Compact virtual ground diffusion programmable ROM array architecture, system and method

A method of programming a Read-Only Memory (ROM) circuit having a plurality of storage cells organized as an array of rows and columns, said method comprising:

• for a first subset of storage cells, providing a diffusion area between source and drain terminals of each predetermined storage cell of said first subset for programming a first logic value thereat;
• for a second subset of storage cells, withholding said diffusion area between source and drain terminals of each predetermined storage cell of said second subset for programming a second logic value thereat;
• and
• providing at least one of a source diffusion extension and a drain diffusion extension for said source and drain terminals respectively, of a particular storage cell of said second subset that is disposed on a particular column, if said particular storage cell having said second logic value is located next to another storage cell on said particular column having said second logic value.