Patent ID: 6449187
Filing Date: 2002-09-10
Classification: G11C

Abstract:
A method for programming a flash memory device; said flash memory device including a plurality of flash memory cells arranged in an array having at least one word line and at least one bit line; each respective cell of said plurality of cells having a respective drain, a respective source, a respective gate and a respective floating gate arrayed upon a base; said base being common with said plurality of cells; said respective drain, said respective source, said respective gate, said respective floating gate and said base cooperating to establish a floating gate-to-source electromagnetic field in each said respective cell; selected cells of said plurality of cells being connected in a word group with each respective word line of said at least one word line; selected cells of said plurality of cells being connected in a bit group with each respective bit line of said at least one bit line; an intersection of an individual said respective said word line and an individual said respective bit line identifying an individual cell of said plurality of cells; the method comprising the steps of:(a) identifying a target cell for programming; said identifying being effected by the steps of applying, in no particular order: (1) a word select signal to a particular word line of said at least one word line; said particular word line being coupled with said target cell; and (2) a bit select signal to a particular bit line of said at least one bit line; said particular bit line being coupled with said target cell; (b) providing adjusted signals to said selected cells in said bit group coupled with said particular bit line to effect decreasing strength of said floating gate-to-drain electromagnetic field for said selected cells in said bit group coupled with said particular bit line; (c) programming said target cell; and (d) maintaining said adjusted signals at least until said programming of said target cell is completed.