Memory system with non-volatile data storage unit and method of initializing same
US5677885A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 15, 1996 |
| Grant date | Oct 14, 1997 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 15, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG11C29/46
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A memory system (preferably implemented as an integrated circuit) including an array of memory cells, a control unit for controlling operations of the system (such as programming, reading, and erasing the cells), at least one data storage unit which stores control parameter data determining at least one control parameter for the system, and default parameter circuitry for asserting at desired times one or both of: default control parameter data (regardless of the control parameter data stored in each data storage unit); and at least one default voltage level (in place of an otherwise asserted voltage level). In preferred embodiments, the default control parameter data (or voltage levels) are asserted during a test initialize mode in response to an initialization signal generated by the control unit, for use in initializing internal control registers (and voltage levels) of the system so that an external program for controlling the system during the test mode can start from a known condition. Other embodiments are methods for asserting default control parameter data of memory systems at desired times during system operation (regardless of the values of control parameter data stored …
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.