The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jul. 24, 1990
Filed:
Jun. 05, 1986
Bruce L Morton, Round Rock, TX (US);
Bruce E Engles, Austin, TX (US);
Michael H Chaddock, Round Rock, TX (US);
Motorola, Inc., Schaumburg, IL (US);
Abstract
A non-volatile memory has memory cells which are programmable to a programmed state from an unprogrammed state. Programming changes the conductivity of the memory cell which is being programmed. The particular state of a selected memory cell is determined by comparing the conductivity of the selected memory cell to that of a normal reference. In order to assure that a memory cell has been programmed to a conductivity which is sufficient for reliable detection, a substitute reference with a different conductivity is used immediately after programming. If the selected cell is detected as being programmed when compared to the substitute reference, the selected cell is then determined to have been sufficiently programmed for reliable detection using the normal reference.