# Patent

## Title
Erase operation in a flash drive memory

## Abstract

A method for erasing a non-volatile memory device performs a block erase operation. The cells are then soft programmed and erase verified to determine if the threshold voltages indicate erased cells. A target cell is programmed to a first threshold voltage and verified. Adjacent cells are programmed and verified. The parasitic capacitance between the target cells and the adjacent cells causes the threshold voltage of the target cell to increase to a new threshold voltage with the programming of the adjacent cells. A difference between the new threshold voltage and the first threshold voltage is determined. If the difference is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold, the target cell is soft programmed until the difference is less than the predetermined threshold.

## Background
RELATED APPLICATIONS
This Application is a Divisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/348,678, titled “ERASE OPERATION IN A FLASH MEMORY DEVICE,” filed Feb. 7, 2006 now U.S. Pat. No. 7,483,311, (Allowed), which is commonly assigned and incorporated herein by reference.


TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to memory devices and in particular the present invention relates to non-volatile memory devices.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Memory devices are typically provided as internal, semiconductor, integrated circuits in computers or other electronic devices. There are many different types of memory including random-access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), and flash memory.
Flash memory devices have developed into a popular source of non-volatile memory for a wide range of electronic applications. Flash memory devices typically use a one-transistor memory cell that allows for high memory densities, high reliability, and low power consumption. Common uses for flash memory include personal computers, personal digital assistants (PDAs), digital cameras, and cellular telephones. Program code and system data such as a basic input/output system (BIOS) are typically stored in flash memory devices for use in personal computer systems.
Two common types of flash memory array architectures are the “NOR” and “NAND” architectures. The architecture names refer to the resemblance that the memory cell configuration of each architecture has to a basic NOR or NAND gate circuit, respectively.
In the NOR array architecture, the floating gate memory cells of the memory array are arranged in a matrix. The gates of each floating gate memory cell of the array matrix are connected by rows to word select lines (word lines) and their drains are connected to column bit lines. The source of each floating gate memory cell is typically connected to a common source line.
A NAND array architecture also arranges its array of floating gate memory cells in a matrix such that the gates of each floating gate memory cell of the array are connected by rows to word lines. Each memory cell, however, is not directly connected to a source line and a column bit line. The memory cells of the array are instead arranged together in strings. Each string typically comprises 8, 16, 32, or more cells. The memory cells in the string are connected together in series, source to drain, between a common sourceline and a column bitline.
As the performance of electronic systems increase, the performance of flash memory devices in the systems should increase as well. A performance increase can include improving both the speed and the memory density of the devices. One way to accomplish both of these criteria is to reduce the memory device size.
One problem with decreasing the size of a NAND flash memory device is the floating gate-to-floating gate coupling that occurs as the memory cells get closer together. For example, one cell's threshold voltage can be increased by increasing the threshold voltage of adjacent cells. The increased capacitive coupling between the floating gates can affect the verification, reading, and erasing of adjacent cells.
For the reasons stated above, and for other reasons stated below which will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading and understanding the present specification, there is a need in the art for a way to reduce the effect of capacitive coupling between adjacent floating gates on memory operations.



BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 shows a simplified diagram of one embodiment of a NAND flash memory array architecture.
FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of a memory array with floating gate capacitive coupling.
FIG. 3 shows a flow chart of one embodiment of a method for erasing a non-volatile memory device.
FIG. 4 shows a block diagram for one embodiment of an electronic system of the present invention.
FIG. 5 shows a block diagram of a memory module of the present invention.
FIG. 6 shows a flow chart of another embodiment of the method for erasing a non-volatile memory device.
FIG. 7 shows a flow chart of yet another embodiment of the method for erasing a non-volatile memory device.
FIG. 8 shows a non-volatile memory device comprising a memory array of the present invention.



