Patent ID: 7656703
Filing Date: 2010-02-02
Classification: G11C

Abstract:
1. A method for operating non-volatile memory, comprising: applying a programming signal as a set of pulses to a selected non-volatile storage element and a particular unselected non-volatile storage element, wherein each pulse consists of a first portion having a first magnitude, a second portion having a second magnitude and a third portion having a third magnitude; adjusting said programming signal to a first level and holding said programming signal at said first level for a first period of time such that a programming pulse has the first magnitude; adjusting said programming signal to a second level and holding said programming signal at said second level for a second period of time such that the programming pulse has the second magnitude, wherein applying said programming signal at said first level and at said second level does not intentionally cause programming of said selected non-volatile storage element; adjusting said programming signal to a third level such that the programming pulse has the third magnitude to cause said selected non-volatile storage element to experience programming; and applying other signals at a magnitude lower than said second level to other unselected non-volatile storage elements while said programming signal is at said second level and said third level; wherein the second and third magnitudes increase for successive pulses.