Patent Document

FIELD 
       [0001]    The present disclosure relates generally to erasing memory cells and in particular the present disclosure relates to erase operations with erase-verify voltages based on where in the erase operations an erase cycle occurs. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Memory devices are typically provided as internal, semiconductor, integrated circuits in computers or other electronic devices. There are many different types of memory, including random-access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), and flash memory. 
         [0003]    Flash memory devices have developed into a popular source of non-volatile memory for a wide range of electronic applications. Non-volatile memory is memory that can retain its data values for some extended period without the application of power. Flash memory devices typically use a one-transistor memory cell that allows for high memory densities, high reliability, and low power consumption. Changes in threshold voltage of the cells, through programming (which is sometimes referred to as writing) of charge-storage structures (e.g., floating gates or charge traps) or other physical phenomena (e.g., phase change or polarization), determine the data value of each cell. Common uses for flash memory and other non-volatile memory include personal computers, personal digital assistants (PDAs), digital cameras, digital media players, digital recorders, games, appliances, vehicles, wireless devices, mobile telephones, and removable memory modules, and the uses for non-volatile memory continue to expand. 
         [0004]    A NAND flash memory device is a common type of flash memory device, so called for the logical form in which the basic memory cell configuration is arranged. Typically, the array of memory cells for NAND flash memory devices is arranged such that the control gate of each memory cell of a row of the array is connected together to form an access line, such as a word line. Columns of the array include strings (often termed NAND strings) of memory cells connected together in series, source to drain, between a pair of select lines, such as a source select line and a drain select line. 
         [0005]    A “column” refers to a group of memory cells that are commonly coupled to a local data line, such as a local bit line. It does not require any particular orientation or linear relationship, but instead refers to the logical relationship between memory cell and data line. The source select line includes a source select gate at each intersection between a NAND string and the source select line, and the drain select line includes a drain select gate at each intersection between a NAND string and the drain select line. Each source select line is connected to a source line, while each drain select line is connected to a data line, such as column bit line. 
         [0006]    Memory cells are sometimes programmed using program/erase operations, e.g., where such an operation might involve first erasing a memory cell and then programming the memory cell. For example, a plurality of memory cells, such as a string of memory cells, a plurality of strings of memory cells, etc., might be erased at once, e.g., during an erase operation, and then one or more of the erased memory cells might be programmed, e.g., during a program operation. A plurality of memory cells erased at once is sometimes called an erase block, for example. 
         [0007]    For a NAND array, for example, a plurality of memory cells might sometimes be erased by grounding the access lines coupled to the plurality of memory cells and applying an erase voltage to a semiconductor over which the memory cells are commonly formed, and thus to the channels of the memory cells, to remove the charge from the charge-storage structures. More specifically, the charge is removed through Fowler-Nordheim tunneling of electrons from the charge-storage structure to the channel, resulting in an erase threshold voltage, e.g., an erase Vt, that can be less than zero. 
         [0008]    An erase voltage is then applied to the plurality of memory cells to confirm whether the memory cells have been erased below an erase threshold voltage level. For example, an erase verify voltage might be applied to the access lines coupled to the plurality memory cells that are being erased. An erase voltage followed by an erase verify voltage might be referred to as an erase-and-verify cycle or simply as an erase cycle, and an erase operation might include one or more erase cycles to erase the plurality of memory cells. If any of the plurality of memory cells fail erase verification, the erase cycles may be repeated until the plurality of memory cells is erased or a certain number of erase cycles have occurred and the erasure is deemed to have failed. 
         [0009]    A problem with erasing some flash memory devices is that different access lines in a given erase block can have faster or slower erase characteristics due to issues that can include, but are not limited to, different access line resistance, the physical placement of an access line in the memory array, and the access line coupling to the memory cells and other adjacent elements and access lines of the memory array. Because of this, slower erasing memory cells could get under erased (e.g., possibly causing additional erase cycles) and faster erasing memory cells could get over erased and overstressed (e.g., decreasing the lifespan of the affected memory cells and the endurance of the erase block). 
         [0010]    For the reasons stated above, and for other reasons stated below which will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading and understanding the present specification, there is a need in the art for alternatives to existing erase operations. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0011]      FIG. 1  is a simplified block diagram of a memory system, according to an embodiment. 
