Abstract:
A method is provided for programming a nonvolatile memory array including an array of memory cells, where each memory cell including a substrate, a control gate, a charge storage element having at least two charge storage areas for storing at least two independent charges, a source region and a drain region. The method includes designating at least one memory cell as a high-speed memory cell and pre-conditioning the high-speed memory cells by placing a first of the at least two charge storage areas into a programmed state, and subsequently enabling the programming on the second area with much higher rate.
Abstract:
A method is provided for programming a nonvolatile memory array including an array of memory cells, where each memory cell including a substrate, a control gate, a charge storage element, a source region and a drain region. The method includes receiving a programming window containing a predetermined number of bits that are to be programmed in the array and determining which of the predetermined number of bits are to be programmed in the memory array. The predetermined number of bits are simultaneously programmed to corresponding memory cells in the array. A programming state of the predetermined number of bits in the array is simultaneously verified.
Abstract:
A multiple purpose bus for a flash memory device that allows six sets of data signals to utilize the bus. The multiple purpose bus includes sixteen circuit lines that extend from one end of the memory device to another end of the memory device. Control signals that correspond to each set of data signals couple the sets of data signals to the circuit lines. A grounding circuit is provided that couples the circuit lines to a ground when none of the sets of data signals are utilizing the multiple purpose bus.
Abstract:
An array threshold voltage test mode for a flash memory device is disclosed. During the test mode, a test voltage is routed directly to the gates of the flash memory transistors selected by a given address. If the test voltage causes the selected transistors to change state by crossing their threshold voltage level, the change will be reflected in the data outputs of the device. By varying the test voltages and the addresses and monitoring the data outputs, the array threshold voltage distribution can be determined for the entire device.
Abstract:
The invention is directed to a single power supply pin non-volatile memory device that increases programming speed by providing for two-cycle programming. The invention maintains measures to prevent accidental user overwrites and maintains JEDEC standard compatibility. To provide for two-cycle programming, a three-cycle unlock bypass command is first sent, in one embodiment, after which a plurality of consecutive two-cycle program commands can be sent.
Abstract:
A flash memory device is divided into two or more banks. Each bank includes a number of sectors. Each sector includes flash memory cells. Each bank has a decoder that selectively receives an address from an input address buffer or from an internal address sequencer controlled by an internal state machine. The output data for each bank can be communicated to a read sense amplifier or a verify sense amplifier. The read sense amplifier connects to the output buffer while the verify sense amplifier connects to the state machine. When one bank receives a write command, the internal state machine takes control and starts the program or erase operation. While one bank is busy with a program or erase operation, the other bank can be accessed for a read operation. Power is supplied for each of the read and write operations via an internal multiplexed multi power supply source that provides an amount of power needed based on the memory operation being performed.
Abstract:
A system for optimizing the equalization pulse of a read sense amplifier is disclosed. A number of capacitor circuits are provided that can be coupled to a timing circuit in a variety of combinations. The different combinations of coupled and decoupled capacitor circuits result in different durational lengths of the equalization pulse. A testing sequence determines the optimal durational length of the equalization pulse by testing the different combinations of coupled capacitors. The optimal combination is then permanently stored in attribute cells for optimizing the equalization pulse in normal operation.
Abstract:
A method for fast chip erase of memory cells in a non-volatile memory array comprises the steps of providing an acceleration voltage greater than the internal pump voltage supplied by a conventional internal voltage supply pump, providing an erase write command, and performing a fast erase operation on the memory cells, comprising the step of coupling the acceleration voltage to the sources of the memory cells in a plurality of sectors simultaneously. In an embodiment, a fast preprogramming operation is performed on the memory cells prior to the step of performing the fast erase operation in the fast chip erase mode. In a further embodiment, a fast weak programming (APDE) operation is performed on the memory cells subsequent to the step of performing the fast erase operation in the fast chip erase mode. In an additional embodiment, the step of performing the fast erase operation further comprises the steps of detecting the acceleration voltage, generating an acceleration voltage indicator signal in response to the detection of the acceleration voltage, and generating a fast chip erase write command in response to the acceleration voltage indicator signal and the erase write command.
Abstract:
A bank selector encoder comprises a partition indicator circuit having a plurality of partition boundary indicator terminals, a plurality of inverters arranged in a plurality of columns, with each column of the inverters coupled to a respective one of a plurality of columns of ROM cells in a ROM array and a plurality of bank selector code outputs coupled to respective columns of the inverters. The partition boundary indicator terminals are capable of designating a memory partition boundary to identify an upper memory bank and a lower memory bank. The bank selector encoder is capable of generating an identifying bank selector code for each of a plurality of the predetermined memory partition boundaries. The bank selector encoder outputs code bits of a bank selector code based upon the partition boundary indicator terminals.
Abstract:
A bank selector circuit for a simultaneous operation flash memory device with a flexible bank partition architecture comprises a memory boundary option 18, a bank selector encoder 2 coupled to receive a memory partition indicator signal from the memory boundary option 18, and a bank selector decoder 3 coupled to receive a bank selector code from the bank selector encoder 2. The decoder 3, upon receiving a memory address, outputs a bank selector output signal to point the memory address to either a lower memory bank or an upper memory bank in the simultaneous operation flash memory device, in dependence upon the selected memory partition boundary.