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. 22, 2001
Filed:
Jul. 17, 2000
Donald S. Gerber, Gilbert, AZ (US);
Kent Hewitt, Chandler, AZ (US);
Jeffrey A. Shields, Chandler, AZ (US);
David M. Davies, Phoenix, AZ (US);
Microchip Technology Incorporated, Chandler, AZ (US);
Abstract
A method of writing and selectively erasing bits in a selected group of memory cells that significantly reduces the likelihood of disturbing data stored in other, non-selected groups of memory cells is disclosed. The method varies the bias voltages applied to bit lines in unselected cells depending upon the selected or non-selected state of the cells. This reduces the voltage differential applied to the unselected cells, reducing the possibility of inadvertently causing unwanted changes in the amount of charge stored on the respective floating gates of the unselected cells. The method of the present invention improves electrical isolation between columns of cells without increasing the distance between the cells.