DETAILED DESCRIPTION
In the following detailed description of the invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof and in which is shown, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. In the drawings, like numerals describe substantially similar components throughout the several views. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. Other embodiments may be utilized and structural, logical, and electrical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined only by the appended claims and equivalents thereof.
FIG. 1 illustrates a simplified diagram of one embodiment for a NAND flash memory array of the present invention. The memory array of FIG. 1, for purposes of clarity, does not show all of the elements typically required in a memory array. For example, only two bit lines are shown (BL1 and BL2) when the number of bit lines required actually depends upon the memory density. The bit lines are subsequently referred to as (BL1-BLN).
The array is comprised of an array of floating gate cells 101 arranged in series strings 104, 105. Each of the floating gate cells 101 are coupled drain to source in each series chain 104, 105. A word line (WL0-WL31) that spans across multiple series strings 104, 105 is coupled to the control gates of every floating gate cell in a row in order to control their operation. The bit lines (BL1-BLN) are eventually coupled to sense amplifiers (not shown) that detect the state of each cell.
In operation, the word lines (WL0-WL31) select the individual floating gate memory cells in the series chain 104, 105 to be written to or read from and operate the remaining floating gate memory cells in each series string 104, 105 in a pass through mode. Each series string 104, 105 of floating gate memory cells is coupled to a source line 106 by a source select gate 116, 117 and to an individual bit line (BL1-BLN) by a drain select gate 112, 113. The source select gates 116, 117 are controlled by a source select gate control line SG(S) 118 coupled to their control gates. The drain select gates 112, 113 are controlled by a drain select gate control line SG(D) 114.
Each cell can be programmed as a single bit per cell (i.e., single level cell—SLC) or multiple bits per cell (i.e., multilevel cell—MLC). Each cell's threshold voltage (Vt) determines the data that is stored in the cell. For example, in a single bit per cell, a Vt of 0.5V might indicate a programmed cell while a Vt of −0.5V might indicate an erased cell. The multilevel cell may have multiple Vt windows that each indicate a different state. Multilevel cells take advantage of the analog nature of a traditional flash cell by assigning a bit pattern to a specific voltage range stored on the cell. This technology permits the storage of two or more bits per cell, depending on the quantity of voltage ranges assigned to the cell.
During a typical programming operation, a selected word line for the flash memory cell to be programmed is biased with a series of programming pulses that start at a predetermined voltage (e.g., 16V) and increase by a predetermined incremental voltage until the cell is programmed. A verification operation with a word line voltage of 0V is then performed to determine if the floating gate has been programmed. The unselected word lines for the remaining cells are typically biased at approximately 10V during the program operation.
This programming method is for purposes of illustration only. The voltages and steps discussed may be different for different embodiments.
FIG. 1 illustrates four adjacent memory cells 120-123 of the array. The capacitive coupling of adjacent cells can occur along the same bit line or along the same word line. For example, the floating gates of cells 120, 122 or 121, 123 along bit line 104 or 105, respectively can interact. Additionally, cells 120, 121 or 122, 123 along word lines WL28 or WL29, respectively, can also be capacitively coupled.
FIG. 2 illustrates the capacitive coupling in a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the memory array of FIG. 1. This view shows the floating gate cells fabricated on a substrate 200. Each cell is comprised of a floating gate 201-203 formed over the substrate 200. A control gate 210, 211 is formed over the floating gates. Each control gate 210, 211 is coupled to a word line. Shallow trench isolation (STI) 212 is formed between the cells and the substrate 200.
For purposes of illustration, the center cell 202 is considered to be the target cell as discussed subsequently. This cell 202 is capacitively coupled to the adjacent cells 201, 203 along the same word line 210 as well as the adjacent cells 220-222 coupled to the adjacent word lines 211.
In one embodiment, programming the target cell 202 increases the threshold voltage (Vt) of the cell to 0.5V. After the adjacent cells 201, 203, 220-222 are programmed, the capacitive coupling increases the threshold voltage of the target cell 202. This may cause problems during memory operations. For example, an erase operation may assume that the cell has a programmed Vt of 1.0V and attempt to erase the cell based on this voltage. However, since the actual Vt is larger than the assumed voltage, the erase will probably require additional erase pulses than initially planned.
FIG. 3 illustrates a flowchart of one embodiment of a method of the present invention for erasing a memory array taking into account capacitive coupling of adjacent floating gates. The method begins with a block erase operation that includes an erase verify 301. Since flash memory devices are typically erased a block at a time, in one embodiment the entire block containing the memory cell or cells to be programmed is erased by applying a predetermined negative voltage on the word lines of the rows to be erased. This forces the floating gates of the block to lose their charge and erases the block. In one embodiment, the erased cells have a Vt of −4.0V. Alternate embodiments use other voltages.
The block is then soft programmed 303. A soft programming pulse is generated to bias the word line of the cell to be programmed in order to raise its Vt from the −4.0V erased voltage to −3.0V. The soft programming may be accomplished by a shorter than normal programming pulse and/or programming pulse having a lower voltage. The cells of the block are still erased but the soft programming operation starts all of the cells of the block at a substantially uniform erased threshold voltage since the erase operation may over-erase some of the cells.
