Reset method of non-volatile memory

Abstract

A reset method of a non-volatile memory is described. The non-volatile memory includes a plurality of cells on a substrate of a first conductivity type, each including a portion of the substrate, a control gate, a charge-storing layer between the portion of the substrate and the control gate, and two S/D regions of a second conductivity type in the portion of the substrate. The reset method utilizes a DSB-BTBTHH effect. A first voltage is applied to the substrate and a second voltage to both S/D regions of each cell, wherein the difference between the first and second voltages is sufficient to cause band-to-band tunneling hot holes. A voltage applied to the control gate and the period of applying the voltages are controlled such that the threshold voltages of all the cells converge in a tolerable range.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.