Patent ID: 7215575
Filing Date: 2007-05-08
Classification: G11C

Abstract:
1. A method for detecting over programming in a memory system, comprising: programming at least first and second multi-state storage elements in a set of multi-state storage elements based on first and second bits of data, the programming comprising programming the first and second multi-state storage elements based on the first bit of data to respective current programming conditions; determining if the first multi-state storage element has been over programmed by comparing its respective current programming condition to a respective over programming comparison point which is based, at least in part, on a first value of the second bit of data; and determining if the second multi-state storage element has been over programmed by comparing its respective current programming condition to a respective over programming comparison point which is based, at least in part, on a second value of the second bit of data, the second value differs from the first value.