Memory device and method for storing and reading data in a write-once memory array
US6996660B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 8, 2001 |
| Grant date | Feb 7, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 23, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG11C17/146
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
The preferred embodiments described herein provide a memory device and method for storing and reading data in a write-once memory array. In one preferred embodiment, a plurality of bits representing data is inverted and stored in a write-once memory array. When the inverted plurality of bits is read from the memory array, the bits are inverted to provide the data in its original, non-inverted configuration. By storing data bits in an inverted form, the initial, un-programmed digital state of the memory array is redefined as the alternative, programmed digital state. Other preferred embodiments are provided, and each of the preferred embodiments described herein can be used alone or in combination with one another. For example, the embodiments in which data bits are inverted can be used alone or in combination with the embodiments in which data is redirected.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.