Saw-shaped multi-pulse programming for program noise reduction in memory

A non-volatile storage system, comprising:

• a set of non-volatile storage elements;
• a set of word lines in communication with the set of non-volatile storage elements, including a selected word line in communication with selected non-volatile storage elements of the set of non-volatile storage elements;
• and
• at least one control circuit in communication with the set of word lines, the at least one control circuit, in connection with a programming operation involving the selected non-volatile storage elements:
• applies a plurality of sets of program sub-pulses to the selected non-volatile storage elements, via the selected word line, each set of program sub-pulses comprises an initial sub-pulse which transitions from a common starting level to a respective peak level and then to a respective intermediate level between the common starting level and the respective peak level, without returning to the common starting level, and a final sub-pulse which transitions from a respective intermediate level to a respective peak level and then to the common starting level, and performs a verify operation during the programming operation for at least one of the selected non-volatile storage elements following at least one of the sets of program sub-pulses.

A method for programming in a non-volatile storage system, comprising:

• applying one set of program sub-pulses to selected non-volatile storage elements in a set of non-volatile storage elements, the one set of program sub-pulses comprises multiple sub-pulses having a respective amplitude, including an initial sub-pulse which transitions from a common starting level to a respective peak level and then to a respective intermediate level between the common starting level and the respective peak level, without returning to the common starting level, and a final sub-pulse which transitions from a respective intermediate level to a respective peak level and then to the common starting level;
• subsequently, applying another set of program sub-pulses to the selected non-volatile storage elements, the another set of program sub-pulses comprises multiple sub-pulses having a respective amplitude, but fewer sub-pulses than the one set of program sub-pulses, the multiple sub-pulses of the another set of program sub-pulses include an initial sub-pulse which transitions from the common starting level to a respective peak level and then to a respective intermediate level between the common starting level and the respective peak level, without returning to the common starting level, and a final sub-pulse which transitions from a respective intermediate level to a respective peak level and then to the common starting level;
• and
• performing a verify operation during the programming operation for at least one of the selected non-volatile storage elements between the one set of program sub-pulses and the another set of program sub-pulses.