Patent Document

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/117,037, filed Feb. 17, 2015, the contents of which are incorporated by reference herein. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates generally to a semiconductor memory device, and more particularly to thermal healing of the semiconductor memory device. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     NAND Flash memory devices are non-volatile semiconductor memory devices that can be used for solid-state storage devices. However, there are reliability issues. For example, many program and erase cycles can wear out NAND Flash memory devices by creating defects. 
     In light of the above, it would be desirable to provide a method of healing a non-volatile semiconductor memory device to improve reliability. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a block schematic diagram of a non-volatile memory system according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 2  is a circuit schematic diagram of non-volatile memory system according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 3  is a cross-section diagram of a multi-chip package according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 4  is a top view diagram of a thermal sensor according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 5  is a top view diagram of a heater according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 6  is a cross-section diagram of a multi-chip package according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 7  is a top view diagram of a heater and thermal sensor according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 8  is a cross-section diagram of a multi-chip package according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 9  is a top view diagram of a heater and thermal sensor according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 10  is a cross-section diagram of a multi-chip package according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 11  is a top view diagram of a heater according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 12  is a cross-section diagram of a multi-chip package according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 13  is a top view diagram of a heater according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 14  is circuit schematic diagram of a heat control circuit according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 15  is a timing diagram illustrating the operation of non-volatile memory system during a heal operation according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 16  is a circuit schematic diagram of a sensor circuit according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 17  is graph showing the potentials of various nodes of a sensor circuit according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 18  is a circuit schematic diagram of non-volatile memory storage cell. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
     According to the embodiments set forth below, a system can a multi-chip package having a plurality of stacked Flash non-volatile semiconductor memory devices, a heater, and a thermal sensor element. The heater and thermal sensor element may be passive components controlled by a thermal control circuit. The thermal control circuit can be located on a semiconductor device not included in the multi-chip package. In this way, the heat generated by the heater may not have adverse effects on the thermal control circuit. The semiconductor device including the thermal control circuit may be a memory controller. The multi-chip package can include solder balls with a predetermined melting temperature. The thermal control circuit may sense the temperature of the multi-chip package during a healing cycle and keep the temperature of the multi-chip package in a range between a first and second temperature, the first and second temperature may be a lower temperature than the predetermined melting temperature of the solder balls. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , a non-volatile memory system according to an embodiment is set forth in a block schematic diagram and given the general reference character  100 . 
     Non-volatile memory system can include a controller  110  and a multi-chip package  120 . Controller  110  can be a non-volatile memory controller and can provide control signals CNTL and a heater drive signal HTDRV to multi-chip package  120 . Controller  110  can also have an electrical connection at sense lines (S 1  and S 2 ). Control signals CNTL can include control signals, address signals, and data signals, as just a few examples. Data signals may be bi-directional signals. Heater drive signal HTDRV can provide a current path to a heater on the multi-chip package  120 . Sense lines (S 1  and S 2 ) can be used to detect a value of a thermal sensor on the multi-chip package  120 . The value can be a resistance value or a potential that changes in conjunction with the change of the temperature of the multi-chip package  120 . Control signals CNTL, heater drive signal HTDRV and sense lines (S 1  and S 2 ) can connect to multi-chip package through solder connections or solder balls (not shown in  FIG. 1 ). 
     Controller  110  can include a thermal control circuit  112 . Thermal control circuit  112  can provide heater drive signal HTDRV and may receive sense lines (S 1  and S 2 ). 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , a non-volatile memory system according to an embodiment is set forth in a circuit schematic diagram and given the general reference character  200 . 
     Non-volatile memory system  200  can include a controller  210  and a multi-chip package  220 . Non-volatile memory system  200  can include similar constituents as non-volatile memory system  100 . Such constituents may such constituents may have the same general reference character except the first digit can be a “2” instead of a “1”. 
     Controller  210  can be a non-volatile memory controller and can provide control signals CNTL and a heater drive signal HTDRV to multi-chip package  220 . Controller  210  can also have an electrical connection at sense lines (S 1  and S 2 ). 
     Controller  210  can include a thermal control circuit  212 . Thermal control circuit  212  can include a heal logic circuit  232 , a heat control circuit  234  and a sensor circuit  236 . Heal logic circuit  232  can provide a heat enable signal HEAT and a sensor enable signal SEN. Sensor circuit  236  can receive the sensor enable signal SEN, sense lines (S 1  and S 2 ), and may provide a temperature range lower limit detect signal TLO and a temperature upper range limit detect signal THI. Heat control circuit  234  may receive heat enable signal HEAT, temperature lower range limit detect signal TLO, and temperature range upper limit detect signal THI and may provide heater drive signal HTDRV. 
     Multi-chip package  220  can include a plurality of non-volatile semiconductor memory devices  222 , an interface control semiconductor device (memory controller)  224 , a heater  226 , and a thermal sensing element  228 . 
     Heater  226  can receive heat drive signal HTDRV at a first terminal of a heater element  227  and a ground potential at a second terminal of heater element  227 . Interface control semiconductor device  224  can receive control signals CNTL and may provide an interface between the plurality of non-volatile semiconductor memory devices  222  and controller  210 . Thermal sensing element  228  can have a first terminal connected to sense line S 1  and a second terminal connected to sense line S 2 . 
     The operation of non-volatile memory system  200  will now be explained. Heal logic  232  may detect whether a maximum number of program and erase cycles have been performed or a maximum number of errors have been detected to determine that the plurality of non-volatile semiconductor memory devices  222  need healed. When one of these two conditions have been met, sensor enable signal SEN may transition from a sensor disabled state to a sensor enable state to enable sensor circuit  236 . At this time sensor circuit  236  can monitor a value of thermal sensing element  228  to determine whether the temperature of multi-chip package  220  is above or below a temperature lower range limit and above or below a temperature upper range limit. 
     Once the sensor circuit  236  is properly enabled, heal logic  232  may provide heat enable signal HEAT to transition from a heater disabled logic level to a heater enabled logic level. At this time, heat control circuit  234  can energize the heat drive signal HTDRV if the temperature of the multi-chip package  220  is below the temperature lower range limit (temperature range lower limit detect signal TLO is logic low). 
     With the heat drive signal HTDRV energized, a current may flow through heater element  227  to heat the multi-chip package  220 . When temperature sensor circuit  236  detects the value of thermal sensing element  228  reaching a first predetermined limit, temperature lower limit value has been reached and temperature range lower limit detect signal TLO may transition to a logic high level. However, heat drive signal HTDRV may remain energized at this time and heater element  227  may continue to heat the multi-chip package  220 . 
     When temperature sensor circuit  236  detects the value of thermal sensing element  228  reaching a second predetermined limit, temperature upper limit value has been reached and temperature range upper limit detect signal THI may transition to a logic high level. At this time, heat control circuit  234  may de-energize heat drive signal HTDRV to prevent current from flowing through heater element  227 . In this way, multi-chip package  220  may begin to cool. 
     However, when temperature sensor circuit detects the value of thermal sensing element  228  cools to the first predetermined limit, temperature lower limit value has been reached and temperature range lower limit detect signal TLO may transition back to a logic low level. In response to the temperature range lower limit detect signal TLO may transition back to a logic low level, heat control circuit  234  may energize heat drive signal HTDRV and current may flow through heater element  227 . 
     This process may continue to essentially confine the temperature of multi-chip package  220  between a temperature range upper limit value (Temp 2 ) and temperature range lower limit value (Temp 1 ) during the healing process. 
     After a predetermined time period sufficient to heal the plurality of non-volatile semiconductor memory devices  222 , heal logic may provide heat enable signal HEAT and sensor enable signal SEN that each transition from an enable logic level to a disable logic level (from a high logic level to a low logic level in this case). 
     It should be noted, before the healing process begins, data on the non-volatile memory system  200  may be backed up to another memory system. After the healing process, the data may be re-written to the non-volatile memory system  200 . 
     By providing sensor circuit  236  separately from multi-chip package  220 , multi-chip package  220  may be heated to extreme temperatures without affecting the active thermal sensing circuitry. In this way, the temperature range of multi-chip package  220  during the healing process may be more accurately attained. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , a multi-chip package according to an embodiment is set forth in a cross-section diagram and given then general reference character  300 . 
     Multi-chip package  300  may be used as multi-chip packages ( 120  and  220 ) in non-volatile memory systems ( 100  and  200 ) of  FIGS. 1 and 2 . 
     Multi-chip package  300  can include a heater  310 , a thermal sensor  320 , a plurality of non-volatile semiconductor memory devices  330 , and a memory controller  340 , surrounded by an encapsulation material  350 . Multichip package  300  may also include a substrate  360  and solder connections  370 . Solder connections  370  may be solder balls or bumps, for example. Solder connections  370  may be formed on the bottom surface of substrate  360 . Solder connections  370  may form a grid array. Thermal sensor  320  may be stacked on a top surface of substrate  360 . Memory controller  340  may be on top of thermal sensor  320 . The plurality of non-volatile semiconductor memory devices  330  may be stacked successively on top of memory controller  340 . Heater  310  may be stacked on top of the uppermost non-volatile semiconductor memory device  330 . In this way, heater  310  and thermal sensor  320  may sandwich the plurality of non-volatile semiconductor memory devices  330  and memory controller  340 . 
     Substrate  360  can include interconnects ( 372 ,  374 , and  376 ) that provide an electrical connections from respective solder connections  370  and through substrate  360 . It is understood that there can be an interconnect for each solder connection  370 , however, only a select few interconnects are illustrated in order to avoid unduly cluttering up the figure. 
     Interconnects  372  may provide electrical connections between solder connections  370  and respective terminals on a thermal sensing element ( 228  of  FIG. 2 ) on thermal sensor  320 . 
     Multi-chip package  300  can include vias ( 380 ,  382 , and  384 ). Vias ( 380 ,  382 , and  384 ) may provide electrical connections through predetermined ones of thermal sensor  320 , plurality of non-volatile semiconductor memory devices  330 , and memory controller  340 . 
     Interconnects  374 , in conjunction with vias  382  may provide electrical connections between memory controller  340  and respective solder connections  370 . Vias  382  may be formed through thermal sensor  320 . Interconnects  374  in conjunction with vias  380  may provide electrical connections between heater  310  and solder connections  370 . Vias  380  may be formed through thermal sensor  320 , memory controller  340 , and the plurality of non-volatile semiconductor memory devices  330  to provide an electrical connection to respective terminals of a heater element  227  ( FIG. 2 ). Vias  384  may provide an electrical connection between memory controller  340  and the plurality of non-volatile semiconductor memory devices  330 . Vias  384  may be formed through the plurality of non-volatile semiconductor memory devices  330 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4 , a top view diagram of a thermal sensor according to an embodiment is set forth and given the general reference character  400 . Thermal sensor  400  may be used as thermal sensors ( 228  and  320 ) in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , respectively. 
     Thermal sensor  400  may include a substrate  410  and a thermal sensing element  420 . Vias  430  may be formed through substrate  410 . Vias  430  may be formed in an grid array pattern and may provide electrical connections through substrate  410 . 
     Thermal sensing element  420  may include a first terminal  422  and a second terminal  424 . Each of first and second terminals ( 422  and  424 ) may be electrically connected to a respective interconnect  372  ( FIG. 3 ) to provide electrical connections to a respective solder connection  370  ( FIG. 3 ). 
     Thermal sensing element  420  may be formed in a pattern between vias  430 . Thermal sensor  400  shows thermal sensing element  420  forming a spiral, however, other shapes may be used, such as a back and forth zig-zag pattern, as just one other example. 
     Thermal sensing element  420  may be a resistor formed from a conductor that has a temperature coefficient of resistance such that the resistance of the thermal sensing element changes as temperature changes. Examples of materials that may be used for thermal sensing element  420  when thermal sensing element is a resistor are: silver, copper, aluminum, tungsten, and platinum. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 5 , a top view diagram of a heater according to an embodiment is set forth and given the general reference character  500 . Heater  500  may be used as heaters ( 226  and  310 ) in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , respectively. 
