Patent ID: 8385115
Filing Date: 2013-02-26
Classification: G11C

Abstract:
1. A method of programming a semiconductor memory device, the memory device including: a plurality of memory cell transistors arranged in a plurality of transistor strings; a plurality of word lines, each word line connected to a corresponding memory cell transistor of each of the transistor strings; and a plurality of bit lines, each bit line connected to at least one of the transistor strings, the method comprising: applying a first voltage, and then applying a programming voltage to a selected word line corresponding to the selected memory cell transistor, wherein the first voltage is a first pass voltage; and prior to applying the first voltage to the selected word line, applying a second voltage to at least one neighboring word line that neighbors the selected word line, the neighboring word line connected to a neighboring, unselected memory cell transistor of a selected transistor string, wherein the second voltage is a second pass voltage, wherein a third voltage is applied to at least one unselected word line simultaneously with the first voltage, and wherein the third voltage is a third pass voltage.