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. 01, 2002
Filed:
Mar. 05, 2001
Bruce Beauchamp, Gilbert, AZ (US);
Tom Salt, Gilbert, AZ (US);
Microchip Technology Incorporated, Chandler, AZ (US);
Abstract
An EEPROM having reduced circuit loading of a high voltage write pulse by dividing an array of bit cells into two or more switchable common source segments. Only common source segments containing the bit cells being written to are connected, the other common source segments remain unconnected and do not contribute substantially to loading of the write pulse. Having multiple switchable common segmentations reduces the amount of parasitic capacitance connected in the EEPROM array during a write operation, thus reducing loading on the write circuits. Also reducing the number of bit cells having the common source segments connected during a write operation reduces the amount of leakage current contribution which adversely affects the write operation.