Method and apparatus for controlling the programming and erasing of flash memory
US6421757B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 30, 1998 |
| Grant date | Jul 16, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 30, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG11C16/10
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A method and apparatus for automating and controlling the programming operations in a flash memory is provided to enable a microcontroller to accomplish various other controlling tasks while the programming operations are being conducted. A state machine is provided for controlling a plurality of sequences utilized in programming the flash memory, with various functional circuits provided to facilitate the programming and verification of flash memory cells. In a preferred embodiment, the reprogramming of the flash cells is limited to those flash cells verified as a programming failure, thus reducing the necessary programming of the flash memory cells which may impede the ability to program those flash cells. The control system may also be configured to provide for automating and controlling the erasing operations in a flash memory. The common interface circuitry may be employed to facilitates automation and control of both programming and erasing functions.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.