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:
Oct. 30, 2001
Filed:
Apr. 13, 2000
Carmelo Condemi, Gravina di Catania, IT;
Michele La Placa, Gravina di Catania, IT;
Ignazio Martines, Catania, IT;
STMicroelectronics S.r.l., Agrate Brianza, IT;
Abstract
A method for addressing redundant columns in a nonvolatile memory, which receives, at inputs, selection addresses and comprises a plurality of redundant columns, each including a respective bit line and a plurality of memory cells connected to the bit line. The addressing method comprises the steps of: detecting a transition in the selection addresses; starting charging of all the bit lines upon detection of the transition in the addresses; then detecting whether one of the redundant columns is addressed; should one of the redundant columns be found to be addressed, proceeding with charging of the bit line of the redundant column addressed and interrupting charging of the bit lines of the redundant columns not addressed; and should none of the redundant columns be found to be addressed, interrupting charging of all the bit lines.