摘要:
Nonvolatile, integrated metal-oxide semiconductor random access memory systems utilizing integrated floating gate circuit elements, and integrated means for the generation and control of high voltages in the provision of self-contained, nonvolatile electrically-alterable static RAM circuit systems.
摘要:
Integrated circuit system for generating a rise-time regulated and level controlled high voltage pulse utilizing a plurality of diode-connected stages driven by capacitively coupled low voltage clocks. The maximum output voltage may be controlled by a gated diode reference device, which provides a reference voltage independent of power supply voltage. A feedback circuit may be provided which controls the high voltage rise time by modulating the effective low voltage clock amplitude driving the high voltage generator. A MOS logic level interface circuit may also be provided for sensing achievement of the predetermined high voltage level.
摘要:
Nonvolatile, integrated metal-oxide semiconductor random access memory systems utilizing integrated floating gate circuit elements, and integrated means for the generation and control of high voltages in the provision of self-contained, nonvolatile electrically-alterable static RAM circuit systems.
摘要:
An integrated circuit system for generating a regulated high voltage tunneling pulse whose voltage level varies as a function of the voltage level needed to initiate tunneling of electrons across one or more dielectric gaps between respective first and second regions. The voltage level of initial electron tunneling is compared with a predetermined voltage margin so as to cause said generated tunneling voltage pulse to have a voltage level equal to the sum of said detected tunneling voltage and said voltage margin. The tunneling voltage pulse is then maintained substantially at this level for a predetermined duration before the tunneling pulse is discharged.
摘要:
Integrated high voltage clamping methods and devices which provide a controllable "soft" clamping action. The systems are particularly useful for "on-chip" EEPROM high voltage power supplies.
摘要:
The present invention discloses methods and apparatus for implementing a clocked high voltage switch involving MOS devices. The switching is from a high voltage source typically at 21V to ground. An intermediate voltage source typically at 11V is introduced for reducing the gated breakdown voltage requirement to approximately 10V. This reduced gated breakdown voltage requirement is easily met by special layout methods applied to various transistors in the circuit. The basic layout methods include the terminating of the field implant region near the N+P junction to expose the N+ diffusion over the P substrate to increase the junction breakdown and the gated diode breakdown, and the use of short channel length to reduce the threshold voltage.
摘要:
Low power consumption methods and apparatus for distributing and controlling on-chip generated high voltage, for programming nonvolatile memory arrays and the like.
摘要:
A triple layer polysilicon cell for use in an electrically erasable PROM or for a discretionary circuit connector is described. Tunneling is employed to transfer charge to a floating gate from a programming gate and also to transfer charge from the floating gate to an erasing gate. Through light doping steps, the first layer of polysilicon (programming gate) and a second layer of polysilicon (floating gate) include rough surfaces. These rough surfaces provide enhanced electric fields which allow tunneling through relatively thick oxides.
摘要:
Methods and apparatus for achieving analog storage in a non-volatile memory array. The array consists of memory cells that utilize Fowler-Nordheim tunneling for erasure and hot electron injection for programming. Writing into a cell is performed by an initial erasure followed by a controlled sequence of program operations during which the cell is programmed in small increments. The stored voltage is read after each program step and when the voltage read back from the cell is equal or just beyond the desired analog level, the sequence of program steps is terminated. The read condition for the cell applies a positive voltage to the drain or common line and a positive voltage to the control gate. The source is connected through a load device to a negative (ground) supply. The output from the cell is the actual voltage that exists at the source node. There is no current sensing or comparison with a reference voltage to determine the output state. A digital number can be represented by assigning a specific analog level to a digital number. The range of digital numbers that can be represented is determined by the analog voltage range divided by the accuracy to which the voltage may be stored and reliably retrieved. Other aspects and features of the invention are disclosed.
摘要:
The present invention discloses methods and apparatus for implementing a single-transistor cell EEPROM array for analog or digital storage. The single-transistor storage cell is made possible by continuously maintaining a net negative charge on the floating gate of the EEPROM storage transistor. Furthermore, according to the present invention, a dense layout of the single-transistor cells is possible by sharing a common diffusion region between the transistors located in the same row and the transistors located in one adjacent row. This common diffusion region functions as a source in the erase and program modes, and as a drain in the read mode. Moreover, the common diffusion feature of the present invention allows the use of a single level of metal in distributing the various operating voltages to the EEPROM storage transistors. Further, utilizing a single level of metal allows for a simple and dense fabrication and also reduces the parasitic capacitances in the EEPROM storage array. Array operating voltages are chosen such that "program disturbance" is eliminated on cells adjacent to a cell undergoing programming. Finally, the present invention utilizes only a single polarity of operating voltages.