Abstract: A memory cell arrangement is provided that may include: a plurality of memory cells including one or more memory cells to be read out and one or more memory cells not to be read out; a control circuit defining a base voltage and configured to: apply a select voltage, a first readout voltage and a second readout voltage, to one word-line and to a source/bit-line pair corresponding to the one or more memory cells to be read out, respectively; apply a voltage that is substantially the base voltage to one or more word-lines corresponding to the one or more memory cells not to be read out; wherein both the first readout voltage and the second readout voltage are provided with an offset to the base voltage, and wherein the first readout voltage and the second readout voltage are different from one another.

Abstract: Each pre-sense amplifier produces, in a read operation, an output potential obtained by resistively dividing a power supply voltage based on a potential of one of two first bit lines or one of a plurality of second bit lines. The two first bit lines are connected to a first memory cell holding data of a first and a second logic values. The second bit lines are individually connected to one of a plurality of second memory cells each holding data of the first or the second logic value. Each twin sense amplifier outputs, in the read operation, data determination results based on two reference potentials and a data potential. The two reference potentials are the output potentials produced based on the potentials of the two first bit lines. The data potential is the output potential produced based on the potential of one of the second bit lines.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for differential sensing for a memory device are described. A memory device in accordance with examples as disclosed herein may include a sense component having a signal development component for generating a sense signal, a reference component for generating a reference signal, and a tail component coupled with the signal development component and the reference component. The tail component may be configured for canceling common aspects of the sense signal and the reference signal. Additionally or alternatively, a memory device in accordance with examples as disclosed herein may include a sense component having a sense amplifier configured to operate in multiple power domains, with one power domain associated with sense signal and reference signal generation and comparison, and another power domain associated with logical signal or information transfer.

Abstract: Disclosed is an integrated circuit for ferroelectric memory, the integrated circuit comprising: a ferroelectric memory array having a storage unit array formed on a ferroelectric single-crystal layer, wherein each ferroelectric memory unit in the ferroelectric memory array is at least formed by one storage unit in the storage unit array, or at least formed by one storage unit in the storage unit array and one transistor formed on a silicon substrate of a silicon-based reading and writing circuit that is electrically connected to the storage unit.

Abstract: A method comprising receiving, at a memory sub-system from a host system, configuration parameters associated with usage of the memory sub-system, monitoring environmental parameters of the memory sub-system, wherein the environmental parameters comprise characteristics of the memory sub-system and an environment of the memory sub-system, and selecting values for program pulse characteristics of the memory sub-system based on the configuration parameters and environmental parameters, the program pulse characteristics comprising at least a program pulse voltage.

Abstract: To provide a semiconductor memory device that avoids a voltage drop caused by an oxide film formed on a surface of a semiconductor substrate, and appropriately operates even in a case where a memory cell array is formed. A semiconductor memory device including a first transistor, a capacitor provided with a pair of capacitor electrodes opposed to each other via an insulator, one of the capacitor electrodes being electrically coupled to a gate electrode of the first transistor, a second transistor in which one of a source or a drain is electrically coupled to one of a source or a drain of the first transistor and to another of the capacitor electrodes, and a plate line electrically coupled to the gate electrode of the first transistor and to the one of the capacitor electrodes.

Abstract: A memory system includes a memory controller. The memory controller includes a program history manager for managing a program history of a first memory unit including a plurality of sub-units of which write protection mode is set; and a memory unit manager for selecting, based on the program history, at least one sub-unit on which a program operation is not performed during a set period among the plurality of sub-units, and releasing the write protection mode of the at least one selected sub-unit.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for a sensing scheme that extracts the full or nearly full remnant polarization charge difference between two logic states of a ferroelectric memory cell or cells is described. The scheme employs a charge mirror to extract the full charge difference between the two states of a selected memory cell. The charge mirror may transfer the memory cell polarization charge to an amplification capacitor. The signal on the amplification capacitor may then be compared with a reference voltage to detect the logic state of the memory cell.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for digit line management for a memory array are described. A memory array may include a plate that is common to a plurality of memory cells. Each memory cell associated with the common plate may be coupled with a respective digit line. One or more memory cells common to the plate may be accessed by concurrently selecting the plate and each digit line associated with the plate. Concurrent selection of all digit lines associated with the plate may be supported by shield lines between the selected digit lines. Additionally or alternatively, selection of all digit lines associated with the plate may be supported by improved sensing schemes and related amplifier configurations.

