Patent ID: 6542407
Filing Date: 2003-04-01
Classification: G11C

Abstract:
A method of reading multiple bits of data stored as different ones of a plurality of levels of charge in storage elements of individual memory cells of a first group, wherein the data read is corrupted by other data stored as different ones of the plurality of levels of charge in storage elements of adjacent memory cells of a second group to which the storage elements of the cells of the first group are field coupled, comprising:reading the charge levels stored in the storage elements of the second group of memory cells, thereby to read the data stored in the second group of memory cells, storing the data read from the storage elements of the second group of memory cells in a location outside of the first or second group of memory cells, thereafter altering the levels of charge stored in the individual storage elements of the memory cells of the second group, thereby to alter apparent levels of charge read from the storage elements of the first group of memory cells, and thereafter reading the charge levels stored in the storage elements of the first group of memory cells, thereby to read the data stored in the storage elements of the first group of memory cells with altered charge levels stored in the storage elements of the second group of cells.