Patent ID: 11869563

Abstract:
Disclosed is a threshold voltage-programmable field effect transistor-based (e.g., a ferro-electric field effect transistor (FeFET)-based) memory circuit employing source-line and/or bit-line-applied variable programming assist voltages. For single-bit data storage in a FeFET, decremental programming assist voltages are selectively applied by a voltage driver to the source-line and/or the bit-line connected to a FeFET during repeat programming processes when previous attempts at programming have failed. For multi-bit data storage in a FeFET, different programming assist voltages are associated with different multi-bit data values and at least one specific programming assist voltage is applied by a voltage driver to the source-line and/or the bit-line connected to a selected FeFET during a programming process to achieve storage of a specific multi-bit data value. Optionally, multiple FeFETs in the same row can be currently programmed with different multi-bit data values. Optionally, different decremental programming assist voltages are applied if/when repeat programming processes are required.