The present invention includes innovative circuits and methods for implementing nonvolatile memories. In one embodiment, the present invention includes a method of operating a nonvolatile memory in two phases. During a first time period, a voltage is applied across nonvolatile memory element. During a second time period, a voltage is coupled through at least one capacitor to charge pump the initial voltage to a level sufficient for programming or erasing the memory element. Innovative techniques are employed to ensure that other devices in the system do not experience voltages in excess of device breakdown voltages. Additionally, embodiments of the present invention may be implemented on a simple manufacturing process.