Abstract: A 3D flash memory is provided to includes a gate stack structure comprising a plurality of gate layers electrically insulated from each other, a cylindrical channel pillar vertically extending through each gate layer of the gate stack structure, a first conductive pillar vertically extending through the gate stack structure, the first conductive pillar being located within the cylindrical channel pillar and being electrically connected to the cylindrical channel pillar, and a second conductive pillar extending through the gate stack structure, the second conductive pillar being located within the cylindrical channel pillar and being electrically connected to the cylindrical channel pillar, the first conductive pillar and the second conductive pillar being separated from each other. The 3D flash memory also includes a ferroelectric layer disposed between gate layers of the gate stack structure and the cylindrical channel pillar.

Abstract: An example apparatus includes an array of memory cells. Each memory cell includes an access device. Each access device includes a first source/drain region, a second source/drain region, and a gate opposing a channel connecting the first source/drain region and the second source/drain region. Each access device further includes a storage node. The example apparatus further includes a plurality of sense lines coupled to the first source/drain region of a different respective memory cell of the array of memory cells. The example apparatus further includes a plurality of access lines, wherein each access line includes at least one conductive pathway formed between the access line and a source/drain region of an access device coupled to the access line. The example apparatus further includes a shunt sense line coupled to the additional access device where the conductive pathway is formed.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for operating a ferroelectric memory cell or cells are described. A ferroelectric memory cell may be selected using a selection component that is in electronic communication with a sense amplifier and a ferroelectric capacitor of a ferroelectric memory cell. A voltage applied to the ferroelectric capacitor may be sized to increase the signal sensed during a read operation. The ferroelectric capacitor may be isolated from the sense amplifier during the read operation. This isolation may avoid stressing the ferroelectric capacitor which may otherwise occur due to the applied read voltage and voltage introduce by the sense amplifier during the read operation.

Abstract: A resistive memory device includes a memory cell array of resistive memory cells connected to word and bit lines, each bay of the memory cell array including K tiles; a write/read circuit connected to the memory cell array through a row decoder and a column decoder, the write/read circuit being configured to perform a write operation in a target tile of the memory cell array, the write/read circuit comprising write drivers corresponding to the bays; a control voltage generator configured to generate first and second control voltages based on a reference current; and a control circuit configured to control the write/read circuit and the control voltage generator. A first write driver that corresponds to a first bay of the bays is configured to provide the target tile with a write current corresponding to a physical position of a selected memory cell of the target tile in the memory cell array.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for operating a memory cell or cells are described. A capacitor coupled with an access line may be precharged and then boosted such that the charge stored in the capacitor is elevated to a higher voltage with respect to a memory cell. The boosted charge in the capacitor may support sensing operations that would otherwise require a relatively higher voltage. Some embodiments may employ charge amplification between an access line and a sense component, which may amplify signals between the memory cell and the sense component, and reduce charge sharing between these components. Some embodiments may employ “sample-and-hold” operations, which may re-use certain components of a sense component to separately generate a signal and a reference, reducing sensitivity to manufacturing and/or operational tolerances. In some embodiments, sensing may be further improved by employing “self-reference” operations that use a memory cell to generate its own reference.

Abstract: A memory device, including: memory cells, first conductive lines, second conductive lines, third conductive lines and fourth conductive lines. The memory cells are arranged in an array. Each memory cell includes a transistor and a capacitor connected to a gate terminal of the transistor in series. The first conductive lines extend in a first direction. Each first conductive line connects to gate terminals of transistors arranged in same column in the array. The second conductive lines extend in the first direction. Each second conductive line connects to source terminals of transistors arranged in same column in the array. The third conductive lines extend in the first direction. Each third conductive line connects to drain terminals of transistors arranged in same column in the array. The fourth conductive lines extend in a second direction. Each fourth conductive line couples to the capacitor arranged in same row in the array.

