Flash memory for reducing reliability degradation of os data due to smt process

Abstract

The present disclosure provides apparatuses and methods for operating a flash memory for programming operating system (OS) data before an surface mount technology (SMT) process. In some embodiments, the method includes erasing a plurality of memory cells in a memory block, reducing a lateral charge loss of the plurality of memory cells due to high temperature degradation during the SMT process by applying a pre-program voltage to word lines coupled to the memory block, and performing multi-bit programming of the OS data in the plurality of memory cells, prior to performing the SMT process. The applying of the pre-program voltage causes threshold voltages of the plurality of memory cells to increase.