Abstract:
When an error correction code (ECC) unit finds uncorrectable errors in a solid state non-volatile memory device, a process may be used in an attempt to locate and correct the errors. This process may first identify 'low confidence' memory cells that are likely to contain errors, and then determine what data is more likely to be correct in those cells, based on various criteria. The new data may then be checked with the ECC unit to verify that it is sufficiently correct for the ECC unit to correct any remaining errors.
Abstract:
In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, a memory device may include a memory layer and a MEMS layer. The memory layer may include an integrated circuit with a multiplexer and optionally a memory controller and a storage medium disposed on the integrated circuit where the storage medium includes chalcogenide islands as storage elements. The MEMS layer may include a movable MEMS platform having probes to connect selected chalcogenide islands via positioning of the MEMS platform. A high voltage source disposed external to the memory layer and the MEMS layer may provide a high voltage to a stator electrode on the memory layer and to a rotor electrode on the MEMS platform to control movement of the MEMS platform with respect to the storage medium. The memory device may be utilized in portable electronic devices such as media players and cellular telephones to provide a nonvolatile storage of information.
Abstract:
In a memory device including an array of memory cells, each memory cell having more than two possible states, a method for programming a memory cell to a desired state is disclosed. The method comprises a control engine programming a subset (220), wherein the characterization information indicates programming characteristics of a representative memory cell of the array of memory cells (225). The control engine then uses the characterization information to directly program the memory cell to approximately the desired state (230) without performing a program verify operation.
Abstract:
A method of utilizing error detecting and correcting circuitry (56) to detect and correct errors which can occur in data stored in multi-bit cell format in a flash EEPROM memory array (23) before those errors can affect the accuracy of data provided by a flash EEPROM memory array.
Abstract:
A nonvolatile memory cell comprising a pair of spaced apart shallow trench isolation regions formed in a substrate and defining a substrate active region. A tunnel dielectric is formed on the substrate active region. A floating gate is formed on the tunnel dielectric and is self aligned between the spaced apart shallow trench isolation regions. A dielectric layer is formed on the floating gate and a control gate formed on the dielectric layer. A source region and a drain region are formed in the substrate active region on opposite sides of the floating gate.
Abstract:
Se describen método y aparatos para determinar el estado de una celda de memoria que tiene más de dos estados posibles. Para una primer modalidad, el estado de una celda flash (401??) que tiene n estados, en donde n es una potencia de dos, se determina al comparar selectivamente el voltaje umbral Vt de una celda de memoria selecta con (n-1) voltajes de referencia. Por cada dos estados, se proporciona un solo comparador (460 y 470), de manera tal que el numero total de comparadores sea igual al numero de bits almacenados en la celda de memoria.
Abstract:
A voltage regulation circuit that includes a sample and hold circuit for sampling an input voltage and for holding a reference voltage generated in response to the input voltage. The sample and hold circuit includes a capacitor that holds the reference voltage. The voltage regulation circuit also includes a regulator circuit coupled to the capacitor of the sample and hold circuit. The regulator circuit outputs an output voltage using the reference voltage supplied by the capacitor. The voltage regulation circuit may be used to provide a high precision programming voltage for programming memory cells having two or more analog states.
Abstract:
A voltage regulation circuit that includes a sample and hold circuit for sampling an input voltage and for holding a reference voltage generated in response to the input voltage. The sample and hold circuit includes a capacitor that holds the reference voltage. The voltage regulation circuit also includes a regulator circuit coupled to the capacitor of the sample and hold circuit. The regulator circuit outputs an output voltage using the reference voltage supplied by the capacitor. The voltage regulation circuit may be used to provide a high precision programming voltage for programming memory cells having two or more analog states.
Abstract:
A voltage regulation circuit that includes a sample and hold circuit for sampling an input voltage and for holding a reference voltage generated in response to the input voltage. The sample and hold circuit includes a capacitor that holds the reference voltage. The voltage regulation circuit also includes a regulator circuit coupled to the capacitor of the sample and hold circuit. The regulator circuit outputs an output voltage using the reference voltage supplied by the capacitor. The voltage regulation circuit may be used to provide a high precision programming voltage for programming memory cells having two or more analog states.
Abstract:
A method and circuitry for programming a memory cell to one of at least three amounts of charge. The amount of charge placed in the memory cell is increased by increasing the voltage level of a programming pulse applied to the memory cell.