Abstract: An integrated circuit memory device, having: a first wire; a second wire; a memory cell connected between the first wire and the second wire; a first voltage driver connected to the first wire; and a second voltage driver connected to the second wire. During an operation to read the memory cell, the second voltage driver is configured to start ramping up a voltage applied on the second wire after the first voltage driver starts ramping up and holding a voltage applied on the first wire.

Abstract: Embodiments of operation methods of ferroelectric memory are disclosed. In an example, a method for reading ferroelectric memory cells is disclosed. The ferroelectric memory cells include a first set of ferroelectric memory cells and a second set of ferroelectric memory cells. In a first cycle, first data in a first ferroelectric memory cell of the first set of ferroelectric memory cells is sensed. In a second cycle subsequent to the first cycle, the sensed first data is written back to the first ferroelectric memory cell, and second data in a second ferroelectric memory cell of the second set of ferroelectric memory cells is simultaneously sensed.

Abstract: A method is presented for incorporating a metal-ferroelectric-metal (MFM) structure in a cross-bar array in back end of the line (BEOL) processing. The method includes forming a first electrode, forming a ferroelectric layer in direct contact with the first electrode, forming a second electrode in direct contact with the ferroelectric layer, such that the first electrode and the ferroelectric layer are perpendicular to the second electrode to form the cross-bar array, and biasing the second electrode to adjust domain wall movement within the ferroelectric layer.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are disclosed that include ferroelectric memory cells. An example ferroelectric memory cell includes two transistors and two capacitors. Another example ferroelectric memory cell includes three transistors and two capacitors. Another example ferroelectric memory cell includes four transistors and two capacitors.

Abstract: A memory circuit includes a memory array, a word line, and a bit line. The memory array includes a plurality of memories arranged in a matrix shape in a first direction and a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The word line extends in the first direction and reads signals from the plurality of memories arranged in the first direction. The bit line includes a digit line connected to the plurality of memories arranged in the second direction and an output line connected to the digit line and extending in the first direction and transmits a signal from a memory corresponding to the word line to the output line as the word line reads a signal.

Abstract: Provided is a semiconductor storage element including a first transistor having a gate insulation film that includes a ferroelectric material at least partially and being a transistor to which information is written, and a second transistor that is coupled to, at one of a source and a drain, a source or drain of the first transistor. The first transistor has a threshold voltage smaller than 0 V when writing information and a threshold voltage smaller than 0 V when erasing information.

Abstract: A ferroelectric capacitor of a memory cell may be in electronic communication with a sense capacitor through a digit line. The digit line may be virtually grounded during memory cell sensing, limiting or avoiding voltage drop across the digit line, and allowing all or substantially all of the stored charge of the ferroelectric capacitor to be extracted and transferred to the sense capacitor. Virtually grounding the digit line may be achieved by activating a switching component (e.g., a p-type field-effect transistor) that is electronic communication with the digit line. The charge of the ferroelectric capacitor may be transferred through the switching component. A sense amplifier may compare the voltage of the sense capacitor to a reference voltage in order to determine the stored logic state of the memory cell.

Abstract: A ferroelectric field effect transistor (FeFET) includes a semiconductor channel, a source region contacting one end of the semiconductor channel, a drain region contacting a second end of the semiconductor channel, a gate electrode, a ferroelectric gate dielectric layer located between the semiconductor channel and the gate electrode, and a bidirectional selector material layer located between the gate electrode and the ferroelectric gate dielectric layer.

Abstract: A non-volatile memory device comprising a memory cell region having a plurality of co-planar memory cell planes arranged in a plane parallel to a semiconductor substrate, with each memory cell plane comprising a plurality of sub-planes disposed adjacent one another along an axis that is parallel to the substrate. Further, each memory cell plane comprises a plurality of sense amplifier regions arranged along the axis in an alternating pattern with the sub-planes such that adjacent to each sub-plane is a sense amplifier region and each sense amplifier region is operable with respect to at least a fraction of the bit lines of the two sub-planes immediately adjacent the sense amplifier region.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for an arbitrated sense amplifier are described. A memory device may couple a memory cell to a first node via a digit line and may couple the first node to a second node. If a voltage at the second node is associated with a first logic value stored at the memory cell, the memory device may couple the second node with a third node and may charge the third node according to the voltage. However, if the voltage at the second node is associated with a second logic value stored at the memory cell, the memory device may not couple the second node with the third node. The memory device may compare the resulting voltage at the third node with a reference voltage and may generate a signal indicative of a logic value stored by the memory cell.

