This application claims priority under 35 USC § 119 to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0145459 filed on Oct. 27, 2023 in the Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO), the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.
Semiconductor memory devices may be divided into two categories depending upon whether or not they retain stored data when disconnected from a power supply. These categories include volatile memory devices, which lose stored data when disconnected from power, and nonvolatile memory devices, which retain stored data when disconnected from power. While volatile memory devices may perform read and write operations at a high speed, contents stored therein may be lost at power-off. Since nonvolatile memory devices retain contents stored therein even at power-off, they may be used to store data that needs to be retained.
Various structures are being adopted to increase the integration degree of memory devices and reduce the size of memory devices. However, the reduction of the size of memory devices is limited because the memory device should still include a peripheral circuit for driving a memory cell array and a wiring structure to electrically connect the memory cell array with the peripheral circuit. Recently, methods are used in which elements included in the memory device are fabricated on separate wafers, rather than being fabricated on a single wafer, and then bonded to each other.
The present disclosure relates to a memory device capable of efficiently reducing size, easily detecting defects, and preventing performance degradation, and a semiconductor device capable of efficiently reducing size, easily detecting defects, and preventing performance degradation.
In general, according to some aspects, a memory device includes a first semiconductor layer and a second semiconductor layer. The first semiconductor layer includes a memory cell array, a first bonding pad and a first test pad. The memory cell array is connected to a plurality of wordlines extending in a first direction and a plurality of bitlines extending in a second direction crossing the first direction. The second semiconductor layer is disposed with respect to the first semiconductor layer in a third direction perpendicular to both the first direction and the second direction, and includes a peripheral circuit, a second bonding pad, a second test pad and a test circuit. The peripheral circuit controls the memory cell array. The second bonding pad is connected to the first bonding pad. The second test pad is connected to the first test pad. The test circuit checks a connection state of the first and second bonding pads. The test circuit receives a first test signal through the first and second test pads, generates a first test result signal based on the first test signal, and compensates an operation of the peripheral circuit based on the first test result signal. The first test result signal represents a first misalignment between the first and second bonding pads.
In general, according to some aspects, a memory device includes a first semiconductor layer and a second semiconductor layer. The first semiconductor layer includes a memory cell array, a first bonding pad, a second bonding pad, a first test pad and a second test pad. The memory cell array is connected to a plurality of wordlines extending in a first direction and a plurality of bitlines extending in a second direction crossing the first direction. The second semiconductor layer is disposed with respect to the first semiconductor layer in a third direction perpendicular to both the first direction and the second direction, and includes a peripheral circuit, a third bonding pad, a fourth bonding pad, a third test pad, a fourth test pad and a test circuit. The peripheral circuit controls the memory cell array. The third bonding pad and the fourth bonding pad are connected to the first bonding pad and the second bonding pad, respectively. The third test pad and a fourth test pad are connected to the first test pad and the second test pad, respectively. The test circuit checks a connection state of the first and second bonding pads and a connection state of the third and fourth bonding pads. The first and third bonding pads and the first and third test pads are disposed to correspond to a first region of the memory cell array. The second and fourth bonding pads and the second and fourth test pads are disposed to correspond to a second region different from the first region of the memory cell array. When it is determined, based on a first test signal provided through the first and third test pads, that a misalignment between the first and third bonding pads has occurred with a first level that is a compensable level, the test circuit controls an operation of the peripheral circuit such that at least one of a sensing time of the first region of the memory cell array and a first operating voltage supplied to the first region of the memory cell array is adjusted. When it is determined, based on a second test signal provided through the second and fourth test pads, that a misalignment between the second and fourth bonding pads has occurred with a second level that is an uncompensable level, the test circuit screens a usage of the second region of the memory cell array, or repairs the second region of the memory cell array to another region of the memory cell array.
In general, according to some aspects, a semiconductor device includes a first semiconductor layer and a second semiconductor layer. The first semiconductor layer includes a first circuit, a first bonding pad and a first test pad. The second semiconductor layer is disposed with respect to the first semiconductor layer in a vertical direction, and includes a second circuit, a second bonding pad, a second test pad and a test circuit. The second circuit is interoperable with the first circuit. The second bonding pad is connected to the first bonding pad. The second test pad is connected to the first test pad. The test circuit checks a connection state of the first and second bonding pads. The test circuit receives a first test signal through the first and second test pads, generates a first test result signal based on the first test signal, and compensates an operation of the second circuit based on the first test result signal. The first test result signal represents a misalignment between the first and second bonding pads.
In some implementations, the memory device may have or adopt a structure in which the peripheral circuit and the memory cell array are stacked, e.g., a cell over periphery (COP) structure in which the peripheral circuit is formed below and then the memory cell array is stacked on the peripheral circuit. Accordingly, the memory device may have a relatively small size.
In some implementations, the memory device and the semiconductor device may further includes the test pads formed separately, independently and/or individually from the bonding pads, and may further include the test circuit connected to the test pads. It may be determined, using the test pads and the test circuit, whether the misalignment between the bonding pads occurred, and appropriate feedback operations such as screening, repairing and adjusting operation conditions may be performed depending on the degree of the misalignment. Accordingly, the defects in the memory device may be relatively easily detected, and the performance degradation of the memory device may be effectively prevented.
Illustrative, non-limiting example implementations will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
Various example implementations will be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which implementations are shown. The present disclosure may, however, be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the implementations set forth herein. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout this application.
