Patent ID: 7251151

Claim:
A method for interfering with the reading of data in a plurality of functional memory cells of a non-volatile memory array, where the functional memory cells are linked to functional word lines and to bit lines, the bit lines being linked to sense amplifiers, and wherein the value of a datum read by a sense amplifier in a memory cell varies according to the on or off state of the memory cell, which itself varies according to the programmed or erased state of the memory cell, the method comprising the steps of: providing a plurality of non-functional memory cells linked to the bit lines of the memory array and to at least one non-functional word line enabling the non-functional memory cells to be selected, and when 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 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.