SINGLE-LEVEL CELL ENDURANCE IMPROVEMENT WITH PRE-DEFINED BLOCKS

摘要

Techniques are disclosed for SLC blocks having different characteristics than MLC blocks such that SLC blocks will have high endurance and MLC blocks will have high reliability. A thinner tunnel oxide may be used for memory cells in SLC blocks than for memory cells in MLC blocks. A thinner tunnel oxide in SLC blocks may allow a lower program voltage to be used, which may improve endurance. A thicker tunnel oxide in MLC blocks may improve data retention. A thinner IPD may be used for memory cells in SLC blocks than for memory cells in MLC blocks. A thinner IPD may provide a higher coupling ratio, which may allow a lower program voltage. A lower program voltage in SLC blocks can improve endurance. A thicker IPD in MLC blocks can prevent or reduce read disturb. SLC blocks may have a different number of data word lines than MLC blocks.