Patent ID: 6195290
Filing Date: 2001-02-27
Classification: G11C

Abstract:
A method of programming a matrix of programmable memory cells divided into sectors made of columns and rows, and the matrix programmable in a byte mode, the method comprising:determining if a matrix byte comprised of a set of the programmable memory cells of a particular sector of the matrix is to be programmed;if the matrix byte is to be programmed with a data byte comprised of data bits, then:raising a first connection line coupled to one of the set of memory cells in the matrix byte to a first programming voltage,raising a second connection line coupled to the one of the set of memory cells in the matrix byte to a second programming voltage; andfor a selected one of the set of memory cells within the matrix byte, prior to applying a programming pulse that loads data, and during the same time the first or second connection line is being raised to its respective programming voltage:reading the selected memory cell;determining if the selected memory cell already stores a value that is equal to a corresponding data bit intended to be loaded into the selected memory cell; andif the selected memory cell does not store a value equal to the corresponding data bit, applying the programming pulse in order to write the corresponding data bit into the selected memory cell.