結構可能是柱體。 In one example, for example, a 3D vertical channel structure, the plurality of horizontal structures include a conductive material, a semiconductor material, or both, and the horizontal structures may be active layers, such as word lines. The plurality of vertical structures include a conductive material, a semiconductor material, or both, and the vertical structures may be pillars.

於一其他示例中,例如是一3D垂直閘極結構(3D vertical gate structure),複數個水平結構包括導電材料、半導體材料或兩者,這些水平結構可能是主動層,例如位元線。複數個垂直結構包括導電材料、半導體材料或兩者,這些垂直結構可能是字元線。 In another example, such as a 3D vertical gate structure, the plurality of horizontal structures include a conductive material, a semiconductor material, or both, and the horizontal structures may be active layers, such as bit lines. The plurality of vertical structures include a conductive material, a semiconductor material, or both, and these vertical structures may be word lines.

請參照第5圖,以下係說明一程式化操作。其中一目標記憶胞標示為A,而待排除之主動層係為WLM。在程式化之前,抹除整個區塊以降低臨界電壓至一抹除狀態之臨界電壓,在反及閘記憶體元件(NAND)中可以是低於0的電壓值。在一程式化脈衝施加於被選擇之記憶胞A的期間,被選擇之位元線BL2接收到約0V之一偏壓,且未被選擇之位元線BL1和BL3-BLN接收到抑制偏壓之電壓。類似地,被選擇之串列選擇線SSL2接收到約3V之一偏壓,而未被選擇之串列選擇線SSL1和SSL3-SSLP接收到抑制偏壓之電壓。被選擇之主動層WL1接收到程式化脈衝,未被選擇之主動層WL2-WLM-1接收到通道電壓(Vpass),和待排除之 主動層WLM接收到另一與通道電壓Vpass不同的通道電壓(V’pass),據此開啟NAND串列。 Please refer to Figure 5 for a stylized operation. One of the target memory cells is labeled A, and the active layer to be excluded is WL M . Prior to programming, the entire block is erased to lower the threshold voltage to a erase voltage threshold, which may be a voltage value below zero in the NAND memory device (NAND). During a stylized pulse applied to the selected memory cell A, the selected bit line BL 2 receives a bias of about 0V, and the unselected bit lines BL 1 and BL 3 -BL N receive To suppress the voltage of the bias voltage. Similarly, the selected tandem select line SSL 2 receives a bias of about 3V, while the unselected tandem select lines SSL 1 and SSL 3 -SSL P receive the voltage of the suppression bias. The selected active layer WL 1 receives the stylized pulse, the unselected active layer WL 2 -WL M-1 receives the channel voltage (Vpass), and the active layer WL M to be excluded receives the other and channel voltage Vpass Different channel voltages (V'pass), according to which the NAND string is turned on.

由於通道電壓干擾與串列選擇線SSL之數目成正比,因此通道電壓干擾(pass voltage disturbance)問題在一三維NAND元件中比在一二維NAND元件中來得大。通道電壓值應高於臨界電壓但小於記憶胞程式化所需要的電壓。由於柱體寬度的改變,於待排除主動層中之記憶胞的臨界電壓可能高過於未被選擇之主動層中之記憶胞的臨界電壓,以致於通道電壓V’pass可高於通道電壓Vpass。然而,通道電壓越高將造成更大的干擾,而具有較窄柱體寬度之記憶胞會更受到通道電壓干擾的影響。如果此干擾足以改變被干擾記憶胞的臨界電壓,使其從低臨界電壓改變至高臨界電壓,則抹除位於待排除主動層中之記憶胞至具有負的臨界電壓,造成通道電壓V’pass低於通道電壓Vpass。 Since the channel voltage interference is proportional to the number of serial select lines SSL, the channel voltage disturbance problem is greater in a three-dimensional NAND device than in a two-dimensional NAND device. The channel voltage value should be higher than the threshold voltage but less than the voltage required for the memory cell to be programmed. Due to the change in the width of the cylinder, the threshold voltage of the memory cell in the active layer to be excluded may be higher than the threshold voltage of the memory cell in the unselected active layer, so that the channel voltage V'pass may be higher than the channel voltage Vpass. However, higher channel voltages will cause greater interference, while memory cells with narrower column widths will be more susceptible to channel voltage interference. If the interference is sufficient to change the threshold voltage of the interfered memory cell from a low threshold voltage to a high threshold voltage, erasing the memory cell located in the active layer to be removed to have a negative threshold voltage, resulting in a low channel voltage V'pass At the channel voltage Vpass.

