摘要:
A detection circuit is described that resides in a nonvolatile memory that includes a memory array and a control circuitry coupled to the memory array for controlling operations of the memory array. The detection circuit is coupled to the control circuitry and receives a power supply for detecting potential level of the power supply and for generating a reset signal to reset the control circuitry until the potential level of the power supply rises above a predetermined level. The detection circuit includes a resistor, a first, a second, and a third transistor. The first transistor has a first end coupled to receive the power supply, a second end coupled to a first node, and a third end coupled to the first node. The second transistor has a first end coupled to the first node, a second end coupled to ground, and a third end coupled to the ground. The first and second transistors function as a voltage divider. The third transistor has a first end coupled to the power supply, a second end coupled to an output node, and a third end coupled to the first node. The resistor is coupled between the output node and the ground for coupling the output node to the ground when the third transistor is not conducting, and for providing a positive potential at the output node when the third transistor is conducting. When the power supply has not reached the predetermined level, the third transistor is not conducting and the output node outputs the reset signal that is a ground potential. When the power supply rises above the predetermined level, the third transistor starts to conduct and the output node registers the positive potential and ceases generating the reset signal. The first, second, and third transistors are of the same channel type such that the circuitry operates substantially independent of process variations and temperature variations.
摘要:
A microprocessor system includes a central processing unit (CPU) and a nonvolatile memory having a first memory array and a second memory array. A first address register is provided for storing a first address for the first memory array. A second address register is provided for storing a second address for the second memory array. Array select circuitry responsive to an incoming address is provided for selecting the first memory array for a reprogramming operation and the second memory array for a read operation. A multiplexer has inputs coupled to the first memory array and the second memory array for selectively coupling one of the first memory array and the second memory array to an output of the memory. The array select circuitry directs the first address to the first memory array and the second address to the second memory array. The array select circuitry controls the multiplexer to couple the second memory array to the output during the reprogramming operation of the first memory array. The memory further includes a write state machine for controlling reprogramming of the memory. The write state machine allows write automation of the nonvolatile memory.
摘要:
An integrated circuit (IC) memory device having an interface coupled with a volatile random access memory (RAM) array and a nonvolatile flash memory array. Data to be written from an external device to the IC memory device is initially written to the volatile RAM array to provide for fast execution of a write operation, and is then written from the volatile RAM array to the nonvolatile flash memory array via the interface in a manner that is relatively transparent to external devices and the user. The interface may be configured to transfer data from the volatile RAM array to the external device if a read request matches an address tag field stored in the volatile RAM array. Data from first and second block addresses in the volatile RAM array and flash memory array may be merged in a flash merge buffer, and validity bits may be used to ensure that potentially stale data in the flash memory array is not used and that data coherency is maintained. Data may also be simultaneously written to or read from the volatile RAM array during at least a portion of the time in which data is being read from or written to the flash memory array. A check may be made to ensure that the flash merge buffer is empty before reading data from the flash memory array.
摘要:
A nonvolatile memory includes a global line. A plurality of memory blocks and a redundant block are also included in the memory, each block having a plurality of local lines and a decoder for selectively connecting the global line to one of the local lines when the decoder is enabled and for isolating the local lines from the global line when the decoder is disabled. When one of the plurality of blocks is found to be a defective block, the defective block is replaced by the redundant block. Circuitry is provided for disabling the decoder of the defective block and enabling the decoder of the redundant block whenever the defective block is addressed.
摘要:
A floating gate nonvolatile memory. The memory includes a first memory array and a second memory array. A first address register is provided for storing a first address for the first memory array. A second address register is provided for storing a second address for the second memory array. A multiplexer is coupled to the first memory array and the second memory array at one end and an output of the memory device at the other end for selectively coupling one of the first memory array and the second memory array to the output at a time. Array select circuitry responsive to an incoming address is provided for selecting the first memory array for a reprogramming operation and the second memory array for a read operation. The array select circuitry directs the first address to the first address register and the second address to the second address register. The array select circuitry controls the multiplexer for coupling the second memory array to the output during the reprogramming operation of the first memory array.