Patent ID: 7911850
Filing Date: 2011-03-22
Classification: G11C

Abstract:
1. A method of programming a non-volatile memory array, comprising the steps of: applying a pass voltage to a plurality of unselected word lines in the non-volatile memory array while simultaneously applying a sequentially ramped program voltage to a selected word line in the non-volatile memory array, said sequentially ramped program voltage having a minimum value that is clamped by a word line driver to a level not less than a value of the pass voltage by: enabling a voltage compensating circuit to pull-up the sequentially ramped program voltage from a level below the value of the pass voltage to a level equal to the value of the pass voltage when the sequentially ramped program voltage provided to an input of the word line driver is at a level below the value of the pass voltage; and disabling the voltage compensating circuit when the sequentially ramped program voltage provided to the input of the word line driver is at a level above the value of the pass voltage.