In
Referring to
The first semiconductor layer L1 and the second semiconductor layer L2 are disposed or stacked in the third direction D3. For example, the first semiconductor layer L1 may be stacked on the second semiconductor layer L2 in the third direction D3, and the second semiconductor layer L2 may be disposed under (e.g., directly beneath or indirectly beneath) the first semiconductor layer L1 in the third direction D3. However, implementations are not limited thereto. For example, the memory device 10 may be turned over during the manufacturing process, and thus the second semiconductor layer L2 may be stacked on the first semiconductor layer L1 in the third direction D3. In some implementations, as will be described with reference to
The first semiconductor layer L1 includes a plurality of wordlines WL, a plurality of bitlines and a memory cell array MCA. Thus, the first semiconductor layer L1 may be referred to as a memory cell region (MCR).
For example, as will be described with reference to
The second semiconductor layer L2 includes a peripheral circuit PCKT that controls the memory cell array MCA. Thus, the second semiconductor layer L2 may be referred to as a peripheral circuit region (PCR).
For example, as will be described with reference to
The first semiconductor layer L1 includes a first bonding pad PD_L1, and the second semiconductor layer L2 includes a second bonding pad PD_L2. The second bonding pad PD_L2 is connected to the first bonding pad PD_L1. The memory cell array MCA (e.g., the wordlines WL and the bitlines BL) of the first semiconductor layer L1 and the peripheral circuit PCKT of the second semiconductor layer L2 may be electrically connected to each other by the first and second bonding pads PD_L1 and PD_L2.
In some implementations, the first semiconductor layer L1 and the second semiconductor layer L2 may be manufactured separately, and then the first semiconductor layer L1 and the second semiconductor layer L2 may be connected to each other by a bonding scheme (or method). For example, the bonding scheme may represent a method of electrically or physically connecting a bonding metal pattern (e.g., the first bonding pad PD_L1) formed in the first semiconductor layer L1 to a bonding metal pattern (e.g., the second bonding pad PD_L2) formed in the second semiconductor layer L2. For example, the bonding pads PD_L1 and PD_L2 may be formed of copper (Cu), and the bonding scheme may be a Cu—Cu bonding scheme. Alternatively, the bonding pads PD_L1 and PD_L2 may be formed of aluminum (Al) or tungsten (W).
The first semiconductor layer L1 includes a first test pad TPD_L1, and the second semiconductor layer L2 includes a second test pad TPD_L2 and a test circuit TCKT. The second test pad TPD_L2 is connected to the first test pad TPD_L1. For example, the first and second test pads TPD_L1 and TPD_L2 may be formed by the same material and the same process as the first and second bonding pads PD_L1 and PD_L2. The test circuit TCKT checks a connection state (or status) of the first and second bonding pads PD_L1 and PD_L2. For example, the test circuit TCKT may determine whether the connection state of the first and second bonding pads PD_L1 and PD_L2 is normal or abnormal by checking a connection state of the first and second test pads TPD_L1 and TPD_L2.
Referring to
The first substrate SUB1 may be a supporting layer that supports components (or elements) of the first semiconductor layer L1, and the second substrate SUB2 may be a supporting layer that supports components of the second semiconductor layer L2. For example, each of the first and second substrates SUB1 and SUB2 may be a silicon substrate, and may be referred to as a base substrate. The first insulating layer IL1 may cover the components of the first semiconductor layer L1, and the second insulating layer IL2 may cover the components of the second semiconductor layer L2.
The memory cell array MCA may include a plurality of memory cells MC, and the peripheral circuit PCKT may include a plurality of transistors TR. For example, as will be described with reference to
The memory cell MC and the transistor TR may be electrically connected to each other by the first and second contacts CT_L1 and CT_L2 and the first and second bonding pads PD_L1 and PD_L2. For example, the memory cell MC may be electrically connected to the first contact CT_L1 and the first bonding pad PD_L1, the transistor TR may be electrically connected to the second contact CT_L2 and the second bonding pad PD_L2, and the memory cell MC and the transistor TR may be electrically connected to each other by electrically connecting the first bonding pad PD_L1 with the second bonding pad PD_L2. Although not illustrated in detail, at least one conductive line and/or contact may be further formed to connect the memory cell MC with the first bonding pad PD_L1, and at least one conductive line and/or contact may be further formed to connect the transistor TR with the second bonding pad PD_L2.
The first and second test pads TPD_L1 and TPD_L2 may be electrically connected to each other, and may be electrically connected to the test circuit TCKT. When a test voltage VFC is applied to the first test pad TPD_L1, the test circuit TCKT may receive a test signal TS through the first and second test pads TPD_L1 and TPD_L2, may generate a test result signal TRS based on the test signal TS, and may compensate for an operation of the peripheral circuit PCKT based on the test result signal TRS. The test result signal TRS may represent or indicate a misalignment between the first and second bonding pads PD_L1 and PD_L2 (e.g., may represent or indicate a misalignment between the first and second test pads TPD_L1 and TPD_L2 or represent or indicate whether a misalignment between the first and second test pads TPD_L1 and TPD_L2 occurred).
Detailed configurations and operations of the test circuit TCKT will be described with reference to
In some implementations, the first semiconductor layer L1 may be manufactured by forming the memory cell array MCA, the first bonding pad PD_L1, the first test pad TPD_L1, the first contact CT_L1 and the first insulating layer IL1 in and/or on the first substrate SUB1, the second semiconductor layer L2 may be manufactured by forming the peripheral circuit PCKT, the second bonding pad PD_L2, the second test pad TPD_L2, the test circuit TCKT, the second contact CT_L2 and the second insulating layer IL2 in and/or on the second substrate SUB2, the first semiconductor layer L1 may be turned over, and the bonding pads PD_L1 and PD_L2 and the test pads TPD_L1 and TPD_L2 may be connected using the bonding scheme. As a result, the first and second semiconductor layers L1 and L2 may be electrically connected in the third direction D3.