     Heater  500  may include a substrate  510  and a heater element  520 . 
     Heater element  520  may include a first terminal  522  and a second terminal  524 . Each of first and second terminals ( 522  and  524 ) may be electrically connected to a respective via  380  and respective interconnect  376  ( FIG. 3 ) to provide electrical connections to a respective solder connection  370  ( FIG. 3 ). 
     Heater element  520  may form a zig-zag pattern. Heater element  520  may form other patterns, for example, a spiral pattern. 
     Heater element  520  may have a thermal conductivity and may give off energy in the form of heat when current flows through heater element  520 . Examples of materials that may be used for heater element  520  are: polysilicon, platinum, and polyimide. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 6 , a multi-chip package according to an embodiment is set forth in a cross-section diagram and given then general reference character  600 . 
     Multi-chip package  600  may be used as multi-chip packages ( 120  and  220 ) in non-volatile memory systems ( 100  and  200 ) of  FIGS. 1 and 2 . 
     Multi-chip package  600  can include a heater and thermal sensor  615 , a plurality of non-volatile semiconductor memory devices  630 , and a memory controller  640  surrounded by an encapsulation material  650 . Multichip package  600  may also include a substrate  660  and solder connections  670 . Solder connections  670  may be solder balls or bumps, for example. 
     Solder connections  670  may be formed on the bottom surface of substrate  660 . Solder connections  670  may form a grid array. Memory controller  640  may be stacked on top surface of substrate  660 . The plurality of non-volatile semiconductor memory devices  630  may be stacked successively on top of memory controller  640 . Heater and thermal sensor  615  may be stacked on top of the uppermost non-volatile semiconductor memory device  630 . In this way, heater  615  and substrate  660  may sandwich the plurality of non-volatile semiconductor memory devices  630  and memory controller  640 . 
     Substrate  670  can include interconnects ( 672 ,  674 , and  676 ) that provide an electrical connections from respective solder connections  670  and through substrate  660 . It is understood that there can be an interconnect for each solder connection  670 , however, only a select few interconnects are illustrated in order to avoid unduly cluttering up the figure. 
     Interconnects  672  may provide electrical connections between solder connections  670  and respective terminals on heater and thermal sensor  615 . 
     Multi-chip package  600  can include vias ( 680 ,  682 ,  684 , and  686 ). Vias ( 680 ,  682 ,  684 , and  686 ) may provide electrical connections through predetermined ones of plurality of non-volatile semiconductor memory devices  630 , and memory controller  640 . 
     Interconnects  674 , in conjunction with vias  682  may provide electrical connections between memory controller  640  and respective solder connections  670 . Interconnects  676 , in conjunction with vias  680 , and interconnects  672 , in conjunctions with vias  686 , may provide electrical connections between heater and thermal sensor  615  and respective solder connections  670 . Vias ( 680  and  686 ) may be formed through memory controller  640 , and the plurality of non-volatile semiconductor memory devices  630  to provide an electrical connection to respective terminals of elements in heater and thermal sensor  615 . Vias  684  may provide an electrical connection between memory controller  640  and the plurality of non-volatile semiconductor memory devices  630 . Vias  684  may be formed through the plurality of non-volatile semiconductor memory devices  630 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 7 , a top view diagram of a heater and thermal sensor according to an embodiment is set forth and given the general reference character  700 . Heater and thermal sensor  700  may be used as heater and thermal sensor  615  in  FIG. 6 . 
     Heater and thermal sensor  700  may include a substrate  710 , a thermal sensing element  720  and a heater element  730 . 
     Thermal sensing element  720  may include a first terminal  722  and a second terminal  724 . Each of first and second terminals ( 722  and  724 ) may be electrically connected to a respective vias  686  and interconnect  672  ( FIG. 6 ) to provide electrical connections to a respective solder connection  670  ( FIG. 6 ). 
     Thermal sensing element  720  may be formed in a spiral pattern, however, other shapes may be used, such as a back and forth zig-zag pattern, as just one other example. 
     Thermal sensing element  720  may be a resistor formed from a conductor that has a temperature coefficient of resistance such that the resistance of the thermal sensing element changes as temperature changes. Examples of materials that may be used for thermal sensing element  720  when thermal sensing element is a resistor are: silver, copper, aluminum, tungsten, and platinum. 
     Heater element  730  may include a first terminal  732  and a second terminal  734 . Each of first and second terminals ( 732  and  734 ) may be electrically connected to a respective via  680  and respective interconnect  676  ( FIG. 6 ) to provide electrical connections to a respective solder connection  670  ( FIG. 6 ). 
     Heater element  730  may form a zig-zag pattern. Heater element  720  may form other patterns, for example, a spiral pattern. 
     Heater element  730  may have a thermal conductivity and may give off energy in the form of heat when current flows through heater element  730 . Examples of materials that may be used for heater element  730  are: polysilicon, platinum, and polyimide. 
     Thermal sensing element  720  may be formed in a layer under heater element  730  with an electrical insulating layer formed there-between and on substrate  710 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 8 , a multi-chip package according to an embodiment is set forth in a cross-section diagram and given the general reference character  800 . 
     Multi-chip package  800  may be used as multi-chip packages ( 120  and  220 ) in non-volatile memory systems ( 100  and  200 ) of  FIGS. 1 and 2 . 
     Multi-chip package  800  can include a heater and thermal sensor  815 , a plurality of non-volatile semiconductor memory devices  830 , and a memory controller  840  surrounded by an encapsulation material  850 . Multichip package  800  may also include a substrate  860  and solder connections  870 . Solder connections  870  may be solder balls or bumps, for example. 
