Patent ID: 8830745
Filing Date: 2014-09-09
Classification: G11C

Abstract:
1. A method of programming data in a plurality of nonvolatile memory cells comprising: (a) applying a programming pulse to the plurality of nonvolatile memory cells; (b) verifying individually whether the memory cells have reached their respective target levels; (c) performing a bitscan operation to identify the number of memory cells that have reached their respective target levels; (d) comparing the number of memory cells that have reached their respective target levels with a threshold number; (e) repeating steps (a)-(d) until it is determined that the number of memory cells that have reached their respective target levels exceeds the threshold number; and (f) subsequent to determining that the number of memory cells that have reached their respective target levels exceeds the threshold number, applying additional programming voltages to the plurality of nonvolatile memory cells.