Static information storage and retrieval – Read only systems – Semiconductive
Reexamination Certificate
2006-08-15
2006-08-15
Smith, Bradley K. (Department: 2891)
Static information storage and retrieval
Read only systems
Semiconductive
C438S132000, C438S281000, C438S467000, C257S413000, C257S529000, C257S757000, C257S904000, C365S096000, C365S177000, C365S184000
Reexamination Certificate
active
07092273
ABSTRACT:
A p-channel non-volatile memory (NVM) transistor is programmed by shifting the threshold voltage of the transistor. The threshold voltage is shifted by introducing a programming current to the gate electrode of the transistor, and simultaneously introducing a negative bias to the transistor. The threshold voltage of the p-channel NVM transistor is shifted in response to the negative bias condition and the heat generated by the programming current. The high temperature accelerates the threshold voltage shift. The threshold voltage shift is accompanied by an agglomeration of material in the gate electrode. The agglomeration of material in the gate electrode is an indication of the high temperature reached during programming. The threshold voltage shift of the p-channel NVM transistor is permanent.
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Fulk Steven J.
Hoffman E. Eric
Liu Justin
Smith Bradley K.
Xilinx , Inc.
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