Patent ID: RE42144

Claim:
A method for interfering with the a reading of data in a plurality of functional memory cells of a non-volatile memory array, where the functional memory cells are linked coupled to functional word lines and to bit lines, the bit lines being linked coupled to sense amplifiers, and wherein the a value of a datum read by a sense amplifier in a the respective functional memory cell varies according to the an on or an off state of the respective functional memory cell, which itself state varies according to the a programmed or an erased state condition of the respective functional memory cell, the method comprising the steps of : providing a plurality of non-functional memory cells linked coupled to the bit lines of the memory array and to at least one non-functional word line for enabling the non-functional memory cells to be selected, and when while the functional memory cells are read-selected, simultaneously selecting non-functional memory cells, such that the non-functional memory cells that are in the on state interfere with the distort reading of the functional memory cells that are in the off state, and cause the supply of distorted logic values at output of the sense amplifiers.