Three-dimensional memory array and method for storing data bits and ECC bits therein

摘要

The preferred embodiments described herein provide a three-dimensional memory array and method for storing data bits and ECC bits therein. In one preferred embodiment, a three-dimensional memory array of the type that includes multiple vertically-stacked layers of memory cells is provided. The three-dimensional memory array comprises a plurality of memory cells arranged in a plurality of physically-independent sub-arrays, and data bits and error checking and correcting (ECC) bits of a word are stored in respective ones of the physically-independent sub-arrays. By spatially diffusing data bits and ECC bits from a word, the likelihood of multiple-bit errors within the word is reduced. This is advantageous since most ECC circuitry is capable of correcting only single-bit errors within a given word. Other preferred embodiments are disclosed.