An erase verification operation 303 is performed on the erase block to verify that the cells are at the proper erase Vt. Any cells that are not at the proper Vt are biased with another soft programming pulse until the cells in the erase block have substantially uniform threshold voltages.
In one embodiment, the verification operation biases the selected word lines with 1.0V during verification and the unselected wordlines are biased at 4.5V. Alternate embodiments may use other voltage levels for both the selected and unselected wordlines.
In one embodiment, the erase verification operation of the present invention can be performed with a lock-out function. The lock-out function prohibits the reading of memory cells that have been locked from access by lock bits. In one embodiment, the lock bits are stored by the memory device controller into status/control registers on the chip. These cells can be locked by the manufacturer or by the end user to protect important information.
The target memory cell is then programmed and verified 307. The target cell is programmed and verified to a predetermined threshold voltage, Vt1. The programming may be a single cell as the result of a bit programming. In another embodiment, a byte or more of data can be programmed such that the target cell as well as other cells of a page are programmed.
In one embodiment, the programming operation is comprised of generating a plurality of programming pulses that start at a predetermined voltage (e.g., 16V) and incremented by a predetermined voltage for each pulse until the cell is verified as programmed at Vt1.
The adjacent cells to the target cell are then programmed and verified 309. This operation may program each of the cells that are adjacent to the target cell such as in both the adjacent word lines and the adjacent bit lines. In an alternate embodiment, only one of the adjacent cells is programmed and verified. As described previously, this operation changes the Vt of the target cell by ΔVt.
The size of ΔVt is determined by the amount of parasitic capacitance in the array. The array structure, fabrication materials, and fabrication techniques determines the amount of parasitic capacitance.
The Vt of the target cell is then measured 311. The measurement operation, in one embodiment, is accomplished by selecting the cell and the sense amplifier measuring the resulting voltage. For purposes of illustration, the new Vt is referred to as Vt2.
The erase threshold voltage (i.e., ΔVt) is determined by subtracting the original Vt1 from Vt2 (i.e., Vt2−Vt=ΔVt). If ΔVt is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold 313, the Erase Vt is too low and another soft programming operation 303 is required in order to raise the Vt of the target cell.
In one embodiment, the predetermined threshold is 50 mV. This threshold is determined by the chip manufacturer by empirical testing of a large number of memory devices to determine what voltage level cut-off provides the best point at which additional soft programming pulses are required. The embodiments of the present invention, however, are not limited to only the threshold voltage of 50 mV. Alternate embodiments may use other predetermined threshold voltages.
Having an Erase Vt that is too low can cause problems later when it desired to program the cell. The other cells in the erase block that have higher Erase Vt's would require fewer program pulses to be programmed. Thus the cells with the Erase Vt's that are too low might not be programmed since the programming operation may stop programming after a predetermined maximum quantity of programming pulses. A tighter threshold voltage distribution is desired so that the cells in the memory block program substantially evenly.
If the ΔVt is less than the predetermined threshold 313, the Erase Vt is high enough and the erase operation has been completed 315. In this case, all of the cells have substantially the same or relatively close threshold voltages and further soft programming is not required.
In one embodiment, the erase method of FIG. 3 can be performed with either adjacent word line cells or adjacent bit line cells. In another embodiment, the method can be performed on both the adjacent word line cells and the adjacent bit line cells. In still another embodiment, the method can be performed on those cells that are in the middle of the NAND string as illustrated in FIG. 1. For example, only cells on word lines 4-27 are erased with the erase method of the present invention.
FIG. 6 illustrates a flow chart of another embodiment of the erase method of the present invention for erasing a memory array. The method begins with a block erase operation that includes an erase verify 601. This embodiment repeats the step of performing a block erase and verify operation 601 until the operation passes.
Once the first erase and verify operation 601 has passed, the block is then soft programmed and erase verified 603. A soft programming pulse is generated to bias the word line of the cell to be programmed in order to raise its Vt from the −4.0V erased voltage to −3.0V. The soft programming may be accomplished by a shorter than normal programming pulse and/or programming pulse having a lower voltage. The cells of the block are still erased but the soft programming operation starts all of the cells of the block at a substantially uniform erased threshold voltage since the erase operation may over-erase some of the cells.
An erase verification operation 603 is performed on the erase block to verify that the cells are at the proper erase Vt. Any cells that are not at the proper Vt are biased with another soft programming pulse until the cells in the erase block have substantially uniform threshold voltages. If the erase verify operation 603 fails, the method returns to the initial step of the block erase and verification 601. This loop is repeated until the operation passes.
In one embodiment, the verification operation biases the selected word lines with 1.0V during verification and the unselected word lines are biased at 4.5V. Alternate embodiments may use other voltage levels for both the selected and unselected word lines.