在通道電壓干擾和決定應用至未被選擇之主動層與待排除之主動層的通道電壓(Vpass和V’pass)等方面,讀取操作與程式化操作相似。 The read operation is similar to the stylized operation in terms of channel voltage interference and determining the channel voltage (Vpass and V'pass) applied to the unselected active layer and the active layer to be excluded.

第6圖係為程式化操作之一時序圖,根據此實施例程式化操作係於三個區間(intervals)中執行。 Figure 6 is a timing diagram of a stylized operation in which stylized operations are performed in three intervals.

於階段T1一開始,控制電路係施加足以開啟未被選擇之串列選擇線(SSLs)開關之電壓(例如4.5V),以及施加一低電壓(例如0V)以關閉被選擇之串列選擇線開關。被選擇之字元線、和未被選擇之字元線和接地選擇線(GSL),則維持約0V。控制電路係施加約3V於選擇和未被選擇之位元線。由於在此階段之前,記憶胞被抹除至具有負的臨界電壓,施加至待排除之主動 層的通道電壓(V’pass)係為約3V之電位,其足以開啟於待排除之主動層的記憶胞。在階段T1尾聲,未被選擇之串列選擇線和被選擇之位元線則回到約0V,而施加於被排除之字元線的電壓則維持通道電壓(V’pass)約3V。一實施例中,階段T1可維持約5微秒(μs)。 At the beginning of phase T1, the control circuit applies a voltage (eg, 4.5V) sufficient to turn on unselected serial select line (SSLs) switches, and applies a low voltage (eg, 0V) to turn off the selected tandem select line. switch. The selected word line, and the unselected word line and ground select line (GSL), are maintained at approximately 0V. The control circuit applies about 3V to the selected and unselected bit lines. Since the memory cell is erased to have a negative threshold voltage before this stage, it is applied to the active to be excluded. The channel voltage (V'pass) of the layer is about 3V, which is sufficient to turn on the memory cells of the active layer to be excluded. At the end of phase T1, the unselected tandem select line and the selected bit line return to about 0V, while the voltage applied to the excluded word line maintains the channel voltage (V'pass) about 3V. In one embodiment, stage T1 can be maintained for about 5 microseconds (μs).

於階段T2中,控制電路係施加約4.5V至串列選擇線以開啟被選擇之串列選擇線開關。被選擇之位元線、被選擇與未被選擇之字元線、接地選擇線(GSL)、及未被選擇之串列選擇線,則維持約0V。未被選擇之位元線維持在約3V。如此可使電流流動於耦接至被選擇位元線的串列中,而阻斷耦接至未被選擇位元線的串列中之電流流動。在階段T2尾聲,施加於被選擇之串列選擇線的電壓降至約3V。一實施例中,階段T2可維持約5微秒(μs)。 In stage T2, the control circuit applies approximately 4.5V to the string select line to turn on the selected tandem select line switch. The selected bit line, the selected and unselected word line, the ground select line (GSL), and the unselected tandem select line are maintained at approximately 0V. The unselected bit line is maintained at approximately 3V. This allows current to flow in the series coupled to the selected bit line, while blocking the flow of current coupled into the series of unselected bit lines. At the end of phase T2, the voltage applied to the selected string select line drops to approximately 3V. In one embodiment, stage T2 can be maintained for about 5 microseconds (μs).

於階段T3一開始,施加於被選擇之字元線層的電壓提升至約20V(程式化脈衝)的程式化電位(program potential)。其導通電壓低於需程式化記憶胞A之電壓。此示例中,施加於未被選擇之字元線的通道電壓(Vpass)可以是9V,而施加於被排除之字元的通道電壓(V’pass)可以是3V。於階段T3期間,記憶胞A被。一實施例中,階段T3可維持約10微秒(μs)。 At the beginning of phase T3, the voltage applied to the selected word line layer is boosted to a program potential of about 20V (stylized pulse). Its turn-on voltage is lower than the voltage required to program the memory cell A. In this example, the channel voltage (Vpass) applied to the unselected word line may be 9V, and the channel voltage (V'pass) applied to the excluded character may be 3V. During phase T3, memory cell A is taken. In one embodiment, stage T3 can be maintained for about 10 microseconds (μs).

