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US 7,257,029 B2Granted
Systems and methods for improved programming of flash based devices
AssigneeMacronix International Co., Ltd.
InventorsChun-Hsiung Hung, Chuan-Ying Yu
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A flash based device in configured for soft programming to correct for over-erase effect; however, the soft programming current is limited so as not to exceed the current that can be supplied during soft programming. Additionally, the voltage on the source node of each cell on the flash based device is maintained at a non-zero level, in order to allow for the use fo a higher word line voltage, but help prevent an over soft programming effect.
Claims20
A Flash based device, comprising:
- a cell, the cell comprising a control gate and a source node;
- a constant current circuit coupled with the source node, the constant current circuit configured to limit the current drawn by the cell during a soft programming cycle;
- and
- a constant voltage circuit coupled with the source node, the constant voltage circuit configured to maintain a non-zero voltage level on the source node.
1 more element
A Flash based device, comprising:
- a cell, the cell comprising a control gate and a source node;
- a transistor coupled between the source node and a ground node, the transistor configured to limit the current drawn by the cell during a soft programming cycle;
- and
- a second transistor coupled between the source node and a supply voltage node, the second transistor configured to maintain a non-zero voltage level on the source node.
1 more element
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.