In one embodiment, the erase verification operation of the present invention can be performed with a lock-out function. The lock-out function prohibits the reading of memory cells that have been locked from access by lock bits. In one embodiment, the lock bits are stored by the memory device controller into status/control registers on the chip. These cells can be locked by the manufacturer or by the end user to protect important information.
The target memory cell is then programmed and verified 607. The target cell is programmed and verified to a predetermined threshold voltage, Vt1. The programming may be a single cell as the result of a bit programming. In another embodiment, a byte or more of data can be programmed such that the target cell as well as other cells of a page are programmed.
In one embodiment, the programming operation is comprised of generating a plurality of programming pulses that start at a predetermined voltage (e.g., 16V) and incremented by a predetermined voltage for each pulse until the cell is verified as programmed at Vt1.
The adjacent cells to the target cell are then programmed and verified 609. This operation may program each of the cells that are adjacent to the target cell such as in both the adjacent word lines and the adjacent bit lines. In an alternate embodiment, only one of the adjacent cells is programmed and verified. As described previously, this operation changes the Vt of the target cell by ΔVt.
The size of ΔVt is determined by the amount of parasitic capacitance in the array. The array structure, fabrication materials, and fabrication techniques determines the amount of parasitic capacitance.
The Vt of the target cell is then measured 611. The measurement operation, in one embodiment, is accomplished by selecting the cell and the sense amplifier measuring the resulting voltage. For purposes of illustration, the new Vt is referred to as Vt2.
The erase threshold voltage (i.e., ΔVt) is determined by subtracting the original Vt1 from Vt2 (i.e., Vt2−Vt=ΔVt). If ΔVt is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold 613, the Erase Vt is too low and another soft programming operation 603 is required in order to raise the Vt of the target cell.
In one embodiment, the predetermined threshold is 50 mV. This threshold is determined by the chip manufacturer by empirical testing of a large number of memory devices to determine what voltage level cut-off provides the best point at which additional soft programming pulses are required. The embodiments of the present invention, however, are not limited to only the threshold voltage of 50 mV. Alternate embodiments may use other predetermined threshold voltages.
Having an Erase Vt that is too low can cause problems later when it desired to program the cell. The other cells in the erase block that have higher Erase Vt's would require fewer program pulses to be programmed. Thus the cells with the Erase Vt's that are too low might not be programmed since the programming operation may stop programming after a predetermined maximum quantity of programming pulses. A tighter threshold voltage distribution is desired so that the cells in the memory block program substantially evenly.
If the ΔVt is less than the predetermined threshold 613, the Erase Vt is high enough and the erase operation has been completed 615. In this case, all of the cells have substantially the same or relatively close threshold voltages and further soft programming is not required. If the ΔVt is greater than or equal to the threshold 613, the soft programming and erase verify 603 are performed again.
In one embodiment, the erase method of FIG. 6 can be performed with either adjacent word line cells or adjacent bit line cells. In another embodiment, the method can be performed on both the adjacent word line cells and the adjacent bit line cells. In still another embodiment, the method can be performed on those cells that are in the middle of the NAND string as illustrated in FIG. 1. For example, only cells on word lines 4-27 are erased with the erase method of the present invention.
FIG. 7 illustrates a flow chart of yet another embodiment of the erase method of the present invention. This embodiment is substantially similar to the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 6. However, this embodiment performs a block erase and erase verify 701 until the verify operation passes. Then a soft program operation without the erase verify 703 is performed.
FIG. 4 illustrates a functional block diagram of a memory device 400 that can incorporate floating gate flash memory cells. The memory device 400 is coupled to a processor 410. The processor 410 may be a microprocessor or some other type of controlling circuitry. The memory device 400 and the processor 410 form part of an electronic system 420. The memory device 400 has been simplified to focus on features of the memory that are helpful in understanding the present invention.
The memory device includes an array of flash memory cells 430. The memory array 430 is arranged in banks of rows and columns. The control gates of each row of memory cells is coupled with a word line while the drain and source connections of the memory cells are coupled to bit lines. As is well known in the art, the connection of the cells to the bit lines depends on whether the array is a NAND architecture or a NOR architecture. The memory cells of the present invention can be arranged in either a NAND or NOR architecture as well as other architectures.
An address buffer circuit 440 is provided to latch address signals provided on address input connections A0-Ax 442. Address signals are received and decoded by a row decoder 444 and a column decoder 446 to access the memory array 430. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, with the benefit of the present description, that the number of address input connections depends on the density and architecture of the memory array 430. That is, the number of addresses increases with both increased memory cell counts and increased bank and block counts.