如第5圖所示,一種三維元件包括複數個主動層和複數個柱體垂直延伸於這些主動層間,而一種讀取或程式化一三維元件之方法包括:施加一第一控制電壓至主動層中被選擇之主動層之一,施加一第二控制電壓至主動層中之一未被選擇之主動層,和施加一第三控制電壓至主動層中之一被排除之主動層,且 第三控制電壓不同於第二控制電壓。此方法中,第二控制電壓開啟位於柱體和未被選擇之主動層之交會處的記憶胞,第三控制電壓開啟位於柱體和被排除之主動層之交會處的記憶胞。此方法更包括程式化一指示記憶體(an indicator memory),指示出被排除之主動層。其中係施加第三控制電壓以響應可指出被排除之主動層的一指示記憶體。指示記憶體亦可用來抹除3D元件。 As shown in FIG. 5, a three-dimensional element includes a plurality of active layers and a plurality of pillars extending vertically between the active layers, and a method of reading or programming a three-dimensional component includes: applying a first control voltage to the active layer One of the selected active layers, applying a second control voltage to one of the active layers that is not selected, and applying a third control voltage to the active layer in which one of the active layers is excluded, and The third control voltage is different from the second control voltage. In this method, the second control voltage turns on a memory cell at the intersection of the pillar and the unselected active layer, and the third control voltage turns on the memory cell at the intersection of the pillar and the excluded active layer. The method further includes stylizing an indicator memory indicating the excluded active layer. Wherein a third control voltage is applied in response to an indicator memory that can indicate the active layer being excluded. The indicator memory can also be used to erase 3D components.

第一、第二和第三控制電壓皆不相同。第一控制電壓係為程式化或讀取電壓施加至選擇之主動層。第二控制電壓係為導通電壓(Vpass)施加至所有未被選擇之主動層。第三控制電壓係為另一導通電壓(V’pass)施加至被排除之主動層。 The first, second and third control voltages are all different. The first control voltage is a stylized or read voltage applied to the selected active layer. The second control voltage is applied to all unselected active layers by a turn-on voltage (Vpass). The third control voltage is applied to the excluded active layer for another turn-on voltage (V'pass).

上述實施例係提出做為例示和說明之用,並非意圖徹底詳述或是限制本揭露於所提出的精確形態。明顯地,所屬技術領域中具有通常知識者可依此揭露內容進行許多更動與潤飾。例如,上述實施例中使用垂直通道電荷儲存記憶胞,具有其他形態記憶胞之柱體亦可應用本揭露,儘管沒有(亦無須)達到上述所有的優點也沒關係。特別是,非限制性地,任何和所有上述之變化、建議或是如本申請所提出之背景說明,已隨本揭露之實施例檢附。再者,與任一實施例相關之任何和所有上述變化、建議或是檢附的參考文獻,也和其他所有實施例相關。揭露如上之實施例是用來做為本揭露原理和實際應用之較佳說明,而使本揭露所屬技術領域中具有通常知識者可瞭解本揭露的各種實施例,而可針對各應用做適當的更動與潤飾。因此,本發明之保護範圍當視後附之申請專利範圍所界定者為準。 The embodiments described above are intended to be illustrative and illustrative, and are not intended to be Obviously, those skilled in the art can make many changes and refinements according to the disclosure. For example, in the above embodiments, a vertical channel charge storage memory cell is used, and a column having other morphological memory cells can also be applied to the present disclosure, although it is not necessary (and unnecessary) to achieve all of the above advantages. In particular, and without limitation, any and all such variations, suggestions, or background descriptions as set forth in the present application are attached to the embodiments disclosed herein. Furthermore, any and all of the above variations, suggestions, or associated references associated with any embodiment are also related to all other embodiments. The embodiments as described above are used to make a better description of the principles and practical applications of the present disclosure, and those skilled in the art to understand the various embodiments of the disclosure may be suitable for each application. Change and retouch. Therefore, the scope of the invention is defined by the scope of the appended claims.

