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:
Apr. 21, 2015
Filed:
Oct. 10, 2013
Jeffrey C. Cunningham, Austin, TX (US);
Ross S. Scouller, Austin, TX (US);
Ronald J. Syzdek, Austin, TX (US);
Jeffrey C. Cunningham, Austin, TX (US);
Ross S. Scouller, Austin, TX (US);
Ronald J. Syzdek, Austin, TX (US);
Freescale Semiconductor, Inc., Austin, TX (US);
Abstract
Methods and systems are disclosed for sector-based regulation of program voltages for non-volatile memory (NVM) systems. The disclosed embodiments regulate program voltages for NVM cells based upon feedback signals generated from sector return voltages that are associated with program voltage drivers that are driving program voltages to NVM cells within selected sectors an NVM array. As such, drops in program voltage levels due to IR (current-resistance) voltage losses in program voltage distribution lines are effectively addressed. This sector-based regulation of the program voltage effectively maintains the desired program voltage at the cells being programmed regardless of the sector being accessed for programming and the number of cells being programmed. Sector return voltages can also be used along with local program voltages to provide two-step feedback regulation for the voltage generation circuitry. Test mode configurations can also be provided using test input and/or output pads.