Abstract: A nonvolatile memory device includes a differential current driver that receives a first differential signal and a second differential signal, which are based on a temperature, and generates a first compensation current and a second compensation current corresponding to a difference value between the first and second differential signals. A current mirror circuit copies a first current, which is a sum of a reference current and the first compensation current, to generate a second current having a same value as a value of the first current and regulates the reference current depending on a difference value of the second current and the second compensation current. A trimming circuit generates a program current or a read current based on the regulated reference current.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus includes a storage device having a plurality of memory blocks including a first memory block; and a controller configured to control the storage device to perform a read operation for the first memory block in response to a read request of a host. The controller controls the storage device to perform a refresh operation for the first memory block based on whether there is a difference value between a current pass read voltage and a previous pass read voltage which were applied to the first memory block when performing the read operation, and whether there is a difference between a current erase/write count and a previous erase/write count for the first memory block.

Abstract: A memory device includes a substrate including first and second regions, the first region having first wordlines and first bitlines, and the second region having second wordlines and second bitlines, a first memory cell array including first memory cells in the first region, the first memory cell array having volatility, and each of the first memory cells including a cell switch having a first channel region adjacent to a corresponding first wordline of the first wordlines, and a capacitor connected to the cell switch, and a second memory cell array including second memory cells in the second region, the second memory cell array having non-volatility, and each of the second memory cells including a second channel region adjacent to a corresponding second wordline of the second wordlines, and a ferroelectric layer between the corresponding second wordline of the second wordlines and the second channel region.

Abstract: A memory controller configured to control a memory device including memory cells includes an input/output buffer configured to store input data provided from a host; a data converter configured to generate program data obtained by converting the input data such that the number of specific data patterns among data patterns to be stored in the memory cells is changed; and an operation controller configured to provide the program data to the memory device. The program data is generated by selectively inverting a plurality of pieces of logical page data included in the input data.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for operating a ferroelectric memory cell or cells are described. A portion of charge of a memory cell may be captured and, for example, stored using a capacitor or intrinsic capacitance of the memory array that includes the memory cell. The memory cell may be recharged (e.g., re-written). The memory cell may then be read, and a voltage of the memory cell may be compared to a voltage resulting from the captured charge. A logic state of the memory cell may be determined based at least in part on the voltage comparison.

Abstract: A mechanism is described for accommodating variations in the read or write window which are caused by variations in the number of half-selected cells which are in each logic state and share an access line with the target cell. Roughly described, leakage current is detected on the access line in one segment of the read or write operation, and read or write current detected or generated in a second segment of the operation is adjusted to compensate for the detected leakage current. The first segment can be omitted in subsequent read or write operations if the target cell word line address has not changed and the leakage-tracked reference value has not become invalid for other reasons.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses for self-referencing memory cells are described. A reference value for a cell may be created through multiple sense operations on the cell. The cell may be sensed several times and an average of at least two sensing operations may be used as a reference for another sense operation. For example, the cell may be sensed and the resulting charge stored at a capacitor. The cell may be biased to one state, sensed a second time, and the resulting charge stored at another capacitor. The cell may be biased to another state, sensed a third time, and the resulting charge stored to another capacitor. The values from the second and third sensing operations may be averaged and used as a reference value in a comparison with value of the first sensing operation to determine a logic state of the cell.

Abstract: Described is an apparatus to reduce or eliminate imprint charge, wherein the apparatus which comprises: a source line; a bit-line; a memory bit-cell coupled to the source line and the bit-line; a first multiplexer coupled to the bit-line; a second multiplexer coupled to the source-line; a first driver coupled to the first multiplexer; a second driver coupled to the second multiplexer; and a current source coupled to the first and second drivers.

