Semiconductor memory device

Abstract

A virtual ground type semiconductor memory device comprises: a memory cell array in which nonvolatile memory cells each including a first electrode, a pair of second electrodes, and a charge retention part are arranged in row and column directions like a matrix; a read circuit for selecting a pair of the first and second bit lines connected to a selected memory cell to be read, applying first and second read voltages to the selected first and second bit lines, respectively, and detecting a magnitude of a memory cell current flowing in the selected memory cell, at the time of reading; a voltage applying means for applying the second read voltage to a second adjacent bit line adjacent to the selected second bit line on the opposite side of the first bit line; and a short-circuit means for short-circuiting the selected second bit line and the second adjacent bit line.