One check fail byte (CFBYTE) scheme

A system comprising:

• an array of memory cells, the memory cells being N-bit memory cells with N being an integer equal to or greater than two;
• a controller to execute instructions to:
• program selected memory cells at multiple voltage levels from a lowest voltage level to a highest voltage level;
• after programming the selected memory cells at each voltage level other than the highest voltage level, perform failure byte checks of cells programmed at the respective programmed voltage level until such cells satisfy a byte failure criterion at such respective programmed voltage level;
• upon determining that the byte failure criterion is satisfied at such respective programmed voltage level, program a next set of the selected memory cells at next higher voltage level;
• and
• perform a failure byte check for all programmed voltage levels after programming the selected memory cells at the highest voltage level;
• and
• a loop counter to count a number of loops in which program pulses with corresponding verifies are executed with respect to reaching a status corresponding to the respective programmed voltage level.

A method comprising:

• programming memory cells of an array of memory cells at multiple voltage levels from a lowest voltage level to a highest voltage level;
• after programming the memory cells at each voltage level other than the highest voltage level, performing failure byte checks of cells programmed at the respective programmed voltage level until such cells satisfy a byte failure criterion at such respective programmed voltage level;
• upon determining that the byte failure criterion is satisfied at such respective programmed voltage level, programming a next set of the memory cells at next higher voltage level;
• and
• performing a failure byte check for all programmed voltage levels after programming the selected memory cells at the highest voltage level.