Although
The memory device 10 may have or adopt a structure in which the peripheral circuit PCKT and the memory cell array MCA are stacked, e.g., a cell over periphery (COP) structure in which the peripheral circuit PCKT is formed below and then the memory cell array MCA is stacked on the peripheral circuit PCKT. Accordingly, the memory device 10 may have a relatively small size.
In addition, the memory device 10 may further includes the test pads TPD_L1 and TPD_L2 formed separately, independently and/or individually from the bonding pads PD_L1 and PD_L2, and may further include the test circuit TCKT connected to the test pads TPD_L1 and TPD_L2. It may be determined, using the test pads TPD_L1 and TPD_L2 and the test circuit TCKT, whether the misalignment between the bonding pads PD_L1 and PD_L2 occurred, and appropriate feedback operations such as screening, repairing and adjusting operation conditions may be performed depending on the degree of the misalignment. Accordingly, the defects in the memory device 10 may be relatively easily detected, and the performance degradation of the memory device 10 may be effectively prevented.
However, implementations are not limited thereto, and the memory device 10 may have or adopt a bonding vertical NAND (BVNAND) structure in which the memory cell array MCA includes vertical flash memory cells (e.g., vertical NAND cells) and the peripheral circuit PCKT and the memory cell array MCA are disposed or arranged in the third direction D3.
Referring to
For example, the bonding pads PD_L1 and PD_L2 may have the same shape and the same size, and an area (or a length) over which the bonding pads PD_L1 and PD_L2 overlap may be larger than a first area (or a first length) on a plane or in a plan view. For example, a resistance between the bonding pads PD_L1 and PD_L2 may be less than a first resistance. For example, the test signal TS may have a relatively high voltage level. For example, as illustrated in
For example, the test pads TPD_L1 and TPD_L2 may also have the same shape and the same size as the bonding pads PD_L1 and PD_L2, and a distance between the first bonding pad PD_L1 and the first test pad TPD_L1 may be substantially equal to a distance between the second bonding pad PD_L2 and the second test pad TPD_L2. In this case, if the misalignment between the bonding pads PD L1 and PD L2 does not occur, the misalignment between the test pads TPD_L1 and TPD_L2 may not occur.
For example, the area (or the length) over which the bonding pads PD_L1 and PD_L2 overlap may be smaller than or equal to the first area (or the first length) and larger than a second area (or a second length) on a plane or in a plan view. For example, the resistance between the bonding pads PD_L1 and PD_L2 may be greater than or equal to the first resistance value and less than a second resistance value. For example, as the degree of the misalignment between the bonding pads PD_L1 and PD_L2 increases, e.g., as the area (or the length) over which the bonding pads PD_L1 and PD_L2 overlap decreases, the resistance between the bonding pads PD_L1 and PD_L2 may increase. In other words, the more severe the misalignment between the bonding pads PD_L1 and PD_L2, e.g., the smaller the overlapping area (or length) of the bonding pads PD_L1 and PD_L2, the larger the resistance between the bonding pads PD_L1 and PD_L2 may be. For example, as compared with the example of
For example, as with the bonding pads PD_L1 and PD_L2, the misalignment between the first and second test pads TPD_L1 and TPD_L2 has occurred with the first level that is a compensable level.
In some implementations, when the misalignment between the bonding pads PD_L1 and PD_L2 has occurred with the first level, the compensation operation may be performed by adjusting a sensing time and/or an operating voltage while specific memory cells (or a specific memory region) connected to the bonding pads PD_L1 and PD_L2 are operating, which will be described with reference to
For example, the area (or the length) over which the bonding pads PD_L1 and PD_L2 overlap may be smaller than or equal to the second area (or the second length) on a plane or in a plan view. For example, the resistance between the bonding pads PD_L1 and PD_L2 may be greater than or equal to the second resistance value. For example, as compared with the example of
For example, as with the bonding pads PD_L1 and PD_L2, the misalignment between the first and second test pads TPD_L1 and TPD_L2 has occurred with the second level that is a compensable level.
In some implementations, when the misalignment between the bonding pads PD_L1 and PD_L2 has occurred with the second level, the usage of specific memory cells (or a specific memory region) connected to the bonding pads PD_L1 and PD_L2 may be screened or blocked, and/or the specific memory cells (or the specific memory region) may be repaired to or replaced with other memory cells (or another memory region), which will be described with reference to
Referring to
The memory cell array 300 may include first to eighth bank arrays 310 to 380 (e.g., first to eighth bank arrays 310, 320, 330, 340, 350, 360, 370 and 380). The row decoder 260 may include first to eighth bank row decoders 260a to 260h connected respectively to the first to eighth bank arrays 310 to 380. The column decoder 270 may include first to eighth bank column decoders 270a to 270h connected respectively to the first to eighth bank arrays 310 to 380. The sense amplifier unit 285 may include first to eighth bank sense amplifiers 285a to 285h connected respectively to the first to eighth bank arrays 310 to 380.
The first to eighth bank arrays 310 to 380, the first to eighth bank row decoders 260a to 260h, the first to eighth bank column decoders 270a to 270h, and the first to eighth bank sense amplifiers 285a to 285h may form first to eighth banks. Each of the first to eighth bank arrays 310 to 380 may include a plurality of wordlines WL, a plurality of bitlines BL, and a plurality of memory cells MC that are at intersections of the wordlines WL and the bitlines BL.
Although
The address register 220 may receive the address ADDR including a bank address BANK_ADDR, a row address ROW_ADDR, and a column address COL_ADDR from a memory controller (e.g., a memory controller 1200 in
The bank control logic circuit 230 may generate bank control signals in response to the bank address BANK_ADDR. One of the first to eighth bank row decoders 260a to 260h corresponding to the bank address BANK_ADDR may be activated in response to the bank control signals, and one of the first to eighth bank column decoders 270a to 270h corresponding to the bank address BANK_ADDR may be activated in response to the bank control signals.
