Abstract:
A semiconductor memory includes a plurality of memory cells connected to one another to form a matrix of memory cells. A charge pump is connected to the matrix of memory cells. A plurality of controllable connection elements are provided, with each controllable connection element connected between an output terminal of the charge pump and a respective column line. Connected to the output of the charge pump is the series connection of a first element equivalent to a controllable connection element, and a second element equivalent to a memory cell in a predetermined biasing condition. A voltage regulator is connected between the second equivalent element and the input terminal of the charge pump for regulating the output voltage therefrom based upon a voltage present between terminals of the second equivalent element.
Abstract:
An autotesting method of a cells matrix of a memory device is disclosed which comprises the steps of: reading the values contained in a plurality of the memory cells; comparing the read values with reference values; signalling mismatch of the read values with the reference values as an error situation; and storing the error situations. In the autotesting method, the reading, comparing, signalling, and storing steps are repeated for all the memory cells in an matrix column. The autotesting method according to the invention further comprises the steps of storing the positions of any columns having at least one one error situation; and repeating all of the preceding steps according to a step of scanning all the matrix columns.