Bit error correcting circuit for a nonvolatile memory

Abstract

A bit correction circuit for a nonvolatile memory is connected between a non-volatile memory and a control circuit such as a microcomputer. The nonvolatile memory has a plurality of sets of memory cells. Each set comprises plurality of data cells for storing data and a parity cell for storing a parity bit. The bit error circuit comprises error checking circuit connected for receiving data read from the memory cells and the corresponding parity bit for checking the read data for an error and producing an error signal corresponding to the result of the error checking, holding and sense voltage switching circuit connected to the error checking circuit for holding the error signal and having an output for outputing a holding signal corresponding to the error signal until the next read operation is carried out, the holding signal being coupled for controlling the sense voltage of the nonvolatile memory, and address holding circuit having an input for receiving an address of the read data and connected to the holding and sense voltage switching circuit for holding the address of the read data in response to the holding signal for use the next read operation of the read data if an error in the read data is detected.