     Solder connections  870  may be formed on the bottom surface of substrate  860 . Solder connections  870  may form a grid array. Memory controller  840  may be stacked on a top surface of substrate  860 . Two of the plurality of non-volatile semiconductor memory devices  830  may be stacked successively on top of memory controller  840 . Heater and thermal sensor  815  may be stacked on top of the two of the plurality of non-volatile semiconductor memory devices  830 . Two more of the plurality of non-volatile semiconductor memory devices  830  may be stacked successively on top of heater and thermal sensor  815 . In this way, heater and thermal sensor  815  and substrate  860  may sandwich the two of the plurality of non-volatile semiconductor memory devices  830  and memory controller  840 . Heater and thermal sensor  815  may be essentially in the middle of the plurality of non-volatile semiconductor memory devices  830  such that a first plurality of non-volatile semiconductor memory devices  830  may be formed below heater and thermal sensor  815  and a second plurality of non-volatile semiconductor memory devices  830  may be formed above heater and thermal sensor  815 . 
     Substrate  870  can include interconnects ( 872 ,  874 , and  876 ) that provide electrical connections from respective solder connections  870  and through substrate  860 . It is understood that there can be an interconnect for each solder connection  870 , however, only a select few interconnects are illustrated in order to avoid unduly cluttering up the figure. 
     Interconnects  872 , in conjunction with vias  886 , may provide electrical connections between solder connections  870  and respective terminals on heater and thermal sensor  815 . Multi-chip package  800  can include vias ( 880 ,  882 ,  884 , and  886 ). Vias ( 880 ,  884 , and  886 ) may provide electrical connections through predetermined ones of plurality of non-volatile semiconductor memory devices  830 , and memory controller  840 . 
     Interconnects  874 , in conjunction with vias  882  may provide electrical connections between memory controller  840  and respective solder connections  870 . Interconnects  876 , in conjunction with vias  880 , and interconnects  872 , in conjunctions with vias  886 , may provide electrical connections between heater and thermal sensor  815  and respective solder connections  870 . Vias ( 880  and  886 ) may be formed through memory controller  840 , and the first plurality of non-volatile semiconductor memory devices  830  formed under heater and thermal sensor  815  to provide an electrical connection to respective terminals of elements in heater and thermal sensor  815 . Vias  884  may provide an electrical connection between memory controller  840  and the plurality of non-volatile semiconductor memory devices  830 . Vias  684  may be formed through heater and thermal sensor  815  and the first and second plurality of non-volatile semiconductor memory devices  830 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 9 , a top view diagram of a heater and thermal sensor according to an embodiment is set forth and given the general reference character  900 . Heater and thermal sensor  900  may be used as heater and thermal sensor  815  in  FIG. 8 . 
     Heater and thermal sensor  900  may include a substrate  910 , a thermal sensing element  920 , a heater element  930 , and vias  940 . 
     Thermal sensing element  920  may include a first terminal  922  and a second terminal  924 . Each of first and second terminals ( 922  and  924 ) may be electrically connected to a respective vias  886  and interconnect  872  ( FIG. 8 ) to provide electrical connections to a respective solder connection  870  ( FIG. 8 ). 
     Thermal sensing element  920  may be formed in a spiral pattern, however, other shapes may be used, such as a back and forth zig-zag pattern, as just one other example. 
     Thermal sensing element  920  may be a resistor formed from a conductor that has a temperature coefficient of resistance such that the resistance of the thermal sensing element changes as temperature changes. Examples of materials that may be used for thermal sensing element  920  when thermal sensing element is a resistor are: silver, copper, aluminum, tungsten, and platinum. 
     Heater element  930  may include a first terminal  932  and a second terminal  934 . Each of first and second terminals ( 932  and  934 ) may be electrically connected to a respective via  880  and respective interconnect  876  ( FIG. 8 ) to provide electrical connections to a respective solder connection  870  ( FIG. 8 ). 
     Heater element  930  may form a zig-zag pattern. Heater element  930  may form other patterns, for example, a spiral pattern. 
     Heater element  930  may have a thermal conductivity and may give off energy in the form of heat when current flows through heater element  930 . Examples of materials that may be used for heater element  930  are: polysilicon, platinum, and polyimide. 
     Thermal sensing element  920  may be formed in a layer under heater element  930  with an electrical insulating layer formed there-between and on substrate  910 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 10 , a multi-chip package according to an embodiment is set forth in a cross-section diagram and given the general reference character  1000 . 
     Multi-chip package  1000  may be used as multi-chip packages ( 120  and  220 ) in non-volatile memory systems ( 100  and  200 ) of  FIGS. 1 and 2 . 
     Multi-chip package  1000  can include a heater  1010 , a thermal sensor  1020 , a plurality of non-volatile semiconductor memory devices  1030 , and a memory controller  1040 , surrounded by an encapsulation material  1050 . Multi-chip package  1000  may also include a substrate  1060  and solder connections  1070 . Solder connections may be solder balls or bumps, for example. 
     Solder connections  1070  may be formed on the bottom surface of substrate  1060 . Solder connections  1070  may form a grid array. Thermal sensor  1020  may be stacked on a top surface of substrate  1060 . Memory controller  1040  may be stacked on top of thermal sensor  1020 . A first plurality of non-volatile semiconductor memory devices  1030  may be stacked successively on top of memory controller  1040 . Heater  1010  may be stacked on top of the uppermost non-volatile semiconductor memory device  1030  of the first plurality of non-volatile semiconductor memory devices  1030 . In this way, heater  1010  and thermal sensor  1020  may sandwich the first plurality of non-volatile semiconductor memory devices  1030  and memory controller  1040 . A second plurality of non-volatile semiconductor memory devices  1030  may be on top of the heater  1010 . In this way, heater  1010  may be disposed in between a plurality of non-volatile semiconductor memory devices  1030  and in a central portion of multi-chip package  1000 . 
     Substrate  1070  can include interconnects ( 1072 ,  1074 , and  1076 ) that provide electrical connections from respective solder connections  1070  and through substrate  1060 . It is understood that there can be an interconnect for each solder connection  1070 , however, only a select few interconnects are illustrated in order to avoid unduly cluttering up the figure. 
