Patent ID: 7187592

Claim:
In a non-volatile memory having a plurality of memory cells each storing N bits, where N is greater than or equal to two, a method of reading the data content of the memory, the method comprising: selecting one or more memory cells for a read process; performing an initial read process, including: applying to the control gate of said selected memory cells an initial read voltage; and in response to the initial read voltage, determining the most significant bit of the data stored on each of said selected memory cells; performing a subsequent read reprocess, including: determining a read new read voltage for each of the selected memory cells based upon the result of the preceding read process; applying to the control gate of said selected memory cells the corresponding new read voltage; and in response to the corresponding new read voltage, determining the next most significant bit of the data stored on each of said selected memory cells; and repeating the subsequent read process until the data content of each of said selected memory cells is established to at least N bits of resolution.