Method, system and apparatus for determining that a programming voltage level is sufficient for reliably programming an eeprom
US6166960A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 24, 1999 |
| Grant date | Dec 26, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 24, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG11C16/30
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An electronic system, comprising a digital processor and an EEPROM, has circuit logic and program software or firmware for determining if a programming voltage level is sufficient for reliably programming the EEPROM. A charge pump is enabled and generates a voltage used for programming of the EEPROM. The enabled charge pump thereby loads a battery power supply. In addition, a test load may be connected to the output of the charge pump to simulate the EEPROM load during a programming operation to the EEPROM. The charge pump output voltage is measured to determine if at least a desired voltage value is obtained. Once the charge pump voltage level has been pre-qualified for the desired voltage value, an actual programming operation to the EEPROM may be performed. If the voltage level does not reach the desired value then a programming operation is inhibited and the electronic system may alarm or shut down operation. The charge pump voltage level is a good indication and measure of battery charge condition under actual EEPROM programming load conditions.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.