The row address multiplexer 240 may receive the row address ROW_ADDR from the address register 220, and may receive a refresh row address REF_ADDR from the refresh counter 245. The row address multiplexer 240 may selectively output the row address ROW_ADDR or the refresh row address REF_ADDR as a row address RA. The row address RA that is output from the row address multiplexer 240 may be applied to the first to eighth bank row decoders 260a to 260h.
The activated one of the first to eighth bank row decoders 260a to 260h may decode the row address RA that is output from the row address multiplexer 240, and may activate in the corresponding bank array a wordline WL corresponding to the row address RA. For example, the activated bank row decoder may generate a wordline driving voltage, and may apply the wordline driving voltage to the wordline WL corresponding to the row address RA.
The column address latch 250 may receive the column address COL_ADDR from the address register 220, and may temporarily store the received column address COL_ADDR. In some implementations, in a burst mode, the column address latch 250 may generate column addresses that increment from the received column address COL_ADDR. The column address latch 250 may apply the temporarily stored or generated column address to the first to eighth bank column decoders 270a to 270h.
The activated one of the first to eighth bank column decoders 270a to 270h may decode the column address COL_ADDR that is output from the column address latch 250, and may control the I/O gating circuit 290 to output data corresponding to the column address COL_ADDR.
The I/O gating circuit 290 may include circuitry configured to gate input/output data. The I/O gating circuit 290 may further include read data latches configured to store data that is output from the first to eighth bank arrays 310 to 380, and may also include write control devices for writing data to the first to eighth bank arrays 310 to 380.
Data DAT read from one of the first to eighth bank arrays 310 to 380 may be sensed by a sense amplifier connected to the one bank array from which the data DAT is to be read, and may be stored in the read data latches. The data DAT stored in the read data latches may be provided to the memory controller via the data I/O buffer 295. Data DAT to be written in one of the first to eighth bank arrays 310 to 380 may be provided to the I/O gating circuit 290 via the data I/O buffer 295 from the memory controller, and the I/O gating circuit 290 may write the data DAT in the one bank array through the write drivers.
The control logic circuit 210 may control operations of the memory device 200. For example, the control logic circuit 210 may generate control signals for the memory device 200 to perform the write operation and/or the read operation. The control logic circuit 210 may include a command decoder 211 that decodes a command CMD received from the memory controller, and a mode register 212 that sets an operation mode of the memory device 200. In some implementations, operations described herein as being performed by the control logic circuit 210 may be performed by processing circuitry. For example, the command decoder 211 may generate the control signals corresponding to the command CMD by decoding a write enable signal, a row address strobe signal, a column address strobe signal, a chip selection signal, etc.
The test circuit 400 may receive the test signal TS through the first test pad TPD_L1 in the first semiconductor layer L1 including the memory cell array 300 and the second test pad TPD_L2 in the second semiconductor layer L2 including the peripheral circuit 201, may generate the test result signal TRS, which represents the misalignment between the first bonding pad PD_L1 in the first semiconductor layer L1 and the second bonding pad PD_L2 in the second semiconductor layer L2, based on the test signal TS, and may compensate the operation of the peripheral circuit 201 based on the test result signal TRS. For example, at least one of a sensing time of the memory cell array 300 by the sense amplifier unit 285 and an operating voltage supplied to the memory cell array 300 may be adjusted based on the test result signal TRS.
Referring to
Referring to
Referring to
Although the memory device is described based on a DRAM, the memory device may be any volatile memory device, and/or any nonvolatile memory device, e.g., a static random access memory (SRAM), a flash memory, a phase-change random access memory (PRAM), a resistive random access memory (RRAM), a magnetic random access memory (MRAM), a ferroelectric random access memory (FRAM), or the like.
Referring to
For example, a first mat MAT1 may include bonding pads PD_L1_MAT1 formed in the first semiconductor layer L1, and bonding pads PD_L2_MAT1 formed in the second semiconductor layer L2 and connected to the bonding pads PD_L1_MAT1. For example, the first mat MAT1 may include a test pad TPD_L1_MAT1 formed in the first semiconductor layer L1, and a test pad TPD_L2_MAT1 formed in the second semiconductor layer L2 and connected to the test pad TPD_L1_MAT1.
The test circuit 400 may receive a test signal TS_MAT1 through the test pads TPD_L1_MAT1 and TPD_L2_MAT1 included in the first mat MAT1. Based on the test signal TS_MAT1, the test circuit 400 may generate and store a test result signal TRS_MAT1 that represents a misalignment between the bonding pads PD_L1_MAT1 and PD_L2_MAT1 of the first mat MAT1. Based on the test result signal TRS_MAT1, the test circuit 400 may compensate for the operation of the peripheral circuit PCKT while operating the first mat MAT1.
In an example of
The test circuit 400 may receive a test signal TS1_MAT1 through the test pads TPD1_L1_MAT1 and TPD1_L2_MAT1 of the first mat MAT1, and a test signal TS2_MAT1 through the test pads TPD2_L1_MAT1 and TPD2_L2_MAT1 of the first mat MAT1. Based on the test signals TS1_MAT1 and TS2_MAT1, the test circuit 400 may generate and store test result signals TRS1_MAT1 and TRS2_MAT1 that represents whether the misalignment between the bonding pads PD_L1_MAT1 and PD_L2_MAT1 of the first mat MAT1 has occurred. Based on the test result signals TRS1_MAT1 and TRS2_MAT1, the test circuit 400 may compensate for the operation of the peripheral circuit PCKT while operating the first mat MAT1.
