US5022001A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Method for the programming of the memory cells of a memory and a circuit to implement this method
Assignee: STMicroelectronics SA
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Filing: 1988-10-17
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Granted: 1991-06-04
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Expires: 2008-10-17
Abstract
Abstract The use of charge pumps to supply bit lines, when programming memory cells connected to a bit line, is avoided by pre-charging this bit line simultaneously with the neutralization of the selection of this bit line. Subsequently, the pre-charging potential is uncoupled and the effects of the neutralization are stopped. It is known that this method of action prevents the breakdown of a single programming potential generator, used to supply all the bit lines. This results in a gain in space in the lay-out of the control circuits of the memory cells in the memory plane. This method can be implemented especially in page mode programming for memories where the memory cells have EEPROM-type floating-gate transistors.
Inventors
- 👤 Jacek Kowalski
- 👤 Christophe Chevalier
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-06 06:19
CPC Classifications
G; G11; G11C; G11C17/00; G11C16/00; G11C16/02; G11C16/06; G11C16/10; G11C16/24
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
90 words
A method for programming cells of a memory, said cells comprising floating gate transistors programmable by electrical field effect, wherein said method comprises: selecting the cells to be programmed, and then, programming the selected cells by the application of programming potentials, wherein said application of programming potentials comprises: application first of a neutralization signal to the selected cells while precharging said selected cells by applying first programing potential to said selected cells, then stopping said neutralization signal and programming said cells by applying second programming potentials to said selected cells.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
90 words
A method for programming cells of a memory, said cells comprising floating gate transistors programmable by electrical field effect, wherein said method comprises: selecting the cells to be programmed, and then, programming the selected cells by the application of programming potentials, wherein said application of programming potentials comprises: application first of a neutralization signal to the selected cells while precharging said selected cells by applying first programing potential to said selected cells, then stopping said neutralization signal and programming said cells by applying second programming potentials to said selected cells.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
19 words
A method according to claim 1 wherein a selection is made of cells connected to the same word line.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
30 words
A method according to claim 2 wherein the selection is made by opening selection switches, placed in series within bit lines ending at the cells connected to said word line.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
25 words
A method according to claim 3, wherein the neutralization signal is stopped while applying a pre-charged first programming potential (PRECH) while closing said selection switches.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
21 words
A method according to claim 3 wherein said precharging first programming potential is a high potential applied to the bit line.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
26 words
A method according to any of the claims 2 or 3 wherein said precharging first programming potential is a low potential applied to the word line.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
26 words
A method according to claim 6 wherein several cells belonging to the same word line are erased at the same time before said cells are programmed.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
31 words
A method according to any of the claims 1, or 2, or 3 wherein said precharging first programming potential is an intermediate potential applied to a ground connection of the cell.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1994-06-03 | 1994-12-03 | 1995-06-04 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1998-06-03 | 1998-12-03 | 1999-06-04 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2002-06-03 | 2002-12-03 | 2003-06-04 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |