Source follower storage cell and improved method and apparatus for iterative write for integrated circuit analog signal recording and playback
US5220531A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 2, 1991 |
| Grant date | Jun 15, 1993 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 2, 2011 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG11C27/005
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Source follower storage cell and improved method and apparatus for iterative write for integrated circuit analog recording and playback which provides increased resolution in the stored signal and increased accuracy and stability of the storage and readout capabilities of the device. The storage cell is configured wherein the electrically alterable MOS storage device is connected in a source follower configuration, which provides a one to one relationship between the variation in the floating gate storage charge and the variation in the output voltage, and for high load resistance, relative insensitivity to load characteristics. The write process and circuitry provides a multi iterative programming technique wherein a series of coarse pulses program a cell to the approximate desired value, with a series of fine pulses referenced to the last coarse pulse being used for programming the respective cell in fine increments to a desired final programming level. Still finer levels of programming can be used.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.