Method for altering a word stored in a write-once memory device
AssigneeMatrix Semiconductor, Inc.
InventorsRoger W. March, Christopher S. Moore, Mark G. Johnson
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Abstract
The preferred embodiments described herein provide a method for altering a word stored in a write-once memory device. In one preferred embodiment, a write-once memory device is provided storing a word comprising a plurality of data bits and a plurality of syndrome bits. The word is altered by identifying X bit(s) in the word that are in an un-programmed state and switching the X bit(s) from the un-programmed state to a programmed state, where X is sufficient to introduce an uncorrectable error in the word. Other preferred embodiments are provided, and each of the preferred embodiments can be used alone or in combination with one another.
Claims21
A method for altering a word stored in a write-once memory device, the method comprising:
- (a) providing a write-once memory device storing a word comprising a plurality of data bits and a plurality of syndrome bits;
- (b) identifying X bit(s) in the word that are in an un-programmed state;
- and
- (c) switching said X bit(s) in the word from the un-programmed state to a programmed state, wherein X is sufficient to introduce an uncorrectable error in the word.
A method for altering a word stored in a write-once memory device, the method comprising:
- (a) providing a write-once memory device storing a first word comprising a first plurality of data bits and a first plurality of syndrome bits;
- (b) identifying a single bit in the first plurality of data bits that is in an unprogrammed state;
- (c) generating a second word comprising a second plurality of data bits and a second plurality of syndrome bits based on the second plurality of data bits, wherein all of the second plurality of data bits are in the un-programmed state except for a bit that corresponds to the single bit;
- and
- (d) overwriting the first word with the second word.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.