           [0012]      FIG. 2  is a schematic of a NAND memory array, according to another embodiment. 
           [0013]      FIG. 3  illustrates an example of an erase operation of the prior art. 
           [0014]      FIG. 4  illustrates an example of an erase operation, according to another embodiment. 
           [0015]      FIG. 5  illustrates an example of an erase operation, according to another embodiment. 
           [0016]      FIG. 6  illustrates an example of an erase operation, according to another embodiment. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0017]    In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which is shown, by way of illustration, specific embodiments. In the drawings, like numerals describe substantially similar components throughout the several views. Other embodiments may be utilized and structural, logical, and electrical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense. 
         [0018]    The term semiconductor used herein can refer to, for example, a layer of material, a wafer, or a substrate, and includes any base semiconductor structure. “Semiconductor” is to be understood as including silicon-on-sapphire (SOS) technology, silicon-on-insulator (SOI) technology, thin film transistor (TFT) technology, doped and undoped semiconductors, epitaxial layers of a silicon supported by a base semiconductor structure, as well as other semiconductor structures well known to one skilled in the art. Furthermore, when reference is made to a semiconductor in the following description, previous process steps may have been utilized to form regions/junctions in the base semiconductor structure, and the term semiconductor can include the underlying layers containing such regions/junctions. 
         [0019]      FIG. 1  is a simplified block diagram of a NAND flash memory device  100  in communication with a processor  130  as part of an electronic system, according to an embodiment. The processor  130  may be a memory controller or other external host device. Memory device  100  includes an array of memory cells  104 . A row decoder  108  and a column decoder  110  are provided to decode address signals. Address signals are received and decoded to access memory array  104 . 
         [0020]    Memory device  100  also includes input/output (I/O) control circuitry  112  to manage input of commands, addresses, and data to the memory device  100  as well as output of data and status information from the memory device  100 . An address register  114  is in communication with I/O control circuitry  112 , and row decoder  108  and column decoder  110 , to latch the address signals prior to decoding. A command register  124  is in communication with I/O control circuitry  112  and control logic  116  to latch incoming commands. Control logic  116  controls access to the memory array  104  in response to the commands and generates status information for the external processor  130 . The control logic  116  is in communication with row decoder  108  and column decoder  110  to control the row decoder  108  and column decoder  110  in response to the addresses. 
         [0021]    Control logic  116  is also in communication with a cache register  118 . Cache register  118  latches data, either incoming or outgoing, as directed by control logic  116  to temporarily store data while the memory array  104  is busy writing or reading, respectively, other data. During a write operation, data is passed from the cache register  118  to data register  120  for transfer to the memory array  104 ; then new data is latched in the cache register  118  from the I/O control circuitry  112 . During a read operation, data is passed from the cache register  118  to the I/O control circuitry  112  for output to the external processor  130 ; then new data is passed from the data register  120  to the cache register  118 . A status register  122  is in communication with I/O control circuitry  112  and control logic  116  to latch the status information for output to the processor  130 . 
         [0022]    Memory device  100  receives control signals at control logic  116  from processor  130  over a control link  132 . The control signals may include at least a chip enable CE#, a command latch enable CLE, an address latch enable ALE, and a write enable WE#. Memory device  100  receives command signals (which represent commands), address signals (which represent addresses), and data signals (which represent data) from processor  130  over a multiplexed input/output (I/O) bus  134  and outputs data to processor  130  over I/O bus  134 . 
         [0023]    For example, the commands are received over input/output (I/O) pins [7:0] of I/O bus  134  at I/O control circuitry  112  and are written into command register  124 . The addresses are received over input/output (I/O) pins [7:0] of bus  134  at I/O control circuitry  112  and are written into address register  114 . The data are received over input/output (I/O) pins [7:0] for an 8-bit device or input/output (I/O) pins [15:0] for a 16-bit device at I/O at control circuitry  112  and are written into cache register  118 . The data are subsequently written into data register  120  for programming memory array  104 . For another embodiment, cache register  118  may be omitted, and the data are written directly into data register  120 . Data are also output over input/output (I/O) pins [7:0] for an 8-bit device or input/output (I/O) pins [15:0] for a 16-bit device. 
         [0024]    The erase verify voltages may be stored in trim circuitry  125 , e.g., that may be included in control logic  116 , as shown in  FIG. 1 . For example, trim circuitry  125  may include registers that can store the erase verify voltages. Control logic  116  may be configured to apply the erase verify voltages based on where in the erase operation the erase cycle occurs (e.g., based on which erase cycle is being performed). For example, trim circuitry  125  may store an erase-verify-voltage trim set, including a plurality (e.g. a set) of erase verify voltages, and control logic  116  may be configured to apply the erase verify voltages of the trim set to access lines, such as word lines, based on where in the erase operation the erase cycle occurs. For example, control logic  116  may be configured to select the erase verify voltage of the trim set based on where in the erase operation the erase cycle occurs. 
         [0025]    It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that additional circuitry and signals can be provided, and that the memory device of  FIG. 1  has been simplified. It should be recognized that the functionality of the various block components described with reference to  FIG. 1  may not necessarily be segregated to distinct components or component portions of an integrated circuit device. For example, a single component or component portion of an integrated circuit device could be adapted to perform the functionality of more than one block component of  FIG. 1 . Alternatively, one or more components or component portions of an integrated circuit device could be combined to perform the functionality of a single block component of  FIG. 1 . 
         [0026]    Additionally, while specific I/O pins are described in accordance with popular conventions for receipt and output of the various signals, it is noted that other combinations or numbers of I/O pins may be used in the various embodiments. 
         [0027]      FIG. 2  is a schematic of a NAND memory array  200 , e.g., as a portion of memory array  104 , in accordance with another embodiment. Memory array  200  includes access lines, such as word lines  202   1  to  202   N , and intersecting data lines, such as bit lines  204   1  to  204   M . The bit lines  204  may be coupled to global data lines, such as global bit lines (not shown), in a many-to-one relationship. For some embodiments, memory array  200  may be formed over a semiconductor that, for example, may be conductively doped to have a conductivity type, such as a p-type conductivity, e.g., to form a p-well, or an n-type conductivity, e.g., to form an n-well. 
         [0028]    Memory array  200  is arranged in rows (each corresponding to a word line  202 ) and columns (each corresponding to a bit line  204 ). Each column may include a string of series-coupled memory cells, such as one of NAND strings  206   1  to  206   M . Each NAND string  206  is coupled to a common source line  216  and includes memory cells  208   1  to  208   N . The memory cells  208  represent non-volatile memory cells for storage of data. The memory cells  208  of each NAND string  206  are connected in series, source to drain, between a source select line  214  and a drain select line  215 . 
         [0029]    Source select line  214  includes a source select gate  210 , e.g., a field-effect transistor (FET), at each intersection between a NAND string  206  and source select line  214 , and drain select line  215  includes a drain select gate  212 , e.g., a field-effect transistor (FET), at each intersection between a NAND string  206  and drain select line  215 . In this way, the memory cells  208  of each NAND string  206  are connected between a source select gate  210  and a drain select gate  212 . 
         [0030]    A source of each source select gate  210  is connected to common source line  216 . The drain of each source select gate  210  is connected to the source of a memory cell  208   1  of the corresponding NAND string  206 . For example, the drain of source select gate  210   1  is connected to the source of memory cell  208   1  of the corresponding NAND string  206   1 . Therefore, each source select gate  210  selectively couples a corresponding NAND string  206  to common source line  216 . A control gate  220  of each source select gate  210  is connected to source select line  214 . 
         [0031]    The drain of each drain select gate  212  is connected to the bit line  204  for the corresponding NAND string at a drain contact  228 . For example, the drain of drain select gate  212   1  is connected to the bit line  204   1  for the corresponding NAND string  206   1  at drain contact  228   1 . The source of each drain select gate  212  is connected to the drain of a memory cell  208   N  of the corresponding NAND string  206 . For example, the source of drain select gate  212   1  is connected to the drain of memory cell  208   N  of the corresponding NAND string  206   1 . Therefore, each drain select gate  212  selectively couples a corresponding NAND string  206  to a corresponding bit line  204 . A control gate  222  of each drain select gate  212  is connected to drain select line  215 . 
