Patent ID: 9117549
Filing Date: 2015-08-25
Classification: G11C

Abstract:
1. A method in a non-volatile memory device including an array of memory cells, the method for programming a memory cell in the array of memory cells, the method comprising: selecting a memory cell associated with a word line and a bit line for programming; selecting a first programming voltage value from a series of programming voltages having increasing voltage values; applying a programming pulse at the selected programming voltage value to the word line of the selected memory cell, the word line being coupled to a control gate of the memory cell; sensing a cell current at the selected memory cell as the programming pulse is being applied; determining the cell current having decreased below a reference current level; terminating the programming pulse in response to the determining; and selecting the next programming voltage value from the series of programming voltages and repeating at applying a programming pulse at the selected programming voltage value until the last programming voltage value from the series of programming voltages have been selected.