Stmicroelectronics Gmbh

Stella Matarrese

Luca Giovanni Fasoli

Cuong Quoc Trinh

Oron Michael

A programmable system device includes an embedded FLASH memory module and an embedded programmable logic device (PLD) module. A sole embedded power supply voltage generator generates a plurality of voltages for use by the FLASH memory module and the PLD module during programming, reading and erasing operations. A switching network receives at least some of the generated voltages and selectively chooses among and between the received generated voltages for application to the FLASH memory module and the PLD module depending on whether that particular module is engaged in programming, reading or erasing operations. A load adjustment circuit controls operation of the sole power supply voltage generator based on whether the generated voltages are being used by the FLASH memory module or the PLD module to account for differences in loading between the FLASH memory module and the PLD module during programming, reading and erasing operations. A voltage trimming circuit controls operation of the sole embedded power supply voltage generator to make adjustments in voltage level for at least some of the generated voltages depending on whether those generated voltages are being used by the FLASH memory module or the PLD module during programming, reading and erasing operations.

Programmable system device having a shared power supply voltage generator for FLASH and PLD modules

A method and circuit are disclosed for replacing defective columns of flash memory cells in a flash memory device. The circuit includes a plurality of sets of storage elements, each set of storage elements being capable of identifying a single addressed column of memory cells is to be replaced or a main column line and regular columns of memory cells associated therewith to be replaced. In the event a main column line and the associated regular columns are identified for replacement by a set of storage elements, the set additionally indicates whether the regular columns are regular columns in a single block of memory cells or multiple blocks. Redundancy circuitry performs the replacement operation during a memory access operation based upon the information stored in the sets of storage elements.

Redundancy circuit and method for replacing defective memory cells in a flash memory device

A method and circuit are disclosed for replacing defective columns of flash memory cells in flash memory device. The circuit includes a plurality of sets of storage elements, each set of storage elements being capable of identifying at least one column of memory cells in any block of memory cells as being defective. The circuit further includes control circuitry for replacing an addressed column of memory cells with a redundant column of memory cells upon an affirmative determination that a set of storage elements identifies the addressed column of memory cells as being defective.

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Fremont, CA, United States of America

Stella Matarrese