         [0032]    Typical construction of memory cells  208  includes a source  230  and a drain  232 , a charge-storage structure  234  (e.g., a floating gate, charge trap, etc.) that can store a charge that determines a data value of the memory cell, and a control gate  236 , as shown in  FIG. 2 . Memory cells  208  have their control gates  236  coupled to (and in some cases form) a word line  202 . A column of the memory cells  208  is a NAND string  206  coupled to a given bit line  204 . A row of the memory cells  208  are those memory cells commonly coupled to a given word line  202 . 
         [0033]    Although the examples of  FIGS. 1 and 2  are discussed in conjunction with NAND flash, the embodiments described herein are not limited to NAND flash, but can include other flash architectures, such as NOR flash, etc. 
         [0034]      FIG. 3  illustrates an example of an erase operation of the prior art performed on one or more memory cells, such as a plurality of memory cells  208  in  FIG. 2  concurrently. For example, the plurality of memory cells might include those memory cells formed over a common conductive region, such as a conductively doped portion of a semiconductor, e.g., a conductive well (e.g., a p-well or an n-well) formed in the semiconductor, etc. For example, the plurality of memory cells to be erased might include array  200  formed over a p-well or an n-well. 
         [0035]    Alternatively, the plurality of memory cells to be erased might include a single string, such as a single NAND string  206 . Note that in some architectures, each string might be over an individual conductive region in a semiconductor, such as an individual conductive well in the semiconductor, e.g., an individual p-well or n-well. For some embodiments, the erase operation might be performed on a plurality of memory cells prior to programming one or more memory cells of the plurality of memory cells, where the erase and subsequent programming might be referred to as a program/erase operation. 
         [0036]    In the example, one or more erase cycles CY of the erase operation might be performed to erase the plurality of memory cells. For example, the erase cycles are performed in succession until a respective erase verify passes or until a certain number of erase cycles are performed without an erase verify passing. 
         [0037]    Each erase cycle may include applying an erase voltage VE, e.g., an erase voltage pulse, for that cycle to the channels of the plurality of memory cells to be erased by applying the erase voltage VE to a common conductive region in a semiconductor over which the plurality of memory cells to be erased is formed, e.g., while the word lines, such as word lines  202   1  to  202   N , coupled to the plurality of memory cells are grounded. For example, when erasing a single NAND string  206 , the erase voltage might be applied to a conductive well over which that single NAND string  206  is formed and by grounding word lines  202   1  to  202   N . When erasing a plurality of NAND strings  206 , such as NAND strings  206   1  to  206   M , the erase voltage might be applied to a conductive well over which array  200  is formed and by grounding word lines  202   1  to  202   N . For example, the erase voltage may be said to be applied to the memory cells to be erased concurrently. 
         [0038]    For some embodiments, a plurality of memory cells might be located adjacent to (e.g., on) substantially vertical semiconductor pillar. For example, substantially vertical strings (e.g., NAND strings) of series-coupled memory cells may be located adjacent to (e.g., on) substantially vertical semiconductor pillars. Memory arrays having such configurations, for example, may be referred to as three-dimensional memory (e.g., three-dimensional NAND) arrays. 
         [0039]    A semiconductor pillar may act as channel region for the plurality of memory cells adjacent thereto. For example, during operation of one or more memory cells of a string, a channel can be formed in the corresponding semiconductor pillar. For some embodiments, the memory cells of a three-dimensional memory may be erased by an applying an erase voltage VE to the semiconductor pillars forming the channels of the plurality of memory cells. For example, a plurality of memory cells formed adjacent to a semiconductor pillar might be erased by applying an erase voltage VE to the semiconductor pillar that forms the channel region. 
         [0040]    Each erase cycle may include an erase verify that may include applying an erase verify voltage EV for that cycle to word lines  202   1  to  202   N . The erase verify may include determining whether the memory cells are erased by sensing a current through the memory cells. For example, a string of memory cells might be deemed erased when a certain level of current passing through the bit line selectively coupled to the string is sensed. In other words, the memory cells in a string may be deemed erased when the erase verify voltage applied to the word lines coupled to the memory cells in the string causes the memory cells to turn on to an extent to allow the certain level of current to flow through the string. For example, the current flow through each of the bit lines  204   1  to  204   M  respectively selectively coupled to NAND strings  206   1  to  206   M  may be sensed when erasing NAND strings  206   1  to  206   M . 