     Interconnects  1072  may provide electrical connections between solder connections  1070  and respective terminals on a thermal sensing element ( 228  of  FIG. 2 ) on thermal sensor  1020 . 
     Multi-chip package  1000  can include vias ( 1080 ,  1082 , and  1084 ). Vias ( 1080 ,  1082 , and  1084 ) may provide electrical connections through predetermined ones of thermal sensor  1020 , heater  1010 , plurality of non-volatile semiconductor memory devices  1030 , and memory controller  1040 . 
     Interconnects  1074 , in conjunction with vias  1082  may provide electrical connections between memory controller  1040  and respective solder connections  1070 . Vias  1082  may be formed through thermal sensor  1020 . Interconnects  1074  in conjunction with vias  1080  may provide electrical connections between heater  1010  and solder connections  1070 . Vias  1080  may be formed through thermal sensor  1020 , memory controller  1040 , and the first plurality of non-volatile semiconductor memory devices  1030  to provide an electrical connection to respective terminals of a heater element  227  ( FIG. 2 ). Vias  1084  may provide an electrical connection between memory controller  1040  and the plurality of non-volatile semiconductor memory devices  1030 . Vias  1084  may be formed through the plurality of non-volatile semiconductor memory devices  1030  and heater  1010 . 
     Thermal sensor  1010  may be essentially the same as thermal sensor  400  illustrated in  FIG. 4 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 11 , a top view diagram of a heater according to an embodiment is set forth and given the general reference character  1100 . Heater  1100  may be used as heaters ( 226  and  1010 ) in  FIGS. 2 and 10 , respectively. 
     Heater  1000  may include a substrate  1110 , a heater element  1120  and vias  1130 . Vias  1130  may be formed through substrate  1110 . Vias  1130  may be formed in an grid array pattern and may provide electrical connections through substrate  1110 . 
     Heater element  1120  may include a first terminal  1122  and a second terminal  1124 . Each of first and second terminals ( 1122  and  1124 ) may be electrically connected to a respective via  1080  and respective interconnect  1076  ( FIG. 10 ) to provide electrical connections to a respective solder connection  1070  ( FIG. 10 ). 
     Heater element  1120  may be formed in a pattern between vias  1130 . Heater element  1120  may form a zig-zag pattern. Heater element  1120  may form other patterns, for example, a spiral pattern. 
     Heater element  1120  may have a thermal conductivity and may give off energy in the form of heat when current flows through heater element  1120 . Examples of materials that may be used for heater element  1120  are: polysilicon, platinum, and polyimide. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 12 , a multi-chip package according to an embodiment is set forth in a cross-section diagram and given then general reference character  1200 . 
     Multi-chip package  1200  may be used as multi-chip packages ( 120  and  220 ) in non-volatile memory systems ( 100  and  200 ) of  FIGS. 1 and 2 . 
     Multi-chip package  1200  can include first and second heaters  1210 , a thermal sensor  1220 , a plurality of non-volatile semiconductor memory devices  1230 , and a memory controller  1240 , surrounded by an encapsulation material  1250 . Multichip package  1200  may also include a substrate  1260  and solder connections  1270 . Solder connections  1270  may be solder balls or bumps, for example. 
     Solder connections  1270  may be formed on the bottom surface of substrate  1260 . Solder connections  1270  may form a grid array. Thermal sensor  1220  may be stacked on a top surface of substrate  1260 . Memory controller  1240  may be on stacked top of thermal sensor  1220 . The plurality of non-volatile semiconductor memory devices  1230  may be stacked successively on top of memory controller  1240 . First and second heaters  1210  may be on respective side surfaces of the stack of non-volatile semiconductor memory devices  1230 . In this way, first and second heaters  1210  may be positioned orthogonal or perpendicular to and may sandwich the plurality of non-volatile semiconductor memory devices  1230 , memory controller  1240 , and thermal sensor  1220 . 
     Substrate  1270  can include interconnects ( 1272 ,  1274 , and  1276 ) that provide electrical connections from respective solder connections  1270  and through substrate  1260 . It is understood that there can be an interconnect for each solder connection  1270 , however, only a select few interconnects are illustrated in order to avoid unduly cluttering up the figure. 
     Interconnects  1272  may provide electrical connections between solder connections  1270  and respective terminals on a thermal sensing element ( 228  of  FIG. 2 ) on thermal sensor  1220 . 
     Multi-chip package  1200  can include vias ( 1282  and  1284 ). Vias ( 1282  and  1284 ) may provide electrical connections through predetermined ones of thermal sensor  1220 , plurality of non-volatile semiconductor memory devices  1230 , and memory controller  1240 . 
     Interconnects  1274 , in conjunction with vias  1282  may provide electrical connections between memory controller  1240  and respective solder connections  1270 . Vias  1282  may be formed through thermal sensor  1220 . Interconnects  1276  may provide electrical connections between respective heaters  1210  and solder connections  1270 . Vias  1284  may provide an electrical connection between memory controller  1240  and the plurality of non-volatile semiconductor memory devices  1230 . Vias  1284  may be formed through the plurality of non-volatile semiconductor memory devices  1230 . 
     Thermal sensor  1220  may be essentially the same as thermal sensor  400  illustrated in  FIG. 4 . 
     By placing first and second heaters  1210  on a side surface of a stack of non-volatile semiconductor memory devices  1230 , heat may flow from both sides and toward a center of the multi-chip package  1200 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 13 , a top view diagram of a heater according to an embodiment is set forth and given the general reference character  1300 . Heater  1300  may be used as heaters ( 226  and  1210 ) in  FIGS. 2 and 12 , respectively. It is noted that the view of heater  1300  may be from the right side of heater  1210  illustrated on the left side of  FIG. 12  or from the left side of heater  1210  illustrated on the right side of  FIG. 12 . In other words, the first and second heaters  1210  of  FIG. 12  are turned on their side and vertically disposed. 
     Heater  1300  may include a substrate  1310  and a heater element  1320 . 
     Heater element  1320  may include a first terminal  1322  and a second terminal  1324 . Each of first and second terminals ( 1322  and  1324 ) may be electrically connected to a respective respective interconnect  1276  to provide electrical connections to a respective solder connection  1270  ( FIG. 12 ). 
     Heater element  1320  may form a zig-zag pattern. Heater element  1320  may form other patterns, for example, a spiral pattern. 
     Heater element  1320  may have a thermal conductivity and may give off energy in the form of heat when current flows through heater element  1320 . Examples of materials that may be used for heater element  1320  are: polysilicon, platinum, and polyimide. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 14 , a heat control circuit according to an embodiment is set forth in a circuit schematic diagram and given the general reference character  1400 . Heat control circuit  1400  can be used as heat control circuit  234  in thermal control circuit  212  illustrated in non-volatile memory system  200  of  FIG. 2 . 
     Heat control circuit  1400  can receive temperature range lower limit detect signal TLO, temperature range upper limit detect signal THI, and heat enable signal HEAT and may provide heater drive signal HTDRV. 
     Heat control circuit  1400  can include a control circuit  1410  and a driver circuit  1420 . Control circuit  1410  can receive temperature range lower limit detect signal TLO, temperature range upper limit detect signal THI, and heat enable signal HEAT and may provide a heater drive enable signal HT_N. Driver circuit  1420  can receive heater drive enable signal HT_N and may provide heater drive signal HTDRV. 
     Control circuit  1410  can include logic gate circuits ( 1412 ,  1414 ,  1416 , and  1418 ). Logic gate circuit  1412  can receive temperature range upper limit detect signal THI at an input terminal and may provide an output at an output terminal. Logic gate circuit  1412  can be an inverter logic circuit. Logic gate circuit  1414  can receive the output of logic gate circuit  1412  at a first input terminal and an output from logic gate circuit  1416  at a second input terminal and may provide an output at an output terminal. Logic gate circuit  1414  can be a NAND logic circuit. Logic gate circuit  1416  can receive the output of logic gate circuit  1414  at a first input terminal and temperature range lower limit detect signal TLO at a second input terminal and may provide an output at an output terminal. Logic gate circuit  1416  can be a NAND logic circuit. Logic gate circuit  1418  may receive the output of logic gate circuit  1416  at a first input terminal and heat enable signal HEAT at a second input terminal and may provide heater drive enable signal HT_N at an output terminal. Logic gate circuit  1418  can be a NAND logic circuit. 
     Logic gate circuits ( 1414  and  1416 ) may form a flip-flop circuit. 
     Driver circuit  1420  can include an insulated gate field effect transistor (IGFET)  1422 . IGFET  1422  can receive heater drive enable signal HT_N at a gate control terminal, a supply potential VDD at a source terminal, and may provide heater drive signal HTDRV at a drain terminal. IGFET  1422  can be a p-channel IGFET. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 15 , a timing diagram illustrating the operation of a non-volatile memory system during a heal operation according to an embodiment is set forth. Non-volatile memory system can be non-volatile memory systems ( 100  and  200 ). 
     The timing diagram of  FIG. 15  can include sensor enable signal SEN, heat enable signal HEAT, heater drive enable signal HT_N, temperature range lower limit detect signal TLO, temperature range upper limit detect signal THI, and temperature TEMP. Temperature TEMP may be a temperature at a temperature sensor element  228 . 
     Before time T 1 , heal logic  232  ( FIG. 2 ) can detect that a maximum number of write/erase cycles have been performed or a maximum number of errors have been reached by multi-chip package ( 120  or  220 ). In response the data stored in multi-chip package can be transferred to another memory device or devices outside of multi-chip package ( 120  or  220 ). 
     At time T 1 , sensor enable signal SEN may transition from a logic low to a logic high. In this way, sensor circuit  236  may be enabled and current may flow through sense lines (S 1  and S 2 ) to determine whether the temperature at thermal sensing element  228  is below a temperature lower range limit value Temp 1  and temperature range upper limit value Temp 2 , or between a temperature range lower limit value Temp 1  and temperature range upper limit value Temp 2 , or above a temperature range upper limit value Temp 2 . Because the temperature at temperature sensing element  228  has a temperature Temp 3  at this time, which is less than temperature range lower limit value Temp 1 , both temperature range lower limit detect signal TLO and temperature range upper limit detect signal THI are at a logic low level. Temperature Temp 3  is essentially a normal operating temperature of multi-chip package ( 120  and  220 ). 
     With temperature range lower limit detect signal TLO at a logic low level, the output of logic gate circuit  1416  can be at a logic high level. With temperature range upper limit detect signal THI at a logic low level and the output of logic gate circuit  1416  at a logic high level, the output of logic gate circuit  1414  can be at a logic low level. In this way, the logic high output of logic gate circuit  1416  can be latched at a logic high level and can only be reset by temperature range upper limit detect signal THI transitioning from a logic low level to a logic high level. 
     Also, at time T 1 , heat enable signal HEAT may be at a logic low level. With heat enable signal HEAT at a logic low level, logic gate circuit  1418  in control circuit  1410  may provide a heater drive enable signal HT_N having a logic high level (heater drive disable logic level). In this way, IGFET  1422  in driver circuit  1420  may be turned off and a high impedance path may be provided between power supply VDD and heater drive signal HTDRV. 
     At time T 2 , (a predetermined delay after time T 1  to allow sensor circuit  236  to properly sense the resistance of thermal sensing element  228 ), heat enable signal HEAT may transition to a logic high level to enable logic gate circuit  1418 . With temperature range lower limit detect signal TLO at a logic low level, logic gate circuit  1416  may provide a logic high at an output terminal. With logic gate circuit  1418  receiving a logic high level at first and second input terminals, heater drive enable signal HT_N may transition to a logic low level (heater drive enable logic level) and IGFET  1422  in driver circuit  1430  may be turned on to provide a low impedance path between power supply VDD and heater drive signal HTDRV. In this way, current may be provided to heater element  227  and power may be dissipated in the form of heat to heat up the multi-chip package ( 120  or  220 ). 