The memory device 400 reads data in the memory array 430 by sensing voltage or current changes in the memory array columns using sense amplifier/buffer circuitry 450. The sense amplifier/buffer circuitry, in one embodiment, is coupled to read and latch a row of data from the memory array 430. Data input and output buffer circuitry 460 is included for bi-directional data communication over a plurality of data connections 462 with the controller 410. Write circuitry 455 is provided to write data to the memory array.
Control circuitry 470 decodes signals provided on control connections 472 from the processor 410. These signals are used to control the operations on the memory array 430, including data read, data write, and erase operations. The control circuitry 470 may be a state machine, a sequencer, or some other type of controller. In one embodiment, the control circuitry 470 is a state machine that performs the embodiments of the method for erasing of the present invention.
The flash memory device illustrated in FIG. 4 has been simplified to facilitate a basic understanding of the features of the memory and is for purposes of illustration only. A more detailed understanding of internal circuitry and functions of flash memories are known to those skilled in the art. Alternate embodiments may include the flash memory cell of the present invention in other types of electronic systems.
FIG. 5 is an illustration of a memory module 500. Although memory module 500 is illustrated as a memory card, the concepts discussed with reference to memory module 500 are applicable to other types of removable or portable memory, e.g., USB flash drives. In addition, although one example form factor is depicted in FIG. 5, these concepts are applicable to other form factors as well.
Memory module 500 includes a housing 505 to enclose one or more memory devices 510. At least one memory device 510 is comprised of floating gate memory cells of the present invention. The housing 505 includes one or more contacts 515 for communication with a host device. Examples of host devices include digital cameras, digital recording and playback devices, PDAs, personal computers, memory card readers, interface hubs and the like. For some embodiment, the contacts 515 are in the form of a standardized interface. For example, with a USB flash drive, the contacts 515 might be in the form of a USB Type-A male connector. For some embodiments, the contacts 515 are in the form of a semi-proprietary interface, such as might be found on COMPACTFLASHTM memory cards licensed by SanDisk Corporation, MEMORYSTICKTM memory cards licensed by Sony Corporation, SD SECURE DIGITALTM memory cards licensed by Toshiba Corporation and the like. In general, however, contacts 515 provide an interface for passing control, address and/or data signals between the memory module 500 and a host having compatible receptors for the contacts 515.
The memory module 500 may optionally include additional circuitry 520. For some embodiments, the additional circuitry 520 may include a memory controller for controlling access across multiple memory devices 510 and/or for providing a translation layer between an external host and a memory device 510. For example, there may not be a one-to-one correspondence between the number of contacts 515 and a number of I/O connections to the one or more memory devices 510. Thus, a memory controller could selectively couple an I/O connection (not shown in FIG. 5) of a memory device 510 to receive the appropriate signal at the appropriate I/O connection at the appropriate time or to provide the appropriate signal at the appropriate contact 515 at the appropriate time. Similarly, the communication protocol between a host and the memory module 100 may be different than what is required for access of a memory device 510. A memory controller could then translate the command sequences received from a host into the appropriate command sequences to achieve the desired access to the memory device 510. Such translation may further include changes in signal voltage levels in addition to command sequences.
The additional circuitry 520 may further include functionality unrelated to control of a memory device 510. The additional circuitry 520 may include circuitry to restrict read or write access to the memory module 500, such as password protection, biometrics or the like. The additional circuitry 520 may include circuitry to indicate a status of the memory module 500. For example, the additional circuitry 520 may include functionality to determine whether power is being supplied to the memory module 500 and whether the memory module 500 is currently being accessed, and to display an indication of its status, such as a solid light while powered and a flashing light while being accessed. The additional circuitry 520 may further include passive devices, such as decoupling capacitors to help regulate power requirements within the memory module 500.
FIG. 8 illustrates a non-volatile memory device (i.e., NAND flash memory) 800 that comprises the memory array 801 of the present invention. Within the memory array 801 are a plurality of memory blocks 805. Each memory block 805 is comprised of a plurality of word lines or pages 806. One section of the memory block 805 comprises the erase Vt checking area 809. This area is shown in one location for purposes of illustration. Alternate embodiments can locate this area in other locations.
CONCLUSION
In summary, embodiments of the erase method of the present invention provide for a tighter threshold voltage distribution and better control over non-volatile memory operations such as erase and read. This is accomplished by programming a target cell as well as a certain number of adjacent cells. The difference the threshold voltage of the target cell moves in response to the parasitic capacitance of the adjacent cells is determined. If this difference is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold voltage, the target cell goes through another soft program operation until the difference is less than the predetermined threshold voltage.
Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that any arrangement that is calculated to achieve the same purpose may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown. Many adaptations of the invention will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. Accordingly, this application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the invention. It is manifestly intended that this invention be limited only by the following claims and equivalents thereof.

