Patent ID: 8842469
Filing Date: 2014-09-23
Classification: G11C

Abstract:
1. A method for programming a multi-state flash memory array having a plurality of memory cells, the method comprising: providing a first programming pulse to the flash memory array; determining a threshold voltage distribution for the plurality of memory cells after providing the first programming pulse; categorizing the plurality of memory cells into at least two bins based on a threshold voltage of each memory cell of the plurality of memory cells; selecting a first voltage for a second programming pulse for programming a first bin of memory cells of the at least two bins, the first voltage based on both a threshold voltage of the first bin and a first target threshold voltage; and selecting a second voltage for a third programming pulse for programming a second bin of memory cells of the at least two bins, the second voltage based on both a threshold voltage of the second bin and on a second target threshold voltage, wherein the first target threshold voltage is different from the second target voltage.