Macronix International Co., Ltd.

Jian-Yuan Shen

Chi-Ling Chu

Chou-Ying Yang

Hsien-Wen Hsu

A semiconductor device is provided to have two groups of nonvolatile memory cells, two groups of data registers and a compare circuit. Each of the two groups of the nonvolatile memory cells stores a set of predetermined data and a set of complementary data respectively. The two groups of data registers are respectively connected to the two groups of the nonvolatile memory cells. The compare circuit is connected to the two groups of the data registers, for performing a comparison to generate a compare result.

Loading data with error detection in a power on sequence of flash memory device

A nitride trapping memory device includes a comparator, a bias unit, a memory cell, a cycling cell, a compensation cell and a control unit. The comparator has a reference voltage. The bias unit is for outputting a bias voltage to the comparator, and the comparator outputs a bit value according to comparison of the bias voltage and the reference voltage. The memory cell is connected to the bias unit via a first switch. The cycling cell is connected to the bias unit via a second switch. The compensation cell is connected to the bias unit via a third switch. The control unit is for controlling the cycling cell and the compensation cell according to the bit value.

Method of reading the bits of nitride read-only memory cell

A memory device comprises a memory array of memory cells for storing data and an information array of information cells for storing operating information. The information array is coupled to the memory array so that the information array and the memory array share the same data path circuitry for reading, erase or programming operations. A power-on control circuit controls the operation of the information array.

Flash memory array architecture

Nitride trapping memory device and method for reading the same

A read reference determining the logical value for results read from memory is adjusted during unstable power conditions.

Method and apparatus for adjusting a read reference level under dynamic power conditions

A method of performing a power on sequence for a flash memory includes applying device voltage to the flash memory and loading nonvolatile memory data and nonvolatile memory complementary data to a read data register and a read complementary data register, respectively. The nonvolatile memory data and the nonvolatile memory complementary data are compared with the read data register and the read complementary data register during the power on sequence, e.g., after initial power up or power on reset (POR). When the comparison determines a mismatch, the loading of the nonvolatile memory data and the nonvolatile memory complementary data to the read data register and the read complementary data register, respectively, is repeated.

A method of performing a power on sequence for a flash memory includes applying device voltage to the flash memory and performing an error bit check on at least one memory cell in the flash memory during initial power up. The at least one memory cell in the flash memory is read only after the error bit check determines that the device voltage is stable. The data read from the at least one memory cell is loaded to an information register.

Power on sequence for a flash memory device

A nitride read-only memory (NROM) device includes a comparator, a bias unit, a memory cell, a cycling cell, a compensation cell and a control unit. The comparator has a reference voltage. The bias unit is for outputting a bias voltage to the comparator, and the comparator outputs a bit value according to comparison of the bias voltage and the reference voltage. The memory cell is connected to the bias unit via a first switch. The cycling cell is connected to the bias unit via a second switch. The compensation cell is connected to the bias unit via a third switch. The control unit is for controlling the cycling cell and the compensation cell according to the bit value.

Nitride read-only memory (NROM) device and method for reading the same

An ultra cycling nitride read only memory (NROM) device is coupled to a NROM array such that both bits of the ultra cycling NROM device will be erased when all NROM devices of the NROM array are erased. The ultra cycling NROM device is then programmed at its right bit. A threshold voltage difference will be obtained for the ultra cycling NROM device for the un-programmed left bit. Next, a cycling number is obtained based on the threshold voltage difference for the ultra cycling NROM device. A threshold voltage shift can be found based on the cycling number for the NROM array. Finally, an erase voltage will be calculated according to the threshold voltage shift for the NROM array. If the NROM array is programmed again, the erase voltage will be applied to un-programmed NROM devices of the NROM array to further reduce the threshold voltages.

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Taichung, Taiwan

Jian-Yuan Shen