In an example of
The test circuit 400 may receive two test signals through the test pads TPD1_L1_MAT1, TPD1_L2_MAT1 of the first mat MAT1 and test pads TPD2_L1_MAT1, TPD2_L2_MAT1 of the first mat MAT1. Since the test pads TPD1_L1_MAT1, TPD1_L2_MAT1, TPD2_L1_MAT1 and TPD2_L2_MAT1 are collectively connected to the test circuit 400, the two test signals may be provided as one integrated test signal TS_MAT1′. Based on the test signal TS_MAT1′, the test circuit 400 may generate and store a test result signal TRS_MAT1′ that represents whether the misalignment between the bonding pads PD_L1_MAT1 and PD_L2_MAT1 of the first mat MAT1 has occurred. Based on the test result signal TRS_MAT1′, the test circuit 400 may compensate for the operation of the peripheral circuit PCKT while operating the first mat MAT1.
Although
For example, a second mat MAT2 may include bonding pads PD_L1_MAT2 and PD_L2_MAT2 formed in the first and second semiconductor layers L1 and L2 and connected to each other. For example, the second mat MAT2 may include test pads TPD_L1_MAT2 and TPD_L2_MAT2 formed in the first and second semiconductor layers L1 and L2 and connected to each other.
The test circuit 400 may receive a test signal TS_MAT2 through the test pads TPD_L1_MAT2 and TPD_L2_MAT2 of the second mat MAT2. Based on the test signal TS_MAT2, the test circuit 400 may generate and store a test result signal TRS_MAT2 that represents a misalignment between the bonding pads PD_L1_MAT2 and PD_L2_MAT2 of the second mat MAT2. Based on the test result signal TRS_MAT2, the test circuit 400 may compensate for the operation of the peripheral circuit PCKT while operating the second mat MAT2.
For example, a first block BLK1 may include bonding pads PD_L1_BLK1 and PD_L2_BLK1 formed in the first and second semiconductor layers L1 and L2 and connected to each other, and test pads TPD_L1_BLK1 and TPD_L2_BLK1 formed in the first and second semiconductor layers L1 and L2 and connected to each other. For example, a second block BLK2 may include bonding pads PD_L1_BLK2 and PD_L2_BLK2 formed in the first and second semiconductor layers L1 and L2 and connected to each other, and test pads TPD_L1_BLK2 and TPD_L2_BLK2 formed in the first and second semiconductor layers L1 and L2 and connected to each other.
The test circuit 400 may receive a test signal TS_BLK1 through the test pads TPD_L1_BLK1 and TPD_L2_BLK1 of the first block BLK1. Based on the test signal TS_BLK1, the test circuit 400 may generate and store a test result signal TRS_BLK1 that represents a misalignment between the bonding pads PD_L1_BLK1 and PD_L2_BLK1 of the first block BLK1. Based on the test result signal TRS_BLK1, the test circuit 400 may compensate for the operation of the peripheral circuit PCKT while operating the first block BLK1. In addition, the test circuit 400 may receive a test signal TS_BLK2 through the test pads TPD_L1_BLK2 and TPD_L2_BLK2 of the second block BLK2. Based on the test signal TS_BLK2, the test circuit 400 may generate and store a test result signal TRS_BLK2 that represents a misalignment between the bonding pads PD_L1_BLK2 and PD_L2_BLK2 of the second block BLK2. Based on the test result signal TRS_BLK2, the test circuit 400 may compensate for the operation of the peripheral circuit PCKT while operating the second block BLK2.
For example, a first bank BANK1 may include bonding pads PD_L1_BANK1 and PD_L2_BANK1 formed in the first and second semiconductor layers L1 and L2 and connected to each other, and test pads TPD_L1_BANK1 and TPD_L2_BANK1 formed in the first and second semiconductor layers L1 and L2 and connected to each other. For example, a second bank BANK2 may include bonding pads PD_L1_BANK2 and PD_L2_BANK2 formed in the first and second semiconductor layers L1 and L2 and connected to each other, and test pads TPD_L1_BANK2 and TPD_L2_BANK2 formed in the first and second semiconductor layers L1 and L2 and connected to each other.
The test circuit 400 may receive a test signal TS_BANK1 through the test pads TPD_L1_BANK1 and TPD_L2_BANK1 of the first bank BANK1. Based on the test signal TS_BANK1, the test circuit 400 may generate and store a test result signal TRS_BANK1 that represents a misalignment between the bonding pads PD_L1_BANK1 and PD_L2_BANK1 of the first bank BANK1. Based on the test result signal TRS_BANK1, the test circuit 400 may compensate for the operation of the peripheral circuit PCKT while operating the first bank BANK1. In addition, the test circuit 400 may receive a test signal TS_BANK2 through the test pads TPD_L1_BANK2 and TPD_L2_BANK2 of the second bank BANK2. Based on the test signal TS_BANK2, the test circuit 400 may generate and store a test result signal TRS_BANK2 that represents a misalignment between the bonding pads PD_L1_BANK2 and PD_L2_BANK2 of the second bank BANK2. Based on the test result signal TRS_BANK2, the test circuit 400 may compensate for the operation of the peripheral circuit PCKT while operating the second bank BANK2.
Although
In the memory device, a pair of test pads or multiple pairs of test pads may be provided for each mat, for each block and/or for each bank. Based on the test pads, the bonding defects (e.g., the misalignment) may be detected for each mat, for each block and/or for each bank, and the feedback operations (e.g., screening, repairing and operation condition adjusting, or the like) may be performed for each mat, for each block and/or for each bank when the defects are detected.
Referring to
The plurality of sense amplifiers 410 may generate the test result signal TRS based on the test signal TS. The storage unit 420 may store and output the test result signal TRS.
For example, each of the plurality of sense amplifiers 410 may compare the test signal TS with a reference voltage for a predetermined sensing time, and may generate a part or portion of the test result signal TRS as a result of the comparison. For example, the storage unit 420 may include components each of which stores the part of the test result signal TRS. For example, the test signal TS may be one of the test signals TS_MAT1, TS1_MAT1, TS2_MAT1, TS_MAT1′, TS_MAT2, TS_BLK1, TS_BLK2, TS_BANK1 and TS_BANK2 described with reference to
Referring to
The plurality of sense amplifiers 410a may operate based on different reference voltages VSREF1, VSREF2 and VSREF3, and based on the same sensing time tSA.
For example, the first sense amplifier 411a may generate a first bit BIT1 of the test result signal TRS based on the test signal TS, the first reference voltage VSREF1 having a first voltage level SREF1 and the sensing time tSA. The second sense amplifier 413a may generate a second bit BIT2 of the test result signal TRS based on the test signal TS, the second reference voltage VSREF2 having a second voltage level SREF2 higher than the first voltage level SREF1, and the sensing time tSA. The third sense amplifier 415a may generate a third bit BIT3 of the test result signal TRS based on the test signal TS, the third reference voltage VSREF3 having a third voltage level SREF3 higher than the second voltage level SREF2, and the sensing time tSA. For example, the first bit BIT1, the second bit BIT2 and the third bit BIT3 may be a least significant bit (LSB), a central significant bit (CSB) and a most significant bit (MSB) of the test result signal TRS, respectively.
In an example of
Referring to
The plurality of sense amplifiers 410b may operate based on different sensing times tSA1, tSA2 and tSA3, and based on the same reference voltage VSREF.
For example, the first sense amplifier 411b may generate a first bit BIT1 of the test result signal TRS based on the reference voltage VSREF having a voltage level SREF, the test signal TS and the first sensing time tSA1. The second sense amplifier 413b may generate a second bit BIT2 of the test result signal TRS based on the reference voltage VSREF, the test signal TS and the second sensing time tSA2 longer than the first sensing time tSA1. The third sense amplifier 415b may generate a third bit BIT3 of the test result signal TRS based on the reference voltage VSREF, the test signal TS and the third sensing time tSA3 longer than the second sensing time tSA2.
In an example of
Referring to
For example, an offset cancellation may be performed during a first time tOC, a charge sharing between the memory cell and the bitline may be performed during a second time tCS, and data stored in the memory cell may be actually sensed during a third time tSEN. The overall times tOC, tCS and tSEN during which the sensing operation is performed may be defined as a sensing time.
With respect to the resistances Rbond1 to Rbond9 between the bonding pads, the resistance Rbond1 may have the smallest value, the resistances Rbond2 to Rbond8 may have values that gradually increase, and the resistance Rbond9 may have the largest value. As the resistance between the bonding pads increases, e.g., as the degree of the misalignment between the bonding pads becomes more severe, the performance of the sensing operation may be degraded or deteriorated.
Referring to
For example, when the test signal TS has a relatively high voltage level (e.g., the voltage level substantially the same as the test voltage VFC) and the value of the test result signal TRS is obtained as ‘111’, it may be determined that the misalignment between the bonding pads PD_L1 and PD_L2 does not occur, as illustrated in
For example, when the test signal TS has a lower voltage level as compared with the example of
For example, when the test signal TS has a lower voltage level as compared with the example of
In some implementations, when it is determined that the misalignment between the bonding pads PD_L1 and PD_L2 has occurred with the first level that is a compensable level, it may be determined that there is almost no misalignment as the voltage level of the test signal TS is higher and the value of the test result signal TRS is larger, and it may be determined that the misalignment is more severe as the voltage level of the test signal TS is lower and the value of the test result signal TRS is smaller. For example, when the value of the test result signal TRS is ‘110’, it may be determined that a weak misalignment has occurred. For example, when the value of the test result signal TRS is ‘010’, it may be determined that a hard or severe misalignment has occurred.
In some implementations, when it is determined that the misalignment between the bonding pads PD_L1 and PD_L2 has occurred with the first level that is a compensable level, and when the sensing time (e.g., the first time tOC) is adjusted as illustrated in
In some implementations, when it is determined that the misalignment between the bonding pads PD_L1 and PD_L2 has occurred with the first level that is a compensable level, and when the voltage level of the operating voltage (e.g., the enable level of the VPP voltage) is adjusted as illustrated in
In some implementations, the compensation operations of
Referring to
The first antifuse 421 may store and output the first bit BIT) of the test result signal TRS. The second antifuse 423 may store and output the second bit BIT2 of the test result signal TRS. The third antifuse 425 may store and output the third bit BIT3 of the test result signal TRS. For example, an antifuse may be implemented in a structure where dielectric material is inserted between two conductive electrodes, and the antifuse may be programmed (e.g., electrically shorted) by applying a program voltage (e.g., a relatively high voltage) through the two conductive electrodes of the antifuse (e.g., both ends of the antifuse) for sufficient time such that the dielectric material between the two conductive electrodes is damaged destroyed or ruptured. For example, when each bit of the test result signal TRS has the first logic level (e.g., ‘1’), the corresponding antifuse may be programmed.
However, implementations are not limited thereto, and the storage unit may include at least one of various components for storing bits of the test result signal TRS.
