Multi-state flash memory cell and method for programming single

Static information storage and retrieval – Floating gate – Particular biasing

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36518501, 3651851, G11C 1300

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059598964

ABSTRACT:
A flash memory cell. The cell includes a transistor with a floating gate that is formed from a number of crystals of semiconductor material. The crystals are disposed in the gate oxide of the transistor. The size of the crystals and their distance from a surface of a semiconductor layer of the transistor are chosen such that the crystals can trap a single electron by hot electron injection. Each trapped electron causes a measurable change in the drain current of the transistor. Thus, multiple data bits can be stored and retrieved by counting the changes in the drain current.

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