Patent ID: 7978498

Claim:
A method of programming a memory system that includes multiple data storage elements and a dummy storage element connected to a common X line and different Y lines, the data storage elements can be in a first state or a second state, the dummy storage element is in a conductive state, the dummy storage element is connected to a particular Y line and the common X line, the method comprising: programming a first data storage element from the first state to the second state by passing current into the first data storage element from the particular Y line through the dummy storage element, the first data storage element is connected to a first Y line and the common X line; and programming a second data storage element from the first state to the second state by passing current into the second data storage element from the first Y line through the first data storage element after programming the first storage element from the first state to the second state, the second data storage element is connected to a second Y line and the common X line.