156‧‧‧位址解碼器 156‧‧‧ address decoder

158‧‧‧層解碼器 158‧‧ layer decoder

159‧‧‧字元線連接器 159‧‧‧Word line connector

160‧‧‧三維記憶體陣列 160‧‧‧Three-dimensional memory array

161‧‧‧列解碼器 161‧‧‧ column decoder

162‧‧‧串列選擇線 162‧‧‧Sequence selection line

163‧‧‧頁緩衝區 163‧‧ ‧ buffer

164‧‧‧位元線 164‧‧‧ bit line

165‧‧‧匯流排線 165‧‧‧ bus bar

166‧‧‧行解碼器 166‧‧‧ row decoder

167‧‧‧資料輸出線 167‧‧‧ data output line

168‧‧‧區塊 168‧‧‧ Block

169‧‧‧狀態機 169‧‧‧ state machine

171‧‧‧資料輸入線 171‧‧‧ data input line

174‧‧‧其他電路 174‧‧‧Other circuits

175‧‧‧積體電路 175‧‧‧Integrated circuit

191‧‧‧組態暫存器 191‧‧‧Configuration register

192‧‧‧指示記憶體 192‧‧‧Indicating memory

Claims (20)

一種記憶體元件,包括:複數個水平結構(horizontal structures)於一基板上,該些水平結構包括導電材料、或半導體材料或兩者;複數個垂直結構(vertical structures)與該些水平結構正交設置,該些垂直結構包括導電材料、或半導體材料或兩者;複數個記憶胞,位於該些垂直結構和該些水平結構之交會處(cross-points);一指示記憶體(an indicator memory),指示該些水平結構中是否有任何該水平結構待被排除;和控制電路(control circuitry)耦接至該些水平結構,其中讀取或程式化該記憶體元件時,響應於該指示記憶體的該控制電路係施加一第一控制電壓至該些水平結構其中之一被選擇之該水平結構,以及施加一第二控制電壓至未被選擇之該些水平結構,其中若有任何該水平結構待被排除,則該控制電路更施加一第三控制電壓至該些水平結構中之一被排除之水平結構。 A memory component comprising: a plurality of horizontal structures on a substrate, the horizontal structures comprising a conductive material, or a semiconductor material or both; and a plurality of vertical structures orthogonal to the horizontal structures Arranging that the vertical structures comprise a conductive material, or a semiconductor material or both; a plurality of memory cells located at intersections of the vertical structures and the horizontal structures; an indicator memory Determining whether any of the horizontal structures are to be excluded; and control circuitry is coupled to the horizontal structures, wherein the memory is responsive to the indication when the memory component is read or programmed The control circuit applies a first control voltage to the horizontal structure in which one of the horizontal structures is selected, and applies a second control voltage to the horizontal structures that are not selected, wherein if any of the horizontal structures To be excluded, the control circuit applies a third control voltage to a horizontal structure in which one of the horizontal structures is excluded. 如申請專利範圍第1項所述之記憶體元件,其中該第一控制電壓、該第二控制電壓和該第三控制電壓皆不相同。 The memory component of claim 1, wherein the first control voltage, the second control voltage, and the third control voltage are all different. 如申請專利範圍第1項所述之記憶體元件,其中所有未被選擇之該些水平結構皆施加該第二控制電壓。 The memory component of claim 1, wherein all of the horizontal structures that are not selected apply the second control voltage. 如申請專利範圍第1項所述之記憶體元件,其中該第一控制電壓包括一程式化電壓(a program voltage)或一讀取電壓(a read voltage)。 The memory component of claim 1, wherein the first control voltage comprises a program voltage or a read voltage. 如申請專利範圍第1項所述之記憶體元件,其中該些垂直 結構與排除之該水平結構相交會之寬度,係小於該些垂直結構與被選擇和未被選擇之該些水平結構相交會之寬度。 The memory component of claim 1, wherein the vertical components The width of the intersection of the structure and the excluded horizontal structure is less than the width of the vertical structure intersecting the selected and unselected horizontal structures. 如申請專利範圍第1項所述之記憶體元件,其中該些水平結構包括字元線。 The memory component of claim 1, wherein the horizontal structures comprise word lines. 如申請專利範圍第6項所述之記憶體元件,其中該些垂直結構包括柱體(pillars)。 The memory component of claim 6, wherein the vertical structures comprise pillars. 如申請專利範圍第1項所述之記憶體元件,其中該些水平結構包括位元線。 The memory component of claim 1, wherein the horizontal structures comprise bit lines. 如申請專利範圍第8項所述之記憶體元件,其中該些垂直結構包括字元線。 The memory component of claim 8, wherein the vertical structures comprise word lines. 一種半導體元件,包括:複數個主動層(active levels);複數個柱體,垂直延伸於該些主動層間;複數個串接記憶胞(series-connected memory cells),位於該些柱體和該些主動層之交會處(cross-points);和控制電路(control circuitry)耦接至該些主動層,其中讀取或程式化該半導體元件時,該控制電路係施加一第一控制電壓至該些主動層其中之一被選擇之該主動層,以及施加一第二控制電壓至未被選擇之該些主動層,其中若有任何該主動層待被排除,則該控制電路更施加一第三控制電壓至該些主動層中之一被排除之主動層。 