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:
May. 08, 2001
Filed:
Jun. 29, 2000
Applicant:
Inventors:
Takamichi Kasai, Kawasaki, JP;
Nozomi Kasai, Kawasaki, JP;
Assignee:
Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Kawasaki, JP;
Primary Examiner:
Int. Cl.
CPC ...
G11C 1/604 ;
U.S. Cl.
CPC ...
G11C 1/604 ;
Abstract
The invention provides a flash memory having a security function and a protect function. When the release of the security function has been instructed, all data stored in each block of a flash memory main body is forcibly erased, ignoring the setting of the protect function. After that, the security function is released, thereby enabling readout of data. This being so, even if a third person releases the security function, leakage of data to the outside can be prevented.