Microcomputer and microprocessor having flash memory operable from single external power supply
US6407959B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 6, 2001 |
| Grant date | Jun 18, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 6, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG11C5/145
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A microcomputer incorporating a flash memory which is erased and programmed electrically in a stable manner within a relatively wide range of external power supply voltages including those for low-voltage operations. The microcomputer comprises a voltage clamp unit including a reference voltage generating circuit and a constant voltage generating circuit. In operation, the voltage clamp unit generates a voltage of a low dependency on a supply voltage and clamps the generated voltage to a voltage level which, within a tolerable range, is lower than a single supply voltage externally furnished. This prevents voltages boosted by boosting circuits operating on the clamped voltage, i.e., programming and erasure voltages, from being dependent on the externally supplied voltage.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.