         [0041]    While the erase verify voltage EV is being applied, select gates  210  and  212  might be turned on, and either a voltage is applied to the bit line  204  that is greater than a voltage applied to source line  216  or a voltage is applied to source line  216  that is greater than a voltage applied to a bit line  204 . For example, a positive voltage, such as Vcc (e.g., a supply voltage), might be applied to the bit line while the source line is grounded, or Vcc might be applied to the source line while the bit line is grounded. 
         [0042]    In the example, erase voltage VE 2  may be an erase voltage step ΔV greater than erase voltage VE 1 , erase voltage VE 3  the erase voltage step ΔV greater than erase voltage VE 2 , and erase voltage VE 4  the erase voltage step ΔV greater than voltage VE 3 . The same erase verify voltage EV is applied during each erase cycle. 
         [0043]    The erase operation might start with applying erase voltage VE 1  during erase cycle CY 1  to the common conductive region over which the plurality of memory cells to be erased is formed. Erase voltage VE 1  may be subsequently removed from the conductive region, and the erase verify of cycle CY 1  may be performed by applying erase verify voltage EV to the word lines, e.g., word lines  202   1  to  202   N , coupled to the plurality of memory cells. While the erase verify voltage EV is being applied, the current flow through the bit line(s) selectively coupled to the memory cells being erased may be sensed to determine whether the erase verify passes, and the memory cells are erased, or the erase verify fails, and the memory cells are not sufficiently erased. 
         [0044]    If the erase verify fails, erase cycle CY 2  is subsequently performed. For example, the erase voltage VE 1  may be increased by the erase voltage step ΔV, resulting in an erase voltage VE 2 =VE 1 +ΔV of erase cycle CY 2  being applied to the common conductive region during erase cycle CY 2 . The erase voltage VE 2  is subsequently removed, and the erase verify of cycle CY 2  is performed by applying erase verify voltage EV to word lines  202   1  to  202   N . If the erase verify fails for erase cycle CY 2 , erase cycle CY 3  is performed, and if the erase verify fails for erase cycle CY 3 , erase cycle CY 4  is performed, etc. 
         [0045]    Note that in the prior art example shown in  FIG. 3  and discussed above in conjunction with  FIG. 3 , the same erase verify voltage EV, e.g., an erase voltage having a single magnitude, is used in each erase cycle. The magnitude of the erase voltage can determine whether the erase verify passes. For example, the higher the erase verify voltage, the more likely a plurality of memory cells is to pass the erase verify during a particular erase cycle, thus reducing the number of erase cycles. Instances where the erase verify voltage is higher, and the number of erase cycles required for the plurality of memory cells is reduced, might be referred to as “shallower” erasing. 
         [0046]    In contrast, the lower the erase verify voltage, the less likely a plurality of memory cells is to pass the erase verify during a particular erase cycle, thus increasing the number of erase cycles. Instances where the erase verify voltage is lower and the number of erase cycles is increased, might be referred to as “deeper” erasing. 
         [0047]    In some examples of the prior art, the single erase verify voltage might be selected based on an average expected erase behavior of a plurality of memory cells. However, for some examples of the prior art, when a plurality of memory cells is less worn from repeated program/erase cycles, “deeper” erasing, and thus a lower erase verify voltage, might be desirable, owing to unpredictability in the erase behavior of the newer memory cells. As the plurality of memory cells becomes more worn from the repeated program/erase cycles, e.g., around the middle of the life expectancy of the plurality of memory cells, the average expected erase behavior of a plurality of memory cells can become more predictable, and “shallower” erasing, and thus a higher erase verify voltage, might be desirable. As the plurality of memory cells approaches the end of its life, “deeper” erasing, and thus a lower erase verify voltage, might again be desirable. A single erase verify voltage might result in under erasing if the single erase verify voltage is too high or over erasing, e.g., leading to overstressing, of memory cells if the single erase verify voltage is too low. 