A semiconductor component comprising: a plurality of active levels; a plurality of pillars extending vertically between the active layers; a plurality of series-connected memory cells located in the pillars and the plurality of pillars a cross-point of the active layer; and control circuitry coupled to the active layers, wherein the control circuit applies a first control voltage to the active elements when reading or programming the semiconductor component One of the active layers is selected by the active layer, and a second control voltage is applied to the active layers that are not selected, wherein if any of the active layers are to be excluded, the control circuit further applies a third control The voltage is applied to the active layer in which one of the active layers is excluded. 如申請專利範圍第10項所述之半導體元件,其中該半導體元件更包括一指示記憶體(an indicator memory)指示該些主動層中若有任何該個主動層待被排除。 The semiconductor device of claim 10, wherein the semiconductor device further comprises an indicator memory indicating that any of the active layers is to be excluded. 如申請專利範圍第10項所述之半導體元件,其中該第一控制電壓、該第二控制電壓和該第三控制電壓皆不相同。 The semiconductor device of claim 10, wherein the first control voltage, the second control voltage, and the third control voltage are all different. 如申請專利範圍第10項所述之半導體元件,其中該第二控制電壓施加於所有未被選擇之該些主動層。 The semiconductor component of claim 10, wherein the second control voltage is applied to all of the active layers that are not selected. 如申請專利範圍第11項所述之半導體元件,其中響應於該指示記憶體的該控制電路係施加該第三控制電壓至該些主動層中之一被排除之主動層。 The semiconductor device of claim 11, wherein the control circuit responsive to the indication memory applies the third control voltage to an active layer in which one of the active layers is excluded. 如申請專利範圍第10項所述之半導體元件,其中該被排除之主動層包括至該些主動層中之一最上層(an uppermost layer)或是一最下層(a lowermost layer)。 The semiconductor device of claim 10, wherein the excluded active layer comprises an uppermost layer or a lowermost layer of the active layers. 如申請專利範圍第10項所述之半導體元件,其中該主動層之該柱體的寬度係小於被選擇或未被選擇之該些主動層之該柱體的寬度。 The semiconductor device of claim 10, wherein the width of the pillar of the active layer is less than the width of the pillar of the active layers selected or unselected. 一種讀取或程式化一三維元件之方法,該三維元件包括複數個主動層(active levels)和複數個柱體(pillars)垂直延伸於該些主動層間,該方法包括:施加一第一控制電壓至該些主動層中之一被選擇之該主動層;和施加一第二控制電壓至該些主動層中之未被選擇之多個該主動層;其中,若有任何該主動層待被排除,則更施加一第三控制電壓至該些主動層中之一被排除之主動層,該第三控制電壓不同於該第二控制電壓;其中,該第二控制電壓開啟位於該些柱體和未被選擇之該些 主動層之交會處的記憶胞,該第三控制電壓開啟位於該些柱體和該被排除之主動層之交會處的記憶胞。 A method of reading or staging a three-dimensional component, the three-dimensional component comprising a plurality of active levels and a plurality of pillars extending vertically between the active layers, the method comprising: applying a first control voltage And selecting, by the active layer, one of the active layers; and applying a second control voltage to the plurality of active layers of the active layers that are not selected; wherein if any of the active layers are to be excluded And applying a third control voltage to the active layer in which one of the active layers is excluded, the third control voltage being different from the second control voltage; wherein the second control voltage is turned on in the pillars and Not selected The memory cells at the intersection of the active layers, the third control voltage turns on the memory cells located at the intersection of the pillars and the excluded active layer. 如申請專利範圍第17項所述之方法,其中該第二控制電壓施加於所有未被選擇之該些主動層。 The method of claim 17, wherein the second control voltage is applied to all of the active layers that are not selected. 如申請專利範圍第17項所述之方法,其中施加該第三控制電壓以響應可指示被排除之該主動層之一指示記憶體(an indicator memory)。 The method of claim 17, wherein the third control voltage is applied in response to an indicator memory indicating that the active layer is excluded. 如申請專利範圍第17項所述之方法,更包括程式化一指示記憶體(an indicator memory)以指示被排除之該主動層。 The method of claim 17, further comprising staging an indicator memory to indicate the active layer being excluded.
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