Abstract: An analog current memory circuit includes a ramp current generator producing a ramp current; a storage transistor, a write-enable transistor, a charge pump transistor, a clock generator producing a clock signal having a first state and a second state, a comparator electrically coupled to the storage transistor and the ramp current generator, a controller electrically coupled to the comparator and the clock generator, and a switch electrically coupled to the controller and the ramp current generator. During the write phase, the controller produces a write-enable signal to turn on the write-enable transistor to produce a stored current in the storage transistor, the stored current being substantially equal to an input current to the analog current memory circuit. During the compensation phase, the switch electrically couples the ramp current generator and the storage transistor to the comparator.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an integrated electronic circuit comprising a first transistor (1) and a ferroelectric capacitor (2). The ferroelectric capacitor (2) comprises a first electrode layer composed of a non-ferroelectric material, a ferroelectric interlayer having a thickness that is less than the thickness of the first electrode layer, and a second electrode layer composed of a non-ferroelectric material, wherein the ferroelectric interlayer is arranged between the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer, and the first electrode layer is electrically conductively connected to a gate terminal of the first transistor (1).

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for accessing a ferroelectric memory cell are described. In some examples, during a first portion of an access procedure, the voltages of a digit line and word line coupled with the memory cell may be increased while the voltage of a plate coupled with the memory cell is held constant, which may support sensing a logic state stored by the memory cell prior the access procedure, and which may result in a first logic state being written to the memory cell. A voltage of the plate may then be increased, and the digit line may then be coupled with the plate. Because the first logic state was previously written to the memory cell, a target logic state may not need to be subsequently written to the memory cell unless different than the first logic state.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for operating a ferroelectric memory cell or cells are described. In some examples, multi-level accessing, sensing, and other operations for ferroelectric memory may be based on sensing multiple charges, including a first charge associated with a dielectric of the memory cell and a second charge associated with a polarization of the memory cell. In some cases, multi-level accessing, sensing, and other operations may be based on transferring a first charge associated with a dielectric of the memory cell to a sense amplifier, isolating the sense amplifier, activating the sense amplifier, transferring a second charge associated with a polarization of the memory cell to the sense amplifier, and activating the sense amplifier a second time.

Abstract: In described examples, data are stored in a destructive read non-volatile memory (DRNVM). The DRNVM includes an array of DRNVM cells organized as rows of data. The rows of data are subdivided into columns of code word symbols. Each column of code word symbols is encoded to store an error correction code symbol for each column of code word symbols.

Abstract: A display apparatus includes: a first pixel, a second pixel, and a third pixel respectively configured to emit different colors; a first quantum transformation layer arranged to correspond to an emission area of the first pixel, the first quantum transformation layer including first quantum dots and first metal nanoparticles; and a second quantum transformation layer arranged to correspond to an emission area of the second pixel, the second quantum transformation layer including second quantum dots and second metal nanoparticles, wherein an average size of the first quantum dots is different from an average size of the second quantum dots, and wherein an average size of the first metal nanoparticles is identical to an average size of the second metal nanoparticles.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for differential amplifier schemes for non-switching state compensation are described. During a read operation, a first node of a memory cell may be coupled with an input of differential amplifier while a second node of the memory cell may be biased with a first voltage (e.g., to apply a first read voltage across the memory cell). The second node of the memory cell may subsequently be biased with a second voltage (e.g., to apply a second read voltage across the memory cell), which may support the differential amplifier operating in a manner that compensates for a non-switching state of the memory cell. By compensating for a non-switching state of a memory cell during read operations, read margins may be increased.

Abstract: A switching resistor has a low resistance state and a high resistance state. The switching resistor comprises a dielectric layer disposed between a first electrode and a second electrode. The switching resistor further comprises a textured boundary surface between the first electrode and the dielectric layer. The textured boundary surface promotes the formation of a conductive pathway in the dielectric layer between the first electrode and the second electrode.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for cell bottom node reset in a memory array are described. The memory array may include a plurality of ferroelectric memory cells having a cell bottom node and a cell plate opposite the cell bottom node. A zero voltage may be applied to a plurality of digit lines in the memory array. A plurality of word lines may be activated to electrically coupled the plurality of digit lines to cell bottom node of each of the ferroelectric memory cells. Accordingly, the cell bottom node of each of the ferroelectric memory cells may be reset to the zero voltage.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for imprint recovery for memory cells are described. In some cases, memory cells may become imprinted, which may refer to conditions where a cell becomes predisposed toward storing one logic state over another, resistant to being written to a different logic state, or both. Imprinted memory cells may be recovered using a recovery or repair process that may be initiated according to various conditions, detections, or inferences. In some examples, a system may be configured to perform imprint recovery operations that are scaled or selected according to a characterized severity of imprint, an operational mode, environmental conditions, and other factors. Imprint management techniques may increase the robustness, accuracy, or efficiency with which a memory system, or components thereof, can operate in the presence of conditions associated with memory cell imprinting.