         [0048]    For some examples of the prior art, voltage differences that may occur while programming target memory cells coupled to a selected word line can disturb the threshold voltages of untargeted memory cells coupled to the selected word line and partially program these memory cells. This may be referred to as program disturb. Successive program/erase operations may have a cumulative effect, in that each program operation can partially program the untargeted cells until the untargeted cells become programmed undesirably. 
         [0049]    For some examples, a “deeper” erase, due to a lower erase verify voltage, can reduce the program disturb compared to a “shallower” erase, resulting from a higher erase verify voltage, when memory cells are less worn, and fewer program/erase operations have been applied. However, as the memory cells age and the program/erase operations increase, a “shallower” erase, resulting from a higher erase verify voltage, can reduce the program disturb compared to a “deeper” erase due to a lower erase verify voltage. 
         [0050]      FIG. 4  illustrates an example of an erase operation performed on one or more memory cells, such as a plurality of memory cells  208  in  FIG. 2 , e.g., a single NAND string  206  or a plurality of NAND strings  206  (e.g., NAND strings  206   1  to  206   M ), concurrently. One or more erase cycles CY of the erase operation might be performed to erase the plurality of memory cells. For example, the erase cycles may be performed in succession until a respective erase verify passes or until a certain number of erase cycles are performed without an erase verify passing. As such, an erase operation may be defined as an operation having one or more erase cycles that are performed (e.g., executed) until an erase verify passes or until a certain number of erase cycles thereof are performed without an erase verify passing. 
         [0051]    The discrete erase voltages (e.g., erase pulses) VE in  FIG. 4  increase with increasing cycle number. For example, for each successive increase in erase cycle number, the erase voltage might increase by the erase voltage step ΔV. In other words, for example, erase voltage VE 2  of erase cycle CY 2  may be the erase voltage step ΔV greater than erase voltage VE 1  of erase cycle CY 1 , erase voltage VE 3  of erase cycle CY 3  the erase voltage step ΔV greater than erase voltage VE 2 , and erase voltage VE 4  of erase cycle CY 4  the erase voltage step ΔV greater than erase voltage VE 3 . 
         [0052]    In the example of  FIG. 4 , an erase verify voltage EV may be based on the number of the cycle in the erase operation during which that the erase verify voltage EV is applied. For example, for some embodiments, the erase verify voltage EV may be a function, e.g., a monotonic decreasing function, of the erase cycle number. In some embodiments, for example, the erase verify voltage EV 2  applied during the erase cycle CY 2  may be less than the erase verify voltage EV 1  applied during erase cycle CY 1 ; the erase verify voltage EV 3  applied during the erase cycle CY 3  may be less than the erase verify voltage EV 2  applied during erase cycle CY 2 ; and the erase verify voltage EV 4  applied during erase cycle CY 4  may be less than the erase verify voltage EV 3  applied during erase cycle CY 3 , as shown in  FIG. 4 . 
         [0053]    Since the cycle number matches the number of discrete erase voltages (e.g., erase pulses) that have been applied prior to applying a particular erase verify voltage, the particular erase verify voltage may be based on the number of discrete erase voltages that have been applied during the erase operation prior to applying the particular erase verify voltage. For example, erase verify voltage EV 3  may be based on three discrete erase voltages having been applied during the erase operation. Alternatively, a particular erase verify voltage may be based on the number of the particular erase verify voltage in the erase operation. For example, erase verify voltage EV 3  may be based on the fact that it is the third erase verify in the erase operation. 
         [0054]    For some embodiments, the erase verify voltages EV may be stored in trim circuitry  125  ( FIG. 1 ). For example, the set of erase verify voltages EV 1  to EV 4  may be stored in registers in trim circuitry  125 . Control logic  116  may be configured to apply the erase verify voltages EV 1  to EV 4  respectively during erase cycles CY 1  to CY 4 . For example, trim circuitry  125  may store an erase-verify-voltage trim set, including erase verify voltages EV 1  to EV 4 , and control logic  116  may be configured to select an erase verify voltage of the trim set to be applied to word lines  202   1  to  202   N , for example, based on where in the erase operation the erase cycle occurs. For example, control logic  116  may be configured to select the erase verify voltage of the trim set to be applied to word lines  202   1  to  202   N  based on which erase cycle is being performed. 
         [0055]    For some embodiments, control logic  116  may be configured to determine (e.g., keep track of) how many cycles of the erase operation have occurred and to select from a plurality of erase verify voltages the erase verify voltage to be applied based on what erase cycle of the erase operation is being performed. Similarly, control logic  116  may be configured to determine (e.g., keep track of) how many erase voltages have been applied or the number of the erase verify voltage currently being applied and to select from a plurality of erase verify voltages the erase verify voltage to be applied based on how many erase voltages have been applied or the number of the erase verify voltage currently being applied. For example, an erase verify voltage might be assigned to each erase cycle, based on where (e.g., when) in the erase operation the respective erase cycle occurs. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of erase verify voltages corresponds to a respective one of a plurality of erase cycles that can be performed during an erase operation. 
         [0056]    During the erase operation, erase voltage VE 1  is applied during erase cycle CY 1  to a common conductive region in a semiconductor over which the plurality of memory cells to be erased is formed. Erase voltage VE 1  is then removed, and erase verify voltage EV 1  is applied to word lines  202   1  to  202   N  during the erase verify of cycle CY 1 . If the erase verify fails, erase voltage VE 2  is applied during erase cycle CY 2 . Erase voltage VE 2  is then removed, and erase verify voltage EV 2  is applied to word lines  202   1  to  202   N  during the erase verify of cycle CY 2 . If the erase verify fails for erase cycle CY 2 , erase cycle CY 3  is performed, and if the erase verify fails for erase cycle CY 3 , erase cycle CY 4  is performed. 
         [0057]      FIG. 5  illustrates another example of an erase operation performed on one or more memory cells, such as a plurality of memory cells  208  in  FIG. 2 , e.g., a single NAND string  206  or a plurality of NAND strings  206  (e.g., NAND stings  206   1  to  206   M ), concurrently. One or more erase cycles CY of the erase operation might be performed to erase the plurality of memory cells. For example, the erase cycles may be performed in succession until a respective erase verify passes or until a certain number of erase cycles are performed without an erase verify passing. 
         [0058]    The discrete erase voltages (e.g., erase pulses) VE in  FIG. 5  may increase with increasing cycle number. For example, for each successive increase in erase cycle number, the erase voltage might increase by the erase voltage step ΔV in a manner similar to that discussed above in conjunction with  FIG. 4 . 
         [0059]    In the example of  FIG. 5 , the erase cycles of the erase operation may be divided into groups GR of erase cycles, where the erase cycles of each group may use a common erase verify voltage EV for that group, and the erase verify voltages may be a function of the group number. In the example of  FIG. 5 , the erase verify voltages might monotonically decrease with increasing group number. For example, the erase verify voltage EV(GR 2 ) applied during the erase cycles CY 3  and CY 4  of group GR 2  may be less than the erase verify voltage EV(GR 1 ) applied during the erase cycles CY 1  and CY 2  of group GR 1 , and the erase verify voltage EV(GR 3 ) applied during the erase cycles CY 5  and CY 6  of group GR 3  may be less than the erase verify voltage EV(GR 2 ) applied during the erase cycles CY 3  and CY 4  of group GR 2 . For other embodiments, erase verify voltage EV(GR 2 ) might be greater than erase verify voltage EV(GR 1 ), and erase voltage EV(GR 3 ) might be less than or equal to erase verify voltage EV(GR 1 ). 
         [0060]    Erase verify voltages EV(GR 1 ) to EV(GR 3 ) may be stored in the registers of trim circuitry  125 . For example, trim circuitry  125  may store an erase-verify-voltage trim set, including erase verify voltages EV(GR 1 ) to EV(GR 3 ), and control logic  116  may be configured to apply one of the erase verify voltages EV(GR 1 ) to EV(GR 3 ) of the trim set to word lines  202   1  to  202   N , for example, based on which group of erase cycles is being performed. 
         [0061]    For some embodiments, control logic  116  may be configured to select a first erase verify voltage when the erase cycle is any one of a first plurality (e.g., a group) of erase cycles of the erase operation and to select a second erase verify voltage different than the first erase verify voltage when the erase cycle is any one of a second plurality of erase cycles of the erase operation. For example, control logic  116  may be configured to select erase voltage EV(GR 1 ) from erase verify voltages EV(GR 1 ) to EV(GR 3 ) when the erase cycle is one of erase cycles of group GR 1  and to select erase voltage EV(GR 2 ) from erase verify voltages EV(GR 1 ) to EV(GR 3 ) when the erase cycle is one of erase cycles of group GR 2 . 
         [0062]    For some embodiments, trim circuitry  125  may store as a first trim set, the trim set shown in  FIG. 5  having erase verify voltages that decrease with an increasing group number and a second trim set having erase verify voltage EV(GR 2 ) greater than erase verify voltage EV(GR 1 ) and erase voltage EV(GR 3 ) less than or equal to erase verify voltage EV(GR 1 ). Control logic  116  may be configured to apply the first and second trim sets based on the number of program/erase operations that have been performed. For example, the second trim set might be applied when the memory device is less worn and fewer program/erase operations have been performed, and the first trim set might be applied when the memory device is more worn and more program/erase operations have been performed. The second trim set might be applied in response to the number of program/erase operations being less than or equal to a certain number, and the first trim set might be applied in response to the number of program/erase operations being greater than the certain number. 
         [0063]      FIG. 6  illustrates an example of an erase operation performed on one or more memory cells, such as a plurality of memory cells  208  in  FIG. 2 , e.g., a single NAND string  206  or a plurality of NAND strings  206  (e.g., NAND stings  206   1  to  206   M ), concurrently. One or more erase cycles CY of the erase operation might be performed to erase the plurality of memory cells. For example, the erase cycles may be performed in succession until a respective erase verify passes or until a certain number of erase cycles are performed without an erase verify passing. 
         [0064]    The discrete erase voltages (e.g., erase pulses) VE in  FIG. 6  may increase with increasing cycle number. For example, for each successive increase in erase cycle number, the erase voltage might increase by the erase voltage step ΔV in a manner similar to that discussed above in conjunction with  FIG. 4 . 
         [0065]    The erase verify voltages EV in  FIG. 6  might be stored as a trim set in trim circuitry  125  that might be applied when the memory device is less worn, and fewer program/erase operations have been performed. The erase verify voltages EV in  FIG. 4  might be stored as another trim set in trim circuitry  125  that might applied when the memory device is more worn, and more program/erase operations have been performed. For example, the trim set including erase verify voltages EV in  FIG. 6  might be applied in response to the number of program/erase operations being less than or equal to a certain number, and the trim set including erase verify voltages EV in  FIG. 4  might be applied in response to the number of program/erase operations being greater than the certain number. 
         [0066]    Erase verify voltage EV 7  applied during cycle CY 7  might be less than the erase voltages EV 1  to EV 6  respectively applied during cycles CD to CY 6 . Erase voltages EV 1  and EV 6  might be equal to each other; erase voltages EV 2  and EV 3  respectively applied during cycles CY 2  and CY 3  might be equal to each other; and erase voltages EV 4  and EV 5  respectively applied during cycles CY 4  and CY 5  might be equal to each other. Erase voltages EV 1  and EV 6  might be less than erase voltages EV 4  and EV 5 , and erase voltages EV 4  and EV 5  might be less than erase voltages EV 2  and EV 3 . 
         [0067]    Note each erase verify voltage may be based on (e.g., may be a function of) the number of the respective verify voltage in the erase operation, the number of the specific erase cycle being performed in the erase operation, or the number of the discrete erase voltages that have been applied during the erase operation before applying the erase verify voltage. For example, erase verify voltage EV 7  may be based on the fact that it is applied during the seventh cycle of the erase operation, that seven discrete erase voltages have been applied during the erase operation before applying the erase verify voltage EV 7 , or that erase verify voltage EV 7  is the seventh erase verify voltage applied during the erase operation. 
       CONCLUSION 
       [0068]    Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that any arrangement that is calculated to achieve the same purpose may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown. Many adaptations of the embodiments will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. Accordingly, this application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the embodiments.

Technology Category: 3