Programmable configuration for EEPROMS including 2-bit non-volatile memory cell arrays
US6044022A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 26, 1999 |
| Grant date | Mar 28, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 26, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG11C2211/5641
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A structure and method for configuring an EEPROM having an array of 2-bit non-volatile memory transistors to perform either in a high-speed 1-bit operation mode or a high-density 2-bit operation mode. Each memory transistor has a first charge trapping region for storing a first bit and a second charge trapping region for storing a second bit. The selected operation mode is determined by configuration data set by the EEPROM manufacturer in accordance with a customer's requirements. In one embodiment, an EEPROM includes blocks of memory cells accessed by a single word line. When the configuration data indicates the 1-bit operation mode, the memory control circuit stores data in only one of the two charge trapping regions of each memory cell. All eight bits of a word are read simultaneously by accessing eight separate charge trapping regions. Conversely, when the configuration data indicates the 2-bit operation mode, the memory control circuit stores data in both charge trapping regions of each memory cell. A read operation in the 2-bit operation mode requires reading a first group of four bits during a first stage, and then reading a second group of four bits during a second stage. T…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.