Static information storage and retrieval – Floating gate – Particular biasing
Reexamination Certificate
2007-06-07
2009-02-10
Zarabian, Amir (Department: 2827)
Static information storage and retrieval
Floating gate
Particular biasing
C365S185220, C365S185030, C365S185170, C365S185250, C365S227000, C365S185020
Reexamination Certificate
active
07489553
ABSTRACT:
In sensing a group of cells in a multi-state nonvolatile memory, multiple sensing cycles relative to different demarcation threshold levels are needed to resolve all possible multiple memory states. Each sensing cycle has a sensing pass. It may also include a pre-sensing pass or sub-cycle to identify the cells whose threshold voltages are below the demarcation threshold level currently being sensed relative to. These are higher current cells which can be turned off to achieve power-saving and reduced source bias errors. The cells are turned off by having their associated bit lines locked out to ground. A repeat sensing pass will then produced more accurate results. Circuitry and methods are provided to selectively enable or disable bit-line lockouts and pre-sensing in order to improving performance while ensuring the sensing operation does not consume more than a maximum current level.
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Davis , Wright, Tremaine, LLP
Sandisk Corporation
Weinberg Michael J
Zarabian Amir
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