System for performing fast testing during flash reference cell setting
AssigneeAtmel Corporation
InventorsLorenzo Bedarida, Simone Bartoli, Stefano Surico, Massimiliano Frulio
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Abstract
An embedded circuit in a memory device is used in place of an external test device to perform time-consuming tasks such as voltage verification during the setting of reference cells. An external test device programs at least one reference cell to a predetermined value. The embedded circuit uses the cell programmed by the external device as a comparative reference to program additional reference cells.
Claims31
A system for programming reference cells in a memory device, the system comprising:
- a plurality of reference cells and an internal circuit embedded in and coupled to said memory device;
- a testing device coupled to said memory device, said testing device being configured to program at least one reference cell to a predetermined value;
- and
- said internal circuit being configured to set at least one of said plurality of reference cells to specific values using said first reference cell as a comparative standard.
A method for programming reference cells in a memory device, the method comprising:
- programming at least one reference cell embedded within said memory device to a predetermined value using a testing device;
- and
- programming a plurality of additional reference cells embedded within said memory device using only a circuit embedded in said memory device.
A system for programming reference cells in a memory device, the system comprising:
- a plurality of reference cells and internal circuitry embedded in and coupled to said memory device;
- means for setting at least one reference cell to a predetermined value;
- means to receive a start command from said setting means;
- and
- means embedded within said memory device for setting at least one additional reference cell to specific values using said at least one reference cell set to a predetermined value as a comparative standard.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.