Patent · US Active

Memory device for protecting memory cells during programming

US7391638B2 · kind B2 · utility

23Cited by
9References
6Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateOct 24, 2006
Grant dateJun 24, 2008
Priority date
Expiry dateDec 9, 2026

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC G)Physics
  • CPC primaryG11C16/12
  • WIPO fieldComputer technology
  • WIPO sectorElectrical engineering

Abstract

Improved circuitry and methods for programming memory cells of a memory device are disclosed. The improved circuitry and methods operate to protect the memory cells from potentially damaging electrical energy that can be imposed during programming of the memory cells. Additionally, the improved circuitry and methods operate to detect when programming of the memory cells has been achieved. The improved circuitry and methods are particularly useful for programming non-volatile memory cells. In one embodiment, the memory device pertains to a semiconductor memory product, such as a semiconductor memory chip or a portable memory card.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.