Abstract: Methods and devices for reading a memory cell using a sense amplifier with split capacitors is described. The sense amplifier may include a first capacitor and a second capacitor that may be configured to provide a larger capacitance during certain portions of a read operation and a lower capacitance during other portions of the read operation. In some cases, the first capacitor and the second capacitor are configured to be coupled in parallel between a signal node and a voltage source during a first portion of the read operation to provide a higher capacitance. The first capacitor may be decoupled from the second capacitor during a second portion of the read operation to provide a lower capacitance during the second portion.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for ferroelectric memory plate power reduction are described. A plate line may be coupled with a voltage source, a capacitor, and one or more sections of a bank of ferroelectric memory cells. During a write operation, the capacitor may be discharged onto the plate line and the resulting voltage may be adjusted (e.g., increased) by the voltage source before writing one or more memory cells. During a write-back operation, a capacitor associated with one or more memory cells may be discharged onto the plate line and stored at the capacitor. The charge may be re-applied to the plate line and adjusted (e.g., increased) by the voltage source during the write-back.

Abstract: Described herein are ferroelectric memory cells and corresponding methods and devices. For example, in some embodiments, a ferroelectric memory cell disclosed herein includes one access transistor and one ferroelectric transistor (1T-1FE-FET cell). The access transistor is coupled to the ferroelectric transistor by sharing its source/drain terminal with that of the ferroelectric transistor and is used for both READ and WRITE access to the ferroelectric transistor.

Abstract: An integrated circuit memory contains a memory cell connected to a bit line that does not float during a portion or all of the read sensing part of the read cycle. The memory cell includes a data storage device. The data storage device may be a ferroelectric capacitor, a linear capacitor, a floating gate transistor, a magnetic device, a resistive device or other type of data storage device capable of placing a charge on the bit line corresponding to a specific data state of the memory cell. The bit line and a reference bit line are connected to a differential amplifier and precharged to specified voltages. Preferably, a self-nulling sense amplifier circuit is connected to the bit lines that compensates for sense amplifier offset by applying additional charges on the bit lines. Alternatively, charge sources may be connected to the bit lines to provide additional charges on the bit lines during the read cycle.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for low voltage ferroelectric memory cell sensing are described. As part of an access operation for a memory cell, gates of two cascodes may be biased to compensate for associated threshold voltages. An extracted signal corresponding to a charge stored in the memory cell may be transferred through a first cascode to charge a first capacitor. Similarly, a reference signal developed at a dummy digit line may be transferred through a second cascode to charge a second capacitor. By comparing the reference signal developed at the dummy digit line to the extracted signal from the memory cell, the effect of variations in memory cell performance on the sense window may be reduced. Additionally, based on biasing the gates of the cascodes, the difference between the signals compared at the sense component may be low compared to other sensing schemes.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for activity-based data protection in a memory device are described. In one example, a memory device may include a set memory sections each having memory cells configured to be selectively coupled with access lines of the respective memory section. A method of operating the memory device may include determining a quantity of access operations performed on a set of sections of a memory device, selecting at least one of the sections for a voltage adjustment operation, such as an equalization operation or a dissipation operation, based on the determined quantity of access operations, and performing the voltage adjustment operation on the selected section. Selecting one of the memory sections for a voltage adjustment operation may also be based on a timer. Equalizing a bias may include biasing a plate line, which may be coupled to a ferroelectric capacitor of a memory cell, to a ground voltage or some non-zero voltage.

Abstract: To make high-level copyright protection of transmission audio data possible. Audio data is sequentially transmitted to a reception side via a predetermined transmission channel for each unit audio data. Audio data to be transmitted is encrypted, and encryption information indicating that the audio data has been encrypted is added to the audio data. For example, the encryption information is added using a predetermined bit area of a channel status of each block that is configured every predetermined number of unit audio data pieces.