     The temperature TEMP of multi-chip package ( 120  or  220 ) may then increase. A short time before time T 3 , the temperature TEMP may cross the temperature range lower limit value Temp 1  The resistance value of thermal sensing element  228  may change to a predetermined value and sensor circuit  236  provide a temperature range lower limit detect signal TLO that transitions from a low to a high logic level. Control circuit  1410  receives the high logic level of temperature range lower limit detect signal TLO. At this time, because first input terminal of logic gate circuit  1416  still receives a logic low level from the output of logic gate circuit  1414 , the output of logic gate circuit  1416  remains logic high and heater enable signal HT_N remains at a logic low level. In this way, and IGFET  1422  in driver circuit  1430  may remain turned on to provide a low impedance path between power supply VDD and heater drive signal HTDRV. In this way, current may continue to be provided to heater element  227  and power may be dissipated in the form of heat to heat up the multi-chip package ( 120  or  220 ). 
     The multi-chip package ( 120  or  220 ) may continue to be heated by heater element  227  until the temperature TEMP reaches the temperature range upper limit value Temp 2  at time T 3 . At this time, the resistance value of thermal sensing element  228  may change to a predetermined value and sensor circuit  236  provide a temperature range upper limit detect signal THI that transitions from a low to a high logic level. Control circuit  1410  receives the high logic level of temperature range upper limit detect signal THI. Because logic gate circuit  1414  can receive a logic low level at the first input terminal (by way of logic gate circuit  1412 ), logic gate circuit  1414  can provide a logic high output. Thus, with logic gate circuit  1416  receiving logic high levels at both first and second input terminals, logic gate circuit  1416  may provide a logic low level at an output. Because logic gate circuit  1418  receives a logic low level at a first input terminal, logic gate circuit  1418  may provide a logic high output as heater enable signal HT_N at an output terminal. IGFET  1422  may receive the logic high level and may be turned off. In this way, a high impedance path may be provided between power supply potential VDD and heater drive signal HTDRV and current may be prevented from flowing through heater element  227  and the temperature TEMP of multi-chip package ( 120  or  220 ) may begin to decrease. 
     Also, because the output of logic gate circuit  1416  is at a logic low level, the output of logic gate circuit  1414  is latched to a logic high level. In this way, the output of logic gate circuit  1416  may only transition in response to temperature range lower limit detect signal TLO transitioning back to a logic low level. 
     After multi-chip package ( 120  or  220 ) cools to a temperature TEMP below the temperature range upper limit value Temp 2 , sensor circuit  236  provide a temperature range upper limit detect signal THI that transitions from a high to a low logic level. 
     At time T 4 , multi-chip package ( 120  or  220 ) cools to a temperature TEMP below the temperature range lower limit value Temp 1  and sensor circuit  236  provide a temperature range lower limit detect signal TLO that transitions from a high to a low logic level. In response to this transition, logic gate circuit  1416  provides a logic high output. With logic gate circuit  1418  receiving a logic high level at first and second input terminals, heater drive enable signal HT_N may transition back to a logic low level and IGFET  1422  in driver circuit  1430  may be turned on to provide a low impedance path between power supply VDD and heater drive signal HTDRV. In this way, current may be provided to heater element  227  and power may be dissipated in the form of heat to heat up the multi-chip package ( 120  or  220 ). 
     This cycle of preventing current flow to heater element  227  in response to a temperature TEMP reaching a temperature range upper limit value Temp 2  and allowing current to flow once again to heater element  227  once the temperature TEMP reaches a temperature range lower limit value Temp 1  can continue to keep the temperature TEMP of multi-chip package ( 120  or  220 ) confined to essentially a temperature range defined by temperature range upper limit value TEMP 2  and temperature range lower limit value TEMP 1 . 
     Finally, after a predetermined heal time period T-heal at time T 5 , the defects caused by read/write cycles may be substantially healed and heal logic  232  may provide heat enable signal HEAT and sensor enable signal SEN that both transition to a logic low level to disable both sensor circuit  236  and heat control circuit ( 1400  and  234 ). In this way, current may be prevented from flowing through heater element  227  and thermal sensing element  228 . 
     Also at time T 5 , temperature range lower limit detect signal TLO and temperature range upper limit detect signal THI may return to a logic low level. 
     It is noted that temperature range upper value Temp 2  may be below a temperature Tcrit. Temperature Tcrit can be a temperature at which the temperature of multi-chip package ( 120  or  220 ) can suffer a catastrophic failure due to melting of components, such as solder connections ( 370 ,  670 ,  870 ,  1070 , and  1270 ). Temperature Tcrit may be essentially the melting temperature of lead free solder balls or about 217° C. Temperature range upper value Temp 2  may be in a range between 190° C. and 215° C. Temperature range lower value Temp 1  may be in a range between 1° C. and 10° C. less than temperature range upper value Temp 1 . 
     Vias ( 380 ,  382 ,  384 ,  680 ,  682 ,  684 ,  880 ,  882 ,  884 ,  1080 ,  1082 ,  1084 ,  1280 ,  1282 , and  1284 ) may be through silicon vias (TSV). The through silicon vias may be formed of conductive material and may include micro-bumps, such as solder connections, between devices such as adjacent stacked, non-volatile semiconductor memory devices and/or an adjacent stacked memory controller. In this way, a via ( 380 ,  382 ,  384 ,  680 ,  682 ,  684 ,  880 ,  882 ,  884 ,  1080 ,  1082 ,  1084 ,  1280 ,  1282 , and  1284 ) may include a melting point that can be similar to a melting point of lead free solder balls. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 16 , a sensor circuit according to an embodiment is set forth in a circuit schematic diagram and given the general reference character  1600 . 
     Sensor circuit  1600  can be used as sensor circuit  236  illustrated in  FIG. 2 . 
     Sensor circuit  1600  can receive sensor enable signal SEN and may provide temperature range lower limit detect signal TLO and temperature range upper limit detect signal based on a potential between first and second sense lines (S 1  and S 2 ), wherein the potential between first and second sense lines (S 1  and S 2 ) can be dependent upon the temperature of temperature sensing element  228 . 
     Sensor circuit  1600  can include a logic gate circuit  1610 , an insulated gate field effect transistor (IGFET)  1620 , amplifier circuits ( 1630  and  1640 ), and resistors (R 1610 , R 1620 , R 1630 , R 1640 , and R 1650 ). Logic gate circuit  1610  can receive sense enable signal SEN at an input terminal and may provide an output at an output terminal. Logic gate circuit  1610  can be an inverter logic gate. IGFET  1620  can have a gate terminal connected to receive the output of logic gate circuit  1610 , a source terminal connected to receive a supply potential VDD, and a drain terminal commonly connected to sense line S 1 , a first terminal of resistor R 1610 , and a first terminal of resistor R 1630 . IGFET  1620  may be a p-channel IGFET. Resistor R 1610  can have a second terminal commonly connected to a first terminal of resistor R 1620  and a positive input terminal of amplifier circuit  1630  at node N 1 . Resistor R 1620  can have a second terminal connected to a reference potential VSS. Resistor R 1630  can have a second terminal commonly connected to a first terminal of resistor R 1640  and a positive input terminal of amplifier circuit  1640  at node N 2 . Resistor R 1640  can have a second terminal connected to a reference potential VSS. Amplifier circuits ( 1630  and  1640 ) can each have a respective negative input terminal connected to a first terminal of resistor R 1650  at a node N 3 . Node N 3  can be connected to sense line S 2 . Resistor R 1650  can have a second terminal connected to reference potential VSS. 
     Temperature sensing element  228  can have first and second terminals connected between sense lines (S 1  and S 2 ). 
       FIG. 17  is a graph showing the potentials of various nodes of sensor circuit  1600  versus temperature of thermal sensing element  228 . The temperature of thermal sensing element  228  can essentially be a temperature of multi-chip package ( 120  or  220 ) at thermal sensing element  228 . 
       FIG. 17  illustrates potentials at nodes (N 1 , N 2 , and N 3 ) of sensor circuit  1600 . 
     The operation of sensor circuit  1600  will now be discussed with reference to  FIG. 16  in conjunction with  FIG. 17 . 
     When sense enable signal SEN is at a logic low level, logic gate circuit  1610  provides a logic high output. With the gate terminal of IGFET  1620  at a logic high level, IGFET  1620  may be turned off and provides a high impedance path between power supply potential VDD and sense line S 1 . In this way, current may be prevented from flowing through resistors (R 1610 , R 1620 , R 1630 , R 1640 , and R 1650 ) as well as thermal sensing element  228 . 
     When sense enable signal is at a logic high level, logic gate circuit  1610  provides a logic low output. With the gate terminal of IGFET  1620  at a logic low level, IGFET  1620  may be turned on and provides a low impedance path between power supply potential VDD and sense line S 1 . 
     In this way, current may flow between power supply potential VDD and reference potential VSS through three voltage divider circuits. The first voltage divider circuit can be formed by resistors (R 1610  and R 1620 ) to provide a potential at node N 1 . The potential at node N 1  can be a reference potential. The second voltage divider circuit can be formed by resistors (R 1630  and R 1640 ) to provide a potential at node N 2 . The potential at node N 2  can be a reference potential. The third voltage divider circuit can be formed by thermal sensing element  228  and resistor R 1650  to provide a potential at node N 3 . The potential at node N 3  can be a temperature dependent potential. 
     When the potential at node N 1  is less than the potential at node N 3 , amplifier circuit  1630  provides a temperature range lower limit detect signal TLO having a logic low level. When the potential at node N 1  is greater than the potential at node N 3 , amplifier circuit  1630  provides a temperature range lower limit detect signal TLO having a high low level. When the potential at node N 2  is less than the potential at node N 3 , amplifier circuit  1640  provides a temperature range upper limit detect signal THI having a logic low level. When the potential at node N 2  is greater than the potential at node N 3 , amplifier circuit  1640  provides a temperature range upper limit detect signal THI having a high low level. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 17 , the potential at node N 3  can change with respect to a change in the temperature of multi-chip package ( 120  and  220 ) in which thermal sensing element  228  resides. However, because resistors (R 1610  to R 1640 ) may be on a different semiconductor device (controller  110  or  210 ) outside of multi-chip package ( 120  and  220 ) and having a temperature that is relatively constant, the first and second voltage divider circuits provide consistent potentials at nodes (N 1  and N 2 ) respectively. 
     In this way, when multi-chip package ( 120  or  220 ) is at a temperature lower than temperature range lower limit value TEMP 1 , sensor circuit  1600  can provide a temperature range lower limit detect signal TLO having a logic low level and when multi-chip package ( 120  or  220 ) is at a temperature greater than temperature range lower limit value TEMP 1 , sensor circuit  1600  can provide a temperature range lower limit detect signal TLO having a logic high level. When multi-chip package ( 120  or  220 ) is at a temperature lower than temperature range upper limit value TEMP 2 , sensor circuit  1600  can provide a temperature range upper limit detect signal THI having a logic low level and when multi-chip package ( 120  or  220 ) is at a temperature greater than temperature range upper limit value TEMP 2 , sensor circuit  1600  can provide a temperature range upper limit detect signal THI having a logic high level. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 18 , a non-volatile memory storage cell is set forth in a circuit schematic diagram and given the general reference character  1800 . The non-volatile memory storage cell  1800  can be used in non-volatile semiconductor memory devices ( 330 ,  630 ,  830 ,  1030 , and  1230 ). Non-volatile memory storage cell  1800  can include a control gate terminal  1810 , a floating gate element  1820 , a source terminal  1830 , and a drain terminal  1840 . Data may be stored on the floating gate element  1820  by way of electrical charge. 
     Other electrical apparatus other than semiconductor devices may benefit from the invention. 
     While various particular embodiments set forth herein have been described in detail, the present invention could be subject to various changes, substitutions, and alterations without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the present invention is intended to be limited only as defined by the appended claims.

Technology Category: 5