System for programming memory cells

Details System for programming memory cells System for programming memory cells

2000-02-28

2001-09-25

Mai, Son (Department: 2818)

Static information storage and retrieval

Floating gate

Particular biasing

C365S185280, C365S185290

Reexamination Certificate

active

06295228

ABSTRACT:

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed to an apparatus and method to program a memory cell.
RELATED ART
FIG. 1
illustrates a cross sectional view of a conventional memory transistor, also known as a memory cell. The memory transistor includes a control gate CG, a floating gate FG, a drain D, a source S, and a well W. Thin oxide layers isolate the floating gate FG from the control gate CG as well as the well W.
FIG. 2
schematically illustrates a conventional NAND type flash memory array
100
that includes numerous memory cells, each depicted in
FIG. 1. A
“string” includes a selection transistor T
i-1
, memory transistors M
i-1
to M
i-j
, and a selection transistor T
i-2
, all being serially coupled. Each string can be coupled to a bit line BLj and a common source CS through selection transistors T
i-1
and T
i-2
, respectively. The control gates for selection transistors T
i-1
and T
i-2
are respectively connected to selection lines Sl
1
and Sl
2
. The control gates for the memory transistors M
i-1
to M
i-j
are respectively connected to word lines W
1
to W
j
. Typically, a read operation is performed on a page basis, i.e., flash memory cells coupled to a word line are read together.
Herein, a memory transistor represents logical LOW when it is programmed to have a threshold voltage that is larger than a predetermined minimum threshold voltage for logical LOW bits. Correspondingly, a memory transistor represents a logical HIGH when it is erased to have a threshold voltage that is less than a predetermined maximum threshold voltage for logical HIGH bits. One skilled in the art will understand that logic level assignments to the predetermined minimum and maximum threshold voltages are arbitrary.
A large variation in the programming and erasing characteristics of individual NAND type flash memory transistors among a memory array is common. The variations can be due to structural differences, which cause difference in threshold voltage characteristics. Such variations introduce differences in programming and erasing speeds among memory transistors. Conventional NAND type flash memory arrays use fixed programming and erase voltages that cannot adjust to programming and erasing characteristics of the memory transistors. Some memory transistors in flash memory arrays do not respond to the fixed programming and erase voltages of NAND type flash memory arrays. Accordingly, NAND type flash memory arrays that include an intolerably high number of non-responsive memory cells are typically discarded. As such, the yield of usable NAND memory arrays fluctuates. Low yield increases the manufacturing cost of NAND memory, and hence leads to a less profitable and less competitive position.
Thus what is needed is a method and apparatus to adaptively control the programming and erase voltages of NAND type flash memory and thereby increase the proportion of usable memory cells.
SUMMARY
In one embodiment of the present invention, a programming control circuit that programs a memory cell comprises a signal storage device, a signal output circuit, and a verification circuit. The signal storage device stores a programming signal value. The signal output circuit is coupled to the signal storage device to receive the programming signal value. The signal output circuit converts the programming signal value into a programming signal and outputs the programming signal to the memory cell. The verification circuit determines whether the memory cell is successfully programmed. If the memory cell is not successfully programmed, the programming control circuit increases the programming signal value.
In one implementation of this embodiment, the signal storage device can be coupled to a test equipment and the test equipment stores the programming signal value into the signal storage device. Thus, the programming signal value can be varied and saved in the signal storage device. The ability to vary the programming signal value allows the programming control circuit to be tailored to memory cells with different programming characteristics. The programming signal value can be increased for those that require a higher value to program within an acceptable time, and decreased for others that require a lower value to program within the acceptable time.
In another embodiment of the present invention, a method for programming a memory cell comprises storing a program signal value, converting the program signal value into a program signal, applying the program signal to the memory cell, verifying the programming of the memory cell, and increasing the program signal value if the selected memory cell has not successfully programmed.


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