## Claims

1. A method for erasing a flash memory device comprising a memory array having a plurality of cells organized in rows and columns, the method comprising:
performing a block erase on a first memory block;
performing a soft programming operation on the first memory block;
performing an erase verification on the first memory block;
programming, to a first threshold voltage, a byte of cells of the first memory block;
programming a plurality of adjacent cells that are adjacent to the byte of cells;
measuring a second threshold voltage for the byte of cells;
generating a threshold voltage difference in response to the first and second threshold voltages; and
if the threshold voltage difference is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold, performing a soft programming operation on the byte of cells until the threshold voltage difference is less than the predetermined threshold.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein the threshold voltage difference is in response to parasitic capacitance between the byte of cells and the plurality of adjacent cells.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein the flash memory device is a NAND architecture memory device.

4. The method of claim 1 wherein the predetermined threshold is approximately 50 mV.

5. The method of claim 1 wherein the plurality of memory cells are configured to store multiple bits.

6. The method of claim 1 wherein programming the plurality of adjacent cells comprises biasing the plurality of adjacent cells with a series of programming pulses that start at a start voltage and increase by an incremental voltage.

7. The method of claim 6 wherein the start voltage is 16V.

8. The method of claim 1 wherein programming the plurality of adjacent cells comprises increasing a threshold voltage of each cell being programmed.

9. A method for erasing a flash memory device comprising a memory array, the method comprising:
performing an erase operation on a first group of memory cells that is less than the memory array;
performing a soft programming operation on the first group of memory cells;
performing an erase verification on the first group of memory cells;
programming, to a first threshold voltage, a subset of cells of the first group of memory cells;
programming a plurality of adjacent cells that are adjacent to the subset of cells;
measuring a second threshold voltage for the subset of cells;
determining a threshold voltage difference in response to the first and second threshold voltages; and
if the threshold voltage difference is greater than or equal to a threshold level, performing a soft programming operation on the subset of cells until the threshold voltage difference is less than the threshold level.

10. The method of claim 9 wherein the first group of memory cells is comprised of a flash memory block.

11. The method of claim 9 wherein the soft programming operation includes generating programming pulses having a time period less than a programming pulse generated during the programming of the plurality of adjacent cells.

12. The method of claim 9 wherein the soft programming operation includes generating programming pulses having a lower amplitude than a programming pulse generated during the programming of the plurality of adjacent cells.

13. The method of claim 9 wherein the soft programming operation starts the cells of the first group of memory cells at a substantially uniform erased threshold voltage.

14. The method of claim 9 wherein performing the erase verification on the first group of memory cells verifies that the first group of memory cells are at a predetermined erase threshold voltage.

15. A method for erasing a flash memory device comprising a memory array, the method comprising:
erasing a first group of memory cells comprising a quantity of memory cells that is smaller than the memory array;
soft programming the first group of memory cells;
verifying the first group of memory cells to determine if memory cells of the first group of memory cells are at a predetermined erase threshold voltage;
programming, to a first threshold voltage, a subset of cells of the first group of memory cells;
programming a plurality of adjacent cells that are adjacent to the subset of cells;
determining a second threshold voltage for the subset of cells; and
if a threshold voltage difference between the first and second threshold voltages is greater than a threshold level, soft programming the subset of cells until the threshold voltage difference is less than the threshold level.

16. The method of claim 15 wherein the verifying is performed with a lock-out function that prohibits reading of memory cells that are locked.

17. The method of claim 16 and further comprising storing lock bits for the first group of memory cells in a status register.

18. The method of claim 16 and further including prohibiting verifying the first group of memory cells in response to the lock-out function.

19. The method of claim 15 wherein programming of the plurality of adjacent cells comprises generating a plurality of programming pulses that start at a predetermined voltage and increase from a previous pulse by an increment voltage.

20. The method of claim 19 wherein the increment voltage is determined by the amount of parasitic capacitance in the memory array.