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. 16, 2002
Filed:
Sep. 30, 1998
Peiqing Wang, Los Angeles, CA (US);
Srinjoy Das, Irvine, CA (US);
Conexant Systems, Inc, Newport Beach, CA (US);
Abstract
A method and apparatus for automating and controlling the programming operations in a flash memory is provided to enable a microcontroller to accomplish various other controlling tasks while the programming operations are being conducted. A state machine is provided for controlling a plurality of sequences utilized in programming the flash memory, with various functional circuits provided to facilitate the programming and verification of flash memory cells. In a preferred embodiment, the reprogramming of the flash cells is limited to those flash cells verified as a programming failure, thus reducing the necessary programming of the flash memory cells which may impede the ability to program those flash cells. The control system may also be configured to provide for automating and controlling the erasing operations in a flash memory. The common interface circuitry may be employed to facilitates automation and control of both programming and erasing functions.