Method of performing programming operation and related memory device

Abstract

A memory device includes a memory array including memory strings. Each memory string includes a plurality of top memory cells, a plurality of bottom memory cells, and one or more dummy memory cells between the top memory cells and the bottom memory cells. The memory device also includes a plurality of word lines respectively coupled to gate terminals of the top memory cells and the bottom memory cells. The memory device further includes a control circuit configured to provide a control signal to control programming a target memory cell of the top memory cells. The gate terminal of the target memory cell are coupled to a selected word line of the word lines. The memory device further includes a word line driver coupled to the control circuit and the word lines and configured to, in response to the control signal, apply a positive first voltage signal to each of the word lines that are coupled to the gate terminals of the top memory cells during a first time period in a pre-charge phase prior to a programming phase.