System and method for controlling source current and voltage during flash memory erase operations
Granted: June 24, 1997
Patent Number:
5642310
A double erase control circuit is disclosed for use with an EEPROM/flash memory system wherein each memory cell can be read, erased or programmed based, in part, on the voltage level of a word line coupled to the gate of each of the memory cells. A host selectively erases flash memory cells by placing 0 VDC on the word lines and a large positive voltage (10.4 VDC to 10.8 VDC) on an array virtual ground supply (VVSS) line while the drains of the memory cells float. The voltage and current…
Program verify and erase verify control circuit for EPROM/flash
Granted: November 26, 1996
Patent Number:
5579262
A program verify and erase verify control circuit is disclosed for use with an EEPROM/flash memory system wherein each memory cell can be read, erased or programmed based, in part, on the voltage level of a word line coupled to the gate of each of the memory cells. Program operations are verified by placing a worst case (i.e., highest) read voltage on the word lines of programmed memory cells. Similarly, erase operations are verified by placing a worst case (i.e., lowest) read voltage on…
Program drain voltage control for EPROM/flash
Granted: October 22, 1996
Patent Number:
5568425
A program drain voltage control system is disclosed for use within an EPROM/flash memory system wherein each memory cell is coupled in series with plural y selection transistors. When the EPROM/flash memory system is in programming mode, the control system maintains the program drain voltage of EPROM/flash memory cells being programmed at a target drain voltage (+6.1 VDC ). Drain voltage control is accomplished using a current control circuit and a voltage control circuit. The voltage…
Method of making an EEPROM
Granted: September 26, 1995
Patent Number:
5453388
Disclosed is a flash EEPROM cell needing only a 5 volt external source using an on-chip voltage multiplier circuit to provide high voltages necessary to effect Fowler-Nordheim tunneling during both the program and erase modes. Properties of dielectric layers between a floating gate and a control gate and between the floating gate and a drain region differ to facilitate programming and erasing of the floating gate. Also disclosed is a method for producing a flash EEPROM cell by forming…
Non-volatile semiconductor memory cell
Granted: December 13, 1994
Patent Number:
5373465
Disclosed is a flash EEPROM cell needing only a 5 volt external source using an on-chip voltage multiplier circuit to provide high voltages necessary to effect Fowler-Nordheim tunneling during both the program and erase modes. Properties of dielectric layers between a floating gate and a control gate and between the floating gate and a drain region differ to facilitate programming and erasing of the floating gate. Also disclosed is a method for producing a flash EEPROM cell by forming…
Non-volatile semiconductor memory cell
Granted: May 31, 1994
Patent Number:
5317179
Disclosed is a flash EEPROM cell needing only a 5 volt external source using an on-chip voltage multiplier circuit to provide high voltages necessary to effect Fowler-Nordheim tunneling during both the program and erase modes. Properties of dielectric layers between a floating gate and a control gate and between the floating gate and a drain region differ to facilitate programming and erasing of the floating gate. Also disclosed is a method for producing a flash EEPROM cell by forming…
Full-featured EEPROM
Granted: June 1, 1993
Patent Number:
5216268
Disclosed is a byte-erasable EEPROM memory cell which utilizes a five volt external source and a voltage multiplier circuit to program and erase a floating gate by means of electron tunneling. To prevent collapse of the voltage multiplier circuit a lightly doped drain region is incorporated preventing gate modulated junction breakdown, thereby preventing collapse of the voltage multiplier circuit. In addition, current flow through the channel separating a source region and the lightly…