Although
Referring to
The test circuit 400b may be substantially the same as the test circuit 400 of
The multiplexer 430 may select and output one of a plurality of test signals TS1, TS2, . . . , TSk (where k is a positive integer greater than or equal to two) based on a selection signal SEL. The plurality of sense amplifiers 410 may generate a plurality of test result signals TRS1, TRS2, . . . , TRSk based on the plurality of test signals TS1 to TSk. The storage unit 420 may store and output the plurality of test result signals TRS1 to TRSk. For example, each of the plurality of test signals TS1 to TSk may be one of the test signals TS_MAT1, TS1_MAT1, TS2_MAT1, TS_MAT1′, TS_MAT2, TS_BLK1, TS_BLK2, TS_BANK1 and TS_BANK2 described with reference to
Referring to
The test circuit 400c may be substantially the same as the test circuit 400 of
The multiplexer 430 may select and output one of a plurality of test signals TS1, TS2, . . . , TSk and a test voltage VFC based on a selection signal SEL. The plurality of sense amplifiers 410 may generate a plurality of test result signals TRS1, TRS2, . . . , TRSk and a reference test signal TREF based on the plurality of test signals TS1 to TSk and the test voltage VFC. The test voltage VFC and the reference test signal (TREF) may be used as reference signals.
Referring to
The first antifuse group 422, the second antifuse group 424 and the k-th antifuse group 426 may store the first test result signal TRS1, the second test result signal TRS2 and the k-th test result signal TRSk, respectively. For example, each of the antifuse groups 422, 424 and 426 may include antifuses as described with reference to
Referring to
As illustrated in
In some implementations, a relationship or correspondence between the regions REG1, REG2 and REG3 and the sub-regions SREG1 and SREG2 in
Referring to
For example, when a misalignment between bonding pads included in a first mat MAT1-1 among a plurality of mats MAT1-1, MAT1-2, . . . , MAT1-y included in a first block BLK11 has occurred with the second level that is an uncompensable level, the usage of the first mat MAT1-1 may be screened or blocked as illustrated in
Referring to
For example, when a misalignment between bonding pads included in a first mat MAT1-1 among a plurality of mats MAT1-1, MAT1-2, . . . , MAT1-y included in a first block BLK11 or BLK12 has occurred with the second level that is an uncompensable level, the first mat MAT1-1 may be repaired to or replaced with a redundant mat RPMAT1 included in the first block BLK12 as illustrated in
Referring to
Referring to
In some implementations, the test operations (e.g., determining or detecting the misalignment) using the test pads and the test circuit may be performed during manufacturing process of the memory device. In some implementations, the feedback operations (e.g., screening, repairing, adjusting operating conditions, etc.) using the test circuit may be performed during actual operation of the memory device.
Referring to
The first semiconductor layer L1, the second semiconductor layer L2 and the third semiconductor layer L3 are disposed or stacked in the third direction D3. Although
As with the first semiconductor layer L1, the third semiconductor layer L3 may include a memory cell array MCA, and may be referred to as a memory cell region. For example, the memory cell array MCA included in the first semiconductor layer L1 may be referred to as a first memory cell array, and the memory cell array MCA included in the third semiconductor layer L3 may be referred to as a second memory cell array.
The first bonding pad PD_L1 and the first test pad TPD_L1 of the first semiconductor layer L1 may be connected to a second bonding pad PD1_L2 and a second test pad TPD1_L2 of the second semiconductor layer L2, respectively.
The third semiconductor layer L3 may further include a third bonding pad PD_L3 and a third test pad TPD_L3. The second semiconductor layer L2 may further include a fourth bonding pad PD2_L2 connected to the third bonding pad PD_L3, and a fourth test pad TPD2_L2 connected to the third test pad TPD_L3. The test circuit TCKT may further receive a second test signal through the third and fourth test pads TPD_L3 and TPD2_L2. Based on the second test signal, the test circuit TCKT may further generate and store a second test result signal that represents a misalignment between the third and fourth bonding pads PD_L3 and PD2_L2. Based on the second test result signal, the test circuit TCKT may compensate for the operation of the peripheral circuit PCKT.
Referring to
The first semiconductor layer L1, the second semiconductor layer L2 and the fourth semiconductor layer L4 are disposed or stacked in the third direction D3. Although
As with the second semiconductor layer L2, the fourth semiconductor layer L4 may include a peripheral circuit PCKT, and may be referred to as a peripheral circuit region. For example, the peripheral circuit PCKT included in the second semiconductor layer L2 may be referred to as a first peripheral circuit, and the peripheral circuit PCKT included in the fourth semiconductor layer L4 may be referred to as a second peripheral circuit.
A first bonding pad PD1_L1 and a first test pad TPD1_L1 of the first semiconductor layer L1 may be connected to the second bonding pad PD_L2 and the second test pad TPD_L2 of the second semiconductor layer L2, respectively.
The first semiconductor layer L1 may further include a fifth bonding pad PD2_L1 and a fifth test pad TPD2_L1. The fourth semiconductor layer L4 may further include a sixth bonding pad PD_L4 connected to the fifth bonding pad PD2_L1, a sixth test pad TPD_L4 connected to the fifth test pad TPD2_L1, and a test circuit TCKT. The test circuit TCKT of the fourth semiconductor layer L4 may receive a third test signal through the fifth and sixth test pads TPD2_L1 and TPD_L4. Based on the third test signal, the test circuit TCKT of the fourth semiconductor layer L4 may generate and store a third test result signal that represents a misalignment between the fifth and sixth bonding pads PD2_L1 and PD_L4. Based on the third test result signal, the test circuit TCKT of the fourth semiconductor layer L4 may compensate for the operation of the peripheral circuit PCKT of the fourth semiconductor layer L4.
Although not illustrated in detail, a memory device may include four or more semiconductor layers that are stacked.
Referring to
The first semiconductor layer LA and the second semiconductor layer LB are disposed or stacked in the third direction D3. The first semiconductor layer LA includes a first circuit CKTA, a first bonding pad PD_L1 and a first test pad TPD_L1. The second semiconductor layer LB includes a second circuit CKTB, a second bonding pad PD_L2, a second test pad TPD_L2 and a test circuit TCKT. The first circuit CKTA and the second circuit CKTB may be electrically connected to each other, and may be interoperable with each other. The first bonding pad PD_L1, the first test pad TPD_L1, the second bonding pad PD_L2, the second test pad TPD_L2 and the test circuit TCKT may be substantially the same as those described with reference to
In some implementations, a semiconductor device may include three semiconductor layers that are stacked as described with reference to
As described above, the structure or configuration that detects and compensates the misalignment between the semiconductor layers using the test pads and the test circuit may be applied or employed not only to the memory device having the COP structure but also to an arbitrary semiconductor device in which different wafers are connected by the bonding scheme.
Referring to
Each of the memory chips CHP1 to CHP3 may include a memory cell layer CLY and a peripheral circuit layer PLY, and may further include a plurality of I/O pads IOPAD. The memory cell layer CLY and the peripheral circuit layer PLY may correspond to the first semiconductor layer L1 and the second semiconductor layer L2 described with reference to
In some implementations, the memory chips CHP1 to CHP3 may be stacked on the base substrate 710 such that a surface on which the plurality of I/O pads IOPAD are formed faces upwards. In some implementations, with respect to each of the memory chips CHP1 to CHP3, the plurality of I/O pads IOPAD may be arranged near one side of the semiconductor substrate. As such, the memory chips CHP1 to CHP3 may be stacked scalariformly, that is, in a step shape, such that the plurality of I/O pads IOPAD of each memory chip may be exposed. In such stacked state, the memory chips CHP1 to CHP3 may be electrically connected to the base substrate 710 through a plurality of bonding wires BW.
The stacked memory chips CHP1 to CHP3 and the plurality of bonding wires BW may be fixed by a sealing member 740, and adhesive members 730 may intervene between the base substrate 710 and the memory chips CHP1 to CHP3. Conductive bumps 720 may be formed on a bottom surface of the base substrate 710 for electrical connections to an external device.
Referring to
Each of the memory chips CHP1 to CHP3 may include the memory cell layer CLY and the peripheral circuit layer PLY, and may further include a plurality of through silicon vias (TSVs) 830.
In some implementations, with respect to each of the memory chips CHP1 to CHP3, the plurality of TSVs 830 may be arranged at the same locations in each memory chip. As such, the memory chips CHP1 to CHP3 may be stacked such that the plurality of TSVs 830 of each memory chip may be completely overlapped (e.g., arrangements of the plurality of TSVs 830 may be perfectly matched in the memory chips CHP1 to CHP3). In such stacked state, the memory chips CHP1 to CHP3 may be electrically connected to one another and the base substrate 810 through the plurality of TSVs 830 and conductive material 840.
Conductive bumps 820 and a sealing member 850 may be substantially the same as the conductive bumps 720 and the sealing member 740 in
Referring to
The memory device 1400 is controlled by the memory controller 1200. For example, based on requests from a host, the memory controller 1200 may store (e.g., write or program) data into the memory device 1400, or may retrieve (e.g., read or sense) data from the memory device 1400. The memory device 1400 may be the memory device, and may include test pads TPD and a test circuit TCKT that are used to detect and compensate a misalignment of two or more semiconductor layers connected by the bonding scheme.
The plurality of signal lines 1300 may include control lines, command lines, address lines, data input/output (I/O) lines and power lines. The memory controller 1200 may transmit a command CMD, an address ADDR and a control signal CTRL to the memory device 1400 via the command lines, the address lines and the control lines, may exchange a data signal DS with the memory device 1400 via the data I/O lines, and may transmit a power supply voltage PWR to the memory device 1400 via the power lines. Although not illustrated in detail, the plurality of signal lines 1300 may further include data strobe signal (DQS) lines for transmitting a DQS signal.
Although implementations are described based on the memory packages 700 and 800 including memory chips CHP1 to CHP3 and the memory system 1000 including the memory device 1400, implementations are not limited thereto. For example, implementations may be implemented in the form of a semiconductor package and a semiconductor system including the semiconductor device described with reference to
Referring to
The implementations may be applied to various electronic devices and systems that include the memory devices and the semiconductor devices. For example, the implementations may be applied to systems such as a personal computer (PC), a server computer, a data center, a workstation, a mobile phone, a smart phone, a tablet computer, a laptop computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a portable multimedia player (PMP), a digital camera, a portable game console, a music player, a camcorder, a video player, a navigation device, a wearable device, an internet of things (IoT) device, an internet of everything (IoE) device, an e-book reader, a virtual reality (VR) device, an augmented reality (AR) device, a robotic device, a drone, etc.
While this specification contains many specific implementation details, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of any invention or on the scope of what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of features that may be specific to particular implementations of particular inventions. Certain features that are described in this specification in the context of separate implementations can also be implemented in combination in a single implementation. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single implementation can also be implemented in multiple implementations separately or in any suitable subcombination. Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations, one or more features from a combination can in some cases be excised from the combination, and the combination may be directed to a subcombination or variation of a subcombination.
The foregoing is illustrative of implementations and is not to be construed as limiting thereof. Although some implementations have been described, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible in the implementations without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the implementations. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the implementations as defined in the claims. Therefore, it is to be understood that the foregoing is illustrative of various implementations and is not to be construed as limited to the implementations disclosed, and that modifications to the disclosed implementations, as well as other implementations, are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims.
Number | Date | Country | Kind |
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10-2023-0145459 | Oct 2023 | KR | national |