Multi-level cell memory devices and methods of storing data in and reading data from the memory devices

A method of storing data in a multi-level cell (MLC) memory device, the method comprising:

• encoding ‘k’ bits of data at a code rate of k/n to generate an encoded bit stream;
• and
• applying pulses, according to the encoded bit stream, to ‘a’ number of m-bit MLC memory cells in order to write the encoded bit stream in the ‘a’ number of m-bit MLC memory cells;
• wherein ‘a’ and ‘m’ are integers greater than or equal to 2,
• wherein ‘k’ and ‘n’ are integers greater than or equal to 1, and
• wherein ‘n’ is greater than ‘k’.

A method of reading data from a multi-level cell (MLC) memory device, the method comprising:

• generating a demapped bit stream from pulses output from each of ‘a’ number of m-bit MLC memory cells in response to a read signal;
• and
• decoding ‘n’ bits of data from the demapped bit stream at a code rate of n/k to generate a decoded bit stream;
• wherein ‘a’ and ‘m’ are integers greater than or equal to 2,
• wherein ‘k’ and ‘n’ are integers greater than or equal to 1, and
• wherein ‘n’ is greater than ‘k’.