Non-volatile memory including judgment memory cell strings and operating method thereof

Abstract

A non-volatile memory and an operating method thereof are provided. The non-volatile memory includes a memory array and a controller. Each main memory cell string, a first judgment memory cell string, and a second judgment memory cell string of the memory array respectively includes a plurality of main memory cells, a plurality of first judgment memory cells and a plurality of second judgment memory cells. During a programming operation, the controller determines, according to a data level of each main memory cell, a data level of the corresponding first judgment memory cell, determines, according to data levels of each first judgment memory cell and its preceding first judgment memory cell, a data level of the corresponding second judgment memory cell, and accordingly determines whether